Occupational licensing · Indiana · burden rank #27 of 51
Indiana Occupational Licensing Requirements
Indiana's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Indiana sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#27 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Georgia; North Carolina; Virginia; Tennessee. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #27 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,902
- Avg initial fee
- $152
Indiana vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
49 Around the middle more restrictive than 47% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Georgia; North Carolina; Virginia; Tennessee. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Indiana, Psychologist lists 5,865 education hours with an exam and a $273 initial fee. Compare the same license in Georgia on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Indiana, Electrician lists 5,730 education hours with an exam and a $125 initial fee. Compare the same license in Georgia on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Indiana's higher initial fees at $341 after 20 education hours. Open North Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Indiana's higher initial fees at $273 after 4,865 education hours. Open North Carolina for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Indiana against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Indiana already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Indiana: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#27 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- North Carolina · burden #26/51
- Virginia · burden #28/51
- Georgia · burden #25/51
- Tennessee · burden #29/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($152 here).
- Virginia · avg $148 initial fee
- North Carolina · avg $158 initial fee
- Georgia · avg $159 initial fee
- Michigan · avg $163 initial fee
Agriculture in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Animal Care in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 4,865 | Yes | $273 | $230 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,932 | Yes | $136 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Construction in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 5,730 | Yes | $125 | $101 | 1 yr | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 5,730 | Yes | $180 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $259 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,730 | Yes | $101 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 17 | Yes | $101 | $90 | 3 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 5,730 | Yes | $147 | $125 | 1 yr | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Cosmetology in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,216 | Yes | $89 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,259 | Yes | $100 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 544 | Yes | $101 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 580 | Yes | $86 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 620 | Yes | $109 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 388 | Yes | $77 | $42 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Design in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $216 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Education in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 52 | No | $101 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $128 | $85 | 5 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | $106 | 5 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $128 | $85 | 5 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Engineering in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $259 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
Finance in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $245 | $201 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 46 | Yes | $119 | $98 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 20 | Yes | $341 | $233 | 1 yr | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Food & Hospitality in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Healthcare in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 2,932 | Yes | $136 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 2,932 | Yes | $194 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 155 | Yes | $90 | $79 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,216 | Yes | $129 | $93 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 3,432 | Yes | $172 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 4,432 | Yes | $259 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 1,546 | Yes | $136 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 4,649 | Yes | $208 | $186 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 3,432 | Yes | $194 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 3,649 | Yes | $230 | $208 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| 2,103 | Yes | $136 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $158 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 2,432 | Yes | $151 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,932 | Yes | $136 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,432 | Yes | $194 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Legal & Security in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 39 | No | $122 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,617 | Yes | $201 | $180 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 17 | No | $122 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
Mental Health in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 3,432 | Yes | $151 | $129 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,932 | Yes | $142 | $121 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 2,932 | Yes | $172 | $151 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 5,865 | Yes | $273 | $230 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
Miscellaneous in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 132 | Yes | $144 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
Real Estate in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 109 | Yes | $201 | $158 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 101 | Yes | $147 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 151 | Yes | $201 | $169 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Transportation in Indiana
| IN profession | IN edu hrs | IN exam | IN initial $ | IN renew $ | IN cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 17 | Yes | $76 | $55 | 4 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 229 | Yes | $98 | $55 | 4 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 75 | Yes | $76 | $55 | 4 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Indiana ranks #27 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Indiana directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Indiana
NCSL and state-board extracts for Indiana. Burden peers on this ladder include Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Indiana render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.