Indiana Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Indiana electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Indiana.
Quick Answer
For the Indiana electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by ICC and the fee is $115. Indiana electricians earn about $55,200 per year ($26.54 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: July 15, 2026 • Sources: Indiana Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:ICC
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$115
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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Indiana Electrician License Overview
Indiana does not issue statewide electrician licenses. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) does not regulate electricians, and licensing is handled locally by cities and counties, including Indianapolis (Department of Business and Neighborhood Services), Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Indiana's manufacturing-heavy economy, automotive, steel, pharmaceutical, and agriculture equipment manufacturing, creates strong industrial electrical demand. Indianapolis leads the state in commercial construction, while Gary and the northwest Indiana corridor benefit from the Chicago metro spillover market.
Indiana Electrician License Types
Local Journeyman Electrician
City- or county-issued license for electrical work within that jurisdiction.
Requirements: Set by the jurisdiction. Typically 8,000 hours of supervised OJT plus a local exam (often ICC-based, open book, NEC). Indianapolis licenses through DBNS; Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend have their own programs.
Local Master Electrician
City- or county-issued license to supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full responsibility for electrical work within that jurisdiction.
Requirements: Set by the jurisdiction. Typically requires holding a local journeyman license plus additional experience and a local exam.
Local Electrical Contractor
City- or county-level contractor license or registration for electrical contracting work.
Requirements: Set by the jurisdiction. Typically requires a qualifying master electrician and insurance. There is no state-level contractor license.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Set by each jurisdiction; typically 8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed master electrician, or completion of an approved apprenticeship program. Verify with the local building department.
Master Requirements
Set by each jurisdiction; typically requires holding a local journeyman license plus additional experience and passing a local master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Indiana has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Indianapolis (IBEW Local 481), Fort Wayne (IBEW Local 305), Evansville (IBEW Local 16), and South Bend (IBEW Local 153). Programs run 4–5 years.
License Reciprocity
Indiana has no statewide license, so there is no statewide reciprocity. Some local jurisdictions accept licenses from neighboring jurisdictions or ICC exam results. Contact the local building department to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Varies by jurisdiction
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements with the local jurisdiction
Renewal Fee
Varies by jurisdiction (verify with the local building department)
Important Notes
Renewal cycles, fees, and CE requirements are set by each city or county.
IndianaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$55,200/year
$26.54/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $35,420 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $77,180 (90th percentile)
Indiana employs approximately 17,000 electricians. The state's manufacturing base, including EV battery supply chain investment (multiple gigafactories in northeast Indiana), pharmaceutical facilities, and steel production, creates steady industrial electrical demand alongside growing Indianapolis commercial construction.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the No statewide board - licensing is local (Indianapolis DBNS, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with ICC
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Indiana-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Indiana Electrician License FAQ
Does Indiana have a statewide journeyman license?
No. Indiana does not issue statewide electrician licenses, and the IPLA does not regulate electricians. Licensing is local, through jurisdictions such as Indianapolis (DBNS), Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend.
Is the Indiana electrician exam open book?
Exams are set by each jurisdiction; most use ICC-based open-book NEC exams. Bring a tabbed NEC codebook and verify the format and passing score with the local licensing authority.
How much do electricians make in Indiana?
The statewide average is about $55,200/year. Indianapolis-area and northwest Indiana (Chicago corridor) electricians earn more, with experienced union members earning $70,000–$77,000+.
How long does it take to get an Indiana journeyman license?
Plan on 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT, typically through a structured apprenticeship program, then apply for a license with the city or county where you plan to work.
Can I use my Ohio or Kentucky license in Indiana?
There is no statewide reciprocity because there is no statewide license. Some local jurisdictions recognize comparable credentials or ICC exam results. Contact the local building department to confirm current terms.
Common Questions About the Indiana Electrician License
How much does the Indiana electrician license exam cost?
The Indiana electrician exam fee is $115, paid to ICC when you register.
Who administers the Indiana electrician license exam?
The No statewide board - licensing is local (Indianapolis DBNS, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend) oversees electrician licensing in Indiana, and the exam is delivered by ICC.
How much do electricians make in Indiana?
Indiana electricians earn about $55,200 per year ($26.54 per hour). Entry level pay is around $35,420 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $77,180 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Indiana?
Set by each jurisdiction; typically 8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed master electrician, or completion of an approved apprenticeship program. Verify with the local building department.
Does Indiana have electrician license reciprocity?
Indiana has no statewide license, so there is no statewide reciprocity. Some local jurisdictions accept licenses from neighboring jurisdictions or ICC exam results. Contact the local building department to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Indiana's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Indiana Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Indiana IPLA state contractor license and local journeyman licensing by city.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Indiana exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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