Indiana Plumber Licensing FAQs

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Indiana?

It is unlawful to act in the capacity of a plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber without a license.

"Plumbing contractor" means any person who, for compensation, undertakes to, or submits a bid to, or does himself or herself or by others, construct, repair, alter, remodel, add to, subtract from, or improve plumbing and who is responsible for substantially all the plumbing within the entire project, or one who fabricates units or plumbing substantially completed and ready for installation.

"Journeyman plumber" means a person who engages or offers to engage in, as an occupation or trade, the construction, installation, alteration, maintenance, repair, remodeling, or removal and replacement of plumbing under the supervision, direction, and responsibility of a licensed plumbing contractor.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Indiana?

• Apprentice Plumber
• Journeyman Plumber
• Plumbing Contractor

Does Indiana have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Reciprocity is not available for journeyman and contractor plumbers. Instead, you must present an application and pay the fee. Then the application goes before the board. If approved by the board, you must take the exam and pass.

You may, however, use your out-of-state experience and active out-of-state license as proof of experience on your application.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Indiana?

Journeyman

• Examination: $30
• Issuance Fee:
  • Odd year: $15
  • Even year: $30
• Renewal: $30

Contractor

• Examination: $50
• Application: $50
• Issuance Fee:
  • Odd year: $50
  • Even year: $100
• Renewal: $100

When do I need to renew my Indiana plumbing license?

Licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years, regardless of issuance date.

How do I renew my plumbing license in Indiana?

Renewal notices are sent approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date. You must complete a renewal application online or mail in a completed paper renewal application. Renewal fees must be submitted along with your application.

My Indiana plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you must submit the appropriate renewal form, reinstatement fee, and a letter of work history detailing your employment since your license has expired. The Commission may require reinstatements to appear at one of the next regularly scheduled meetings.

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Meet minimum experience requirements:
   1. Have completed an approved 4-year apprenticeship program
   2. OR be a licensed plumber in another state
3. Complete and submit a Journeyman Plumber application along with required fees
4. Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam

• Examination: $30
• Issuance Fee:
  • Odd year: $15
  • Even year: $30
• Renewal: $30

3 hour time limit

90 Questions, open book exam

• 6 questions: Storm Water Systems
• 6 questions: Indiana Business
• 7 questions: General Requirements
• 10 questions: Fixtures
• 7 questions: Water Heaters
• 14 questions: Water Supply and Distribution
• 15 questions: Sanitary Drainage
• 17 questions: Vents
• 8 questions: Developed Length/Isometric Analysis

Trades portion includes:

• Administration, Scope, and Intent/Purpose
• Plumbing Math
• General Regulations
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Nonpotable Water Systems
• Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
• Appendix E
• Isometric Theory
• Private Sewage Systems
• International Fuel Gas Code
• Hands-On Practical Application
• Master Plumber Isometrics
• Over 250 Practice Questions & Problems

Business & Law portion includes:

• Business Organization
• Contracts
• Estimating & Bidding
• Financial Management
• Labor Law
• Licensing
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Safety-OSHA
• Tax Law

• Anderson
• Avon
• Bloomington
• Elkhart County
• Evansville
• Fort Wayne
• Hammond
• Indianapolis
• Kokomo
• Lafayette
• Lawrenceburg
• Logansport
• Madison
• Muncie
• New Albany
• Richmond
• Sellersburg
• South Bend
• Terre Haute

You will receive a score letter that indicates a PASS or, in the event that you did not pass, your score letter will indicate a numeric grade as well as a subject area breakdown.

If you fail your initial exam, you are permitted to retake the exam another 6 times within your eligibility period. You must pay the exam fee for each scheduled test. You are considered exam eligible for 2 years from your first scheduled exam date.

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Meet minimum experience requirements:
   1. In-state applicants:
      1. Have 4-years experience as a licensed plumber in Indiana
      2. OR have completed a 4-year apprenticeship program
   2. Out-of-state applicants must hold an active plumbing license in another state
3. Complete and submit a Plumbing Contractor application along with required fees
4. Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam

• Examination: $50
• Application: $50
• Issuance Fee:
  • Odd year: $50
  • Even year: $100
• Renewal: $100

3 hour time limit

90 Questions, open book exam

• 14 questions: Indiana Business
• 9 questions: General Requirements
• 10 questions: Fixtures
• 5 questions: Water Heaters
• 12 questions: Water Supply and Distribution
• 13 questions: Sanitary Drainage
• 13 questions: Vents
• 10 questions: Developed Length/Isometric Analysis
• 4 questions: Storm Water Systems

Trades portion includes:

• Administration, Scope, and Intent/Purpose
• Plumbing Math
• General Regulations
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Nonpotable Water Systems
• Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
• Appendix E
• Isometric Theory
• Private Sewage Systems
• International Fuel Gas Code
• Hands-On Practical Application
• Master Plumber Isometrics
• Over 250 Practice Questions & Problems

Business & Law portion includes:

• Business Organization
• Contracts
• Estimating & Bidding
• Financial Management
• Labor Law
• Licensing
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Safety-OSHA
• Tax Law

• Anderson
• Avon
• Bloomington
• Elkhart County
• Evansville
• Fort Wayne
• Hammond
• Indianapolis
• Kokomo
• Lafayette
• Lawrenceburg
• Logansport
• Madison
• Muncie
• New Albany
• Richmond
• Sellersburg
• South Bend
• Terre Haute

You will receive a score letter that indicates a PASS or, in the event that you did not pass, your score letter will indicate a numeric grade as well as a subject area breakdown.

If you fail your initial exam, you are permitted to retake the exam another 6 times within your eligibility period. You must pay the exam fee for each scheduled test. You are considered exam eligible for 2 years from your first scheduled exam date.

Continuing Education must be taken through Indiana Trade Associations or Apprenticeship Schools.

Our courses are not approved for continuing education credit in Indiana.

Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!

Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.

You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you've entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!

Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10–15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.

Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.

It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!

Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!

After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).

It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.

Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.

No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don't pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.

You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.