In Illinois, there are only three certifications that aspiring plumbers can obtain — the apprentice’s license, the plumber’s license, and the plumber’s contracting license. Unlike general contracting, plumbing licenses in Illinois are administered by the state. Aspiring plumbers can apply for and receive their license through the Illinois Department of Public Health. In Chicago, however, licenses can alternatively be given by the city’s Department of Buildings.
Illinois Plumbing License Reciprocity
Chicago residents may apply for reciprocity with other Illinois districts, and vice versa, through the city’s Application for Reciprocity. Each application requires a $150 fee. Contact your local authorities to find out if your city or county holds a similar agreement.
No reciprocity agreements exist between the state of Illinois and any other states.
Illinois Plumbing Contractor Requirements
In Illinois, a plumbing contractor is defined as any one person who performs work for another person. Plumbing contractors can be either a licensed plumber or an apprentice. The contracting license may be required for a few reasons, such as if you plan to open your own company or wish to enter a partnership with other plumbers. Below are the requirements for the contracting license:
- Must have a valid plumbing license;
- Have completed the Plumbing Contractors: Application for Registration.
Each application for a plumbing contractor’s license requires a $150 registration fee.
Further requirements are dependent on the intended purpose of the contractor’s license and can be found in the application.
Illinois Plumbing License Requirements
The state of Illinois has neither a journeyman nor master certification in the field of plumbing, except for in Chicago’s local union. Candidates instead go from an apprentice to a licensed plumber. In order to become a licensed plumber in Illinois the following requirements must be met:
- Be a U.S. citizen or on the way to becoming one;
- Have been employed as an apprentice plumber in the state of Illinois for at least four years;
- Provide proof of experience;
- Have completed at least two years of high school (or equivalent) and completed an approved plumbing course at a college, university, or trade school;
- Complete the Plumber’s License: Application for Examination.
While state law requires only four years to become a fully licensed plumber, those affiliated with unions must complete a five-year apprenticeship. Of those five years, over 1,200 hours are spent in the classroom.
Application fees for plumbing licensure depend on the residence of the applicant. Persons from Chicago or outside the state of Illinois, for instance, must attach a $225 fee to each application. All other applicants native to the state of Illinois must attach a $175 fee. Fees may be given as a check or money order to the following address:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Plumbing Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Plumbing Exam
Exams for plumbing licensure can be taken after working as an apprentice for a 48- to 72-month period. Information regarding exam filing is included in each application link.
Testing dates and times can be found on local websites, such as Chicago’s Local 130.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
An apprentice plumber in Illinois is any person who is learning the trade while under the direct supervision of a superior. Apprentices must provide proof of sponsorship and may only hold an apprenticeship for up to six years. Below are the requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old;
- Provide proof of sponsorship;
- Have completed the Apprentice Plumber’s License Application.
A $100 fee is to be attached to each plumber’s apprentice application. The fee may be given as a check or money order. Refer to the following address for specific mailing details:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Plumbing Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Illinois Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Plumbing apprentice jobs in the state of Illinois can be found on Indeed. Apprenticeships must be approved by the state, or the city if in Chicago.
Plumbing Trade Schools in Illinois
Plumbing trade school courses in Illinois are usually undertaken when an applicant has not finished high school or must fulfill required classroom hours for a given union apprenticeship program. For this reason, courses are offered as a part of a local union’s program as opposed to through a trade school.
Illinois Professional License Search
Utilize the Illinois Department of Public Health’s license verification tool to ensure plumbers, electricians, or other contractors are registered with the state.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Plumbing Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Illinois, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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