Indiana Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Indiana’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get an Indiana Journeyman Plumber License
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Meet minimum experience requirements:
- Have completed an approved 4-year apprenticeship program
- OR be a licensed plumber in another state
- Complete and submit a Journeyman Plumber application along with required fees
- Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam
How to Get an Indiana Plumbing Contractor License
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Meet minimum experience requirements:
- In-state applicants:
- Have 4-years experience as a licensed plumber in Indiana
- OR have completed a 4-year apprenticeship program
- Out-of-state applicants must hold an active plumbing license in another state
- In-state applicants:
- Complete and submit a Plumbing Contractor application along with required fees
- Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam
Indiana Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years.
Continuing Education: Continuing Education must be taken through Indiana Trade Associations or Apprenticeship Schools.
Our courses are not approved for continuing education credit in Indiana.
Getting Licensed
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
Renewing a License
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.
How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Indiana?
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Meet minimum experience requirements:
- Have completed an approved 4-year apprenticeship program
- OR be a licensed plumber in another state
- Complete and submit a Journeyman Plumber application along with required fees
- Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam
What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Indiana?
- Examination: $30
- Issuance Fee:
- Odd year: $15
- Even year: $30
- Renewal: $30
What can I expect from the Indiana journeyman plumbing exam?
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
What does your journeyman plumber exam prep cover?
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
Where can I take the Indiana journeyman plumber exam?
- Anderson
- Avon
- Bloomington
- Elkhart County
- Evansville
- Fort Wayne
- Hammond
- Indianapolis
- Kokomo
- Lafayette
- Lawrenceburg
- Logansport
- Madison
- Muncie
- New Albany
- Richmond
- Sellersburg
- South Bend
- Terre Haute
How do I know if I passed the Indiana journeyman plumber exam?
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.
What happens if I fail my exam?
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.
How do I get my plumbing contractor license in Indiana?
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Meet minimum experience requirements:
- In-state applicants:
- Have 4-years experience as a licensed plumber in Indiana
- OR have completed a 4-year apprenticeship program
- Out-of-state applicants must hold an active plumbing license in another state
- In-state applicants:
- Complete and submit a Plumbing Contractor application along with required fees
- Once approved by the board, schedule and complete your licensing exam
What fees are associated with becoming a plumbing contractor in Indiana?
- Examination: $50
- Application: $50
- Issuance Fee:
- Odd year: $50
- Even year: $100
- Renewal: $100
What can I expect from the Indiana plumbing contractor exam?
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
What can I expect from your Indiana plumbing contractor exam prep?
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
Where can I take the Indiana plumbing contractor exam?
- Anderson
- Avon
- Bloomington
- Elkhart County
- Evansville
- Fort Wayne
- Hammond
- Indianapolis
- Kokomo
- Lafayette
- Lawrenceburg
- Logansport
- Madison
- Muncie
- New Albany
- Richmond
- Sellersburg
- South Bend
- Terre Haute
How do I know if I passed the Indiana plumbing contractor exams?
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.
What happens if I fail my exam?
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.
Is continuing education required to renew my Indiana plumber license?
Continuing Education must be taken through Indiana Trade Associations or Apprenticeship Schools.
Are your courses approved for continuing education in Indiana?
Our courses are not approved for continuing education credit in Indiana.
What is professional development?
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!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
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.
Indiana Plumbing Commission
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-8800
Fax: (317) 233-4236
pla14@pla.IN.gov
https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/indiana-plumbing-commission/
Prov
5200 NW 43rd Street, Suite 102-167
Gainesville, FL 32606
Phone: (866) 720-7768
Fax: (386) 518-6419
https://provexam.com/
Once I order the course, how long before I can start?
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!
Once I start an online course, will I be able to start and stop at any time?
Our courses are available online 24/7 and you are able to 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, simply log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your continuing education courses take to complete?
Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
This question really depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you get to go at your own pace! Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, some like to just re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is for you 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!
How long do I have the courses?
We allow up to 6 months for you to complete the courses. During the six months you have unlimited, 24/7 access. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Are there tests in the courses?
This varies depending on whether the course is continuing education or exam prep.
There are no quizzes for continuing education courses in Michigan. All other states with continuing education require quizzes to check completion progress.
In exam prep courses there will be a short quiz at the end of each lesson and there is also a longer practice test at the end of each course. These quizzes and tests will help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to study more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
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.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You are able to review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you’ll have access to the courses.