The Indiana Department of Workforce Development had predicted a healthy growth of 15% in the electrician job market.
The electrical trade offers job stability, good average wages, and prospects of becoming independent contractors.
Skilled professionals can find good jobs in and outside Indiana state as well. You can also join the trade job market with an electrician license.
Here is our guide on how to become a licensed electrician in Indiana.
State Requirements
There are no state regulations for a journeyman electrician license in Indiana state. Most cities and counties issue electrician licenses with varying requirements.
However, the work and classroom hours are generally similar throughout Indiana.
Generally, for a journeyman electrician, you’ll need 4 years of hands-on job experience and 150 years of classroom hours throughout Indiana state.
Some of the major counties/cities also have similar requirements for a journeyman electrician:
- Indianapolis – 6 years of work experience
- Allen County – 4 years of work experience
- St Joseph County – 4 years of work experience
You’ll also need a minimum of 150 hours (2 years) of classroom education in most counties and cities.
How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Indiana
Although there are no state regulations on journeyman or residential electrician licensing, your first step will be to start accumulating education and work hours.
You can accumulate the necessary hours through an apprenticeship program or a technical college program.
Technical College Program
A technical college program is a preferable choice for many students. You can continue the formal education for a higher degree or bachelor’s program.
You can enroll in an associate degree of applied sciences program with electrical subjects.
It will help you to complete the necessary education hour requirements and gain valuable knowledge of the profession.
Once you near the education program completion, you can start exploring job or apprenticeship opportunities to gain practical experience.
Your college advisory services will also help you to explore the apprenticeship options. You can also join an independent contractor for an entry-level job or as a trainee.
Apprenticeship Programs
You can join two types of apprenticeship programs. A union-sponsored apprenticeship or a non-union apprenticeship program in the state of Indiana.
The local chapters of IBEW and the NECA arrange the union apprenticeships throughout Indiana state.
These apprenticeships are arranged through the local Joint Apprenticeships and Training Committees (JATCs).
Some of the local JATCs in Indiana are:
- Terre Haute Electrical
- Lake County Electrical
- Indianapolis Electrical
- Lafayette Wayne Electrical
You’ll need a membership of IBEW to join these apprenticeship programs. Other requirements will be:
- Be 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Pass the general aptitude test
Open shop or non-union apprenticeships are offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) at the local level in Indiana.
Apply for a Residential or Journeyman Electrician License
Once you complete the education program or an apprenticeship, you can apply for a journeyman electrician’s license.
It will be your first professional certification in the electrical profession. You’ll then have the option to move on to become a master electrician or a contractor.
Although requirements for a journeyman electrician license vary by county or city, the general procedure is the same.
- A Minimum of 150 classroom hours of education and 4 years of work experience.
- Apply for the exam with the relevant exam board in the local jurisdiction.
- Three references from the workplace or apprenticeship program.
- A Driver’s license.
- Copies of educational and technical training certificates.
You’ll then be able to take an exam that comprises multiple questions usually. Once you pass the exam, you’ll be awarded a journeyman electrician’s license. You’ll need to renew the license every two years. Some jurisdictions may also ask for continuing education requirements.
Some jurisdictions in Indiana state require the renewal of a journeyman electrician’s license yearly with continuing education requirements.
Apply for a Master or an Independent Electrical Contractor’s License
You can start working as an independent contractor in Indiana state if you have a master electrician’s license.
The requirements for a Master electrician’s license are similar to that of a journeyman electrician, except that you must have worked under the supervision of a master electrician.
Generally, you’ll need the following for a Master Electrician License:
- Apply for the exam with the relevant exam board in the local jurisdiction.
- Three references from the workplace or apprenticeship program.
- A Driver’s license.
- Copies of educational and technical training certificates.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be awarded a master electrician license.
After working as a master electrician, you can apply for a contractor’s license. You’ll need a master electrician license or need to hire one with a valid license.
The education and work requirements are similar for a contractor’s license, except that you must have work experience as a master electrician.
You’ll also need the general liability insurance covers:
- General insurance with $500,000 in the event of bodily injury, and $100,000 in the event of property damage
- Worker’s compensation insurance if employees are hired
- A Surety bond or bond continuation certificate for $10,000
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be awarded an independent electrical contractor’s license. You’ll need to renew the license every two years in most jurisdictions in Indiana state.