From managing the state’s aging water infrastructure to accommodating its growing population, plumbing is an essential service that Hoosiers rely on daily.
Knowing Indiana’s plumbing license and insurance requirements is key to setting yourself apart. This guide will make getting your Indiana plumbing license more straightforward than fixing a broken water main.
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All plumbers in Indiana must have a state-issued license to perform plumbing work. The Indiana Plumbing Commission, under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, enforces strict requirements for all three license levels: apprentice, journeyman and plumbing contractor. Even experienced plumbers from other states must get an Indiana plumbing license before starting work.
The state of Indiana doesn’t require you to have all types of coverage. But skipping plumber insurance can open you up to risks that jeopardize your future in the plumbing trade. Here’s what you should know about keeping your business safe.
Workers’ comp isn’t optional if you have employees, according to the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana. When your team faces risks like heavy lifting or working with hot water, this coverage helps handle medical costs and lost wages if someone gets hurt. It’s protection you hope you never need but can’t afford to overlook.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
Think of general liability insurance as a safety net for “oops” moments when offering your plumbing services. That burst pipe that flooded the kitchen? The customer who slipped on a wet floor and got injured? General liability helps cover these incidents, plus many other everyday risks.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
When running your plumbing business from a shop or warehouse, you’ll want protection for your space and everything in it. Commercial property insurance helps cover the building from fire, wind damage, theft and more. Plus, you get protection for equipment breakdowns, business interruptions, tools and inventory.
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides broad coverage of general liability and commercial property policies combined in a single, more cost-efficient bundle. That means it can help cover damage that you or your employees may inadvertently cause to another person’s property and help protect your business inventory in the event of a fire or other covered event.
Your tools are your livelihood. When that expensive pipe wrench walks off a job site, or your diagnostic equipment gets damaged, tools and equipment coverage can help replace them fast.
If you’re driving to job sites, commercial auto insurance is a must-have. Your personal car insurance policy may not cover accidents or damage that happens while driving for business use. But commercial car coverage protects your work vehicle and covers accidents when heading to that emergency call at 2 a.m. or hauling supplies across town.
In Indiana, coverage minimums are:
Indiana’s plumbing license process is entirely online. You’ll follow a structured path, each with specific requirements. Let’s walk through it and what you need to succeed.
First, you’ll sign up for a state-approved apprentice training program. You’ll need to be 17 or older to apply, but you can start working under licensed plumbers while your program application processes. Just submit your application, pay the application fee and provide proof of the apprenticeship program.
To progress to Indiana journeyman status, you’ve got two paths:
Either way, you must be at least 18 and submit an online application. The most common route requires completing four years as a registered apprentice, including 576 hours in the classroom and 6,400 hours of supervised work. You’ll also submit proof of completing your approved apprenticeship (your program sponsor needs to sign off on this).
If you come from out of state, you can qualify with your current license and an employer affidavit showing four years of work experience.
When jumping to a Indiana plumbing contractor license, you have three options to qualify:
For the business route, your employer must provide a detailed letter documenting your work history. Just submit an application with all required documentation and pay the license fee.
Licensing exams come after the Plumbing Commission approves your application. After approval to sit for the exam, you’ll schedule it through Prov’s website and get seven attempts within two years of your first test date. All fees are non-refundable, so prepare thoroughly.
The journeyman plumber examination is open-book and timed with 90 multiple-choice questions. Subjects areas include:
The exam is pass/fail, and you’ll be notified immediately after the exam is finished — you will not receive a numeric score or grade. Prov will automatically forward exam results to the commission.
The plumbing contractor examination is also open-book and timed with 90 questions. Subject areas include:
You will similarly be notified of your pass/fail status as soon as the exam is completed.
Getting your Indiana plumbing license takes four years minimum. The state has strict rules — you can’t fast-track this process or count overtime hours. Even if you work 60-hour weeks, the Indiana Plumbing Commission only counts 40 hours toward your required work experience.
Out-of-state plumbers can potentially get licensed faster. After submitting proof of experience and current licensing, you’ll only need to wait for board approval and pass the exam.
Indiana doesn’t offer reciprocity with any other states. If you have a plumbing license from another state, you can use it to fulfill the experience requirements you need. But you’ll still have to apply for an Indiana license and take the exam.
Your Indiana plumbing license needs renewal every two years. Unlike some states, Indiana doesn’t require licensed plumbing contractors and journeymen to complete any continuing education.
Keep your contact info current and watch your mailbox — the state will email you a reminder 60 days before your expiration date. When it’s time, you can renew your plumbing license online through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and pay your renewal fee.
NEXT builds insurance packages specifically for plumbers and over 1,300+ professions. We’re 100% committed to small businesses and have a digital-first approach that lets you handle all your insurance needs online, anytime.
Get a hassle-free quote online in minutes — no lengthy forms or waiting around for callbacks. Simply answer a few questions and customize your coverage. Your certificate of insurance is available right away, and you can share it anytime, anywhere — from crawl spaces to client meetings.
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Do you want to work as a plumbing contractor in another U.S. state? Learn what states require licenses in our guide to plumbing license requirements.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
Amy Beardsley, insurance expert and contributing writer at NEXT Insurance, is a content marketing writer who specializes in small business coverage. Leveraging her background in the legal field, Amy brings a deep understanding of laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to her work. As a content marketing writer since 2016, she has contributed to publications like Legal & General, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Insurify, and NerdWallet. Her work has also appeared in CNBC, Kiplinger, and US News. When she’s not writing, Amy enjoys playing cards with her family and experimenting with new recipes.
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