Becoming a licensed electrician in Indiana is a process that involves meeting specific requirements, passing an examination, and maintaining your license. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements for electricians to establish eligibility, apply for their electrician license, and renew their electrician license in Indiana, including reciprocity with other states and details by specific locations and counties in Indiana. It also outlines license bond requirements for the state and insurance needs for electricians in Indiana.

Understanding the Licensing Structure

In Indiana, licensing is at the discretion of the local municipality. There is not a state electrical license. However, in Indianapolis, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services oversees the licensing process. The licenses are categorized into two types: Master and Residential. The Master license is unrestricted, while the Residential license only allows the license holder to work on one- and two-family structures.

Application Process

The application process involves submitting your application packet to the Board of Electrical Examiners at least ten business days before the board meeting. You must then appear before the Board for an interview. If approved, you will be given the information to either work with the International Code Council (ICC) and sit for the exam or submit for licensure after the orientation has been attended.

Licensing Process

In Indiana, the licensing of electrical contractors is handled at the local level. Before starting any electrical project, contractors must check with their city, town, or municipality’s building or planning department to determine the necessary requirements. Most cities in Indiana require contractors to obtain a license or registration, pass a qualifying exam, and obtain the proper forms of insurance or bonding. Below we’ve outlined some local requirements for different cities in Indiana:

Indianapolis

In Indianapolis, electrical contractors are required to hold a license if they plan to install, repair, service, or replace electrical power systems. Licenses are issued by the Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement. The Department offers two types of licenses: Master Electrical License and Residential Electrical License.

To apply for a license, contractors must:

  1. Have at least 6 years of work experience in the field of electrical construction. 4 of those years must be practical experience working with electrical power distribution systems. Contractors must provide a signed notarized reference letter from a current/previous employer documenting their work experience. In some cases, education and apprenticeships may count toward 2 years of the work experience requirement.
  2. Obtain general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000 in the event of bodily injury and $100,000 in the event of property damage. A combined single-limit policy worth $500,000 covering both bodily injury and property damage is also acceptable.
  3. Carry worker’s compensation insurance if they plan to employ workers.
  4. Submit a surety bond or bond continuation certificate in the amount of $10,000. Bonds must be typed and not hand-written.
  5. Complete and submit an application along with all the required documents and fees, at least 10 business days before the Department Board meets to review applications.
  6. Appear before the Board for an interview at one of the regularly scheduled meetings.
  7. Once their application is accepted, contractors are required to take and pass an exam for their chosen classification, administered by Prometric Inc. Contractors must earn a score 70% or higher.

The fee for a business license is between $124 and $247. The fee to apply as an individual is between $189 and $377. Once the contractor’s application has been approved they will be required to take and pass an exam, administered by Prometric Inc. The cost to renew a license is $247 for both individuals and businesses.

Fort Wayne

In Fort Wayne, electrical contractors are required to obtain a license from the Allen County Building Department. The Department offers two types of licenses: Master Electrician License and Journeyman Electrician License.

To apply for a license, contractors must:

  1. Master Electrician applicants must have 8 years of work experience in the electrical field. 4 of those years must be as a Journeyman.
  2. Journeyman Electrician applicants must have 4 years of work experience, totaling 8,000 hours in the electrical field.
  3. All contractors must take and pass the Master or Journeyman Electrical exam, administered by Prometric Inc or the International Code Council (ICC).
  4. All Electrical Contractors must hold or employ someone who holds a Master Electrician license.
  5. Contractors must obtain the proper permits for their projects and undergo inspections.

The cost to obtain an Electrical Contractor license in Allen County is $90. There is an additional $25 fee for Master applicants and $15 for Journeyman applicants.

South Bend

In South Bend, electrical contractors are required to hold a license when working within city limits or St. Joseph County. The city offers two types of licenses: Class A- Electrical Contractor License and Class B- Industrial Electrical License.

To apply for a license, contractors must:

  1. Provide 3 notarized letters of references proving that the contractor has at least 4 years of work experience.
  2. Prove that they carry general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million.
  3. Additionally, contractors must carry workers compensation insurance, or submit an affidavit stating that they do not plan to hire workers.
  4. Contractors must post a surety bond in the minimum amount of $15,000.

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee, in addition to a $100 licensing fee.

