Plumber License Requirements in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission (IPLA) |
| License Type | Plumbing Contractor |
| Experience Required | Apprentice: 4-year program with 576 hours classroom instruction and 6,400 hours OJT. Must be at least 17 years old. Journeyman: 4 years in an apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. |
| Education Substitute | Out-of-state journeyman plumber license may qualify for Indiana journeyman exam |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman Plumber Exam + Plumbing Contractor Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $100 |
| Initial License Fee | $100 |
| Journeyman exam application fee | $30 |
| Journeyman exam fee | $75 |
| Journeyman initial license (odd year) | $30 |
| Journeyman renewal (biennial) | $30 |
| Apprentice renewal (biennial) | $10 |
| Est. Initial Total | $425 |
Renewal: $100 every 2 years (even-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Plumbing Contractor Exam
License Tiers
Plumbing Apprentice
Register for approved program (576 hours classroom + 6,400 hours OJT over 4 years)
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
4 years in apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state
Exam: Required
Plumbing Contractor
Must hold journeyman license
Exam: Required
Notes
- Plumbing is the ONLY trade with statewide licensing in Indiana
- Apprentice licenses expire October 1 of every even year
- No continuing education required for renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana requires a statewide plumber license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Indiana Plumbing Commission.
How much does a plumber license cost in Indiana?
The estimated initial cost is $250, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Indiana?
Apprentice: 4-year program with 576 hours classroom instruction and 6,400 hours OJT. Must be at least 17 years old. Journeyman: 4 years in an apprenticeship program or licensed plumber in another state. Contractor: Must hold a journeyman plumber license. Education substitute: Out-of-state journeyman plumber license may qualify for Indiana journeyman exam
What exams are required for a plumber license in Indiana?
You must pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam and Plumbing Contractor Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Indiana?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Indiana?
No, Indiana does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Indiana— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: IPLA