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Licensing in Indiana
In Indiana, professional licenses are issued by the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) through state boards: the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, the Board of Massage Therapy, the Board of Nursing and the Plumbing Commission. Contractors and electricians are licensed by cities and counties.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | PSI exam | Per board schedule |
| Barber | 1,500 hours | PSI exam | Per board schedule |
| Esthetician | 700 hours | PSI exam | Per board schedule |
| Manicurist | 450 hours | PSI exam | Per board schedule |
| Electrologist | 300 hours | PSI exam | Per board schedule |
- All beauty and barber licenses are issued by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Renewal notices are sent about 90 days before expiration.
- The application or renewal fee for a practitioner license is $40.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Massage Therapist | 625 hours | MBLEx or NCBTMB | Every 4 years | 24 |
- Licenses expire on May 15 every fourth year (2025, 2029, 2033). At least 2 of the 24 CE hours must be in ethics.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Indiana State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Indiana State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Indiana is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| Profession | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Indiana Plumbing Commission | The only statewide construction license |
| Contractor | City or county | No state license — requirements are local |
| Electrician, HVAC | City or county | No state license — requirements are local |
- Check city or county requirements before starting work: each has its own rules.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | Beauty Culture Salon license; a mobile salon license is also available |
| LLC | Secretary of State | Registration — file Articles of Organization |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Indiana specifics
- One agency. Licenses are issued by the Professional Licensing Agency through state boards.
- Barbers — same as cosmetologists. Both cosmetologists and barbers need 1,500 hours.
- Mobile salons. A salon on wheels has its own license.
- Massage — every 4 years. Massage therapists renew every 4 years with 24 CE hours.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
- Construction — local. The state licenses only plumbers; contractors and electricians are licensed by cities and counties.
What professionals earn in Indiana
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 training hours, then the PSI exam.
How many hours does a manicurist need?
450 hours; estheticians need 700.
How do massage therapists renew?
Every 4 years, by May 15, with 24 CE hours.
Do contractors need a state license?
No, contractors are licensed by cities and counties. Only plumbers need a state license.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Indiana State Board of Massage Therapy, Indiana State Board of Nursing, Indiana Plumbing Commission, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Wage data — BLS.