Evansville

In Evansville, electrical contractors are required to obtain a license and pass a qualifying exam. The city offers three types of licenses: Master Electrician License, Journeyman Electrician License, and Apprentice Electrician License.

To apply for a license, contractors must:

  1. Provide 3 notarized letters of references proving that the contractor has at least 4 years of work experience.
  2. Prove that they carry general liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million.
  3. Contractors must carry workers compensation insurance, or submit an affidavit stating that they do not plan to hire workers.
  4. Contractors must post a surety bond in the minimum amount of $15,000.

The cost to obtain an Electrical Contractor license in Evansville is $250 for Master Electrician Applicants, $30 for Journeyman Electrician Applicants, and $20 for Apprentice Electrician Applicants.

Examination

The examination is conducted by the International Code Council (ICC). You must score at least 75% to pass the exam. If you pass the exam, you must reappear before the Board for orientation. After passing the exam, proof of surety bond, general liability insurance, and workmen’s compensation coverage must be submitted with proper fees and applications for the license.

Fees

The fees for the license vary depending on when the license is applied for during the license term. For a new license holder, the fees range from $189 to $377. For a new business license, the fees range from $124 to $247. The business renewal fee and license holder renewal fee are both $247. If you have more than five authorized agents, there is an additional fee of $63 for each extra agent.

Electrician License Reciprocity

License reciprocity is a system where certain states recognize and honor the licensing requirements of other states. This means that if you’re a licensed electrician in one state, you might not have to go through the entire licensing process again if you want to work in a state that has a reciprocity agreement with your home state. However, it’s important to note that not all states have these agreements, and those that do may not have them with all other states.

Unfortunately, Indiana is one of the states that does not offer reciprocity to contractors licensed in other states. This means that if you’re a licensed electrician in another state and you want to work in Indiana, you’ll have to go through the entire licensing process in Indiana, regardless of your status in your home state. This includes meeting all the education and work experience requirements, passing the state examination, and paying all the necessary fees.

While this might seem like a daunting process, especially if you’re already a licensed electrician in another state, it’s a necessary step to ensure that all electricians working in Indiana meet the state’s high standards for safety and quality of work.

Maintaining Your License

Electrical licenses in Indianapolis expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years and are renewable every two years. It’s important to keep all your documentation and insurance up to date to ensure your license remains valid.

License Bond Requirements in Indiana

In Indiana, electricians are required to post a contractor license bond before they can get their license. This is a type of surety bond that serves as a guarantee that the electrician will comply with all state regulations and codes in their work. If they fail to do so, a claim can be made on the bond.

The bond amount varies depending on the city or county in Indiana where you plan to work. For example, in Indianapolis, the bond amount is $10,000 for a new license. This doesn’t mean you need to pay $10,000, though. Instead, you pay a premium, which is a percentage of the total bond amount. This percentage is determined by the surety company based on your credit score and other financial information.

It’s important to note that if a claim is made on your bond and the surety company pays out on it, you are responsible for repaying the surety company. This is why it’s crucial to always follow all state regulations and codes in your work.

Insurance Needs for Electricians in Indiana

In addition to the license bond, there are several types of insurance that electricians in Indiana should consider:

  1. General Liability Insurance: This is a must-have for electricians. It protects your business from any covered claim for any injuries or damages to third-party persons or property as a result of your work. This also includes legal fees to defend your business from any covered claim.
  2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, you’re required by Indiana law to have workers’ compensation insurance. This covers your employees for any injuries or illnesses they sustain while on the job.
  3. Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use vehicles for your business, commercial auto insurance is a must. This covers any damages or injuries caused by your business vehicles.
  4. Inland Marine Insurance: This covers your tools and equipment from loss or theft.
  5. Umbrella Insurance Coverage: This provides coverage for catastrophic losses that exceed the underlying policy limits.

Remember, insurance isn’t just a cost of doing business—it’s a way to protect your business, your employees, and yourself. It’s always a good idea to speak with an insurance professional to ensure you have the right coverage for your specific needs.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Indiana requires a combination of education, experience, and passing a comprehensive exam. It’s a significant commitment, but it can lead to a rewarding career in a high-demand field. For further assistance, you can contact the Indiana Secretary of State or the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana. You can also find more information and resources on the official websites of these organizations.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements for electricians to establish eligibility, apply for their electrician license, and renew their electrician license in Indiana. However, it’s always a good idea to check with local and state authorities for the most up-to-date information.