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How to get a plumber license in Illinois

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Illinois plumbing licenses, pulled from official IL sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Plumbing Program
  • State journeyman license: Yes (IDPH licenses plumbers and apprentice plumbers statewide under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320). The state license is a plumber's license (not titled "journeyman," but it is the statewide individual plumber credential).)
  • Illinois Plumber: Employed as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber for a minimum of 4 years under a licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program, plus at least 2 years of high school (or equivalent) and an approved plumbing course through a college, university or trade school. Apply for the exam at least 30 days before the exam date. Maximum apprenticeship period is generally 6 years.
  • Exam: see below, via Illinois Department of Public Health
  • Code edition: Illinois maintains a state plumbing code through IDPH; confirm the exam reference list on the current IDPH plumber examination application materials.

Requirements by license

Illinois Plumber

ExperienceEmployed as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber for a minimum of 4 years under a licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program, plus at least 2 years of high school (or equivalent) and an approved plumbing course through a college, university or trade school. Apply for the exam at least 30 days before the exam date. Maximum apprenticeship period is generally 6 years.Source: dph.illinois.gov · as of
ExamIllinois Department of Public Health. Pass the IDPH plumbing license examination after meeting apprentice and education requirements. Retakes use the Department's retake form and fee.Source: dph.illinois.gov · as of
Fees
  • Plumber license examination (Illinois apprentice applicant): $175
  • Plumber license examination (out-of-state / Chicago reciprocity path applicant): $225
  • Plumber license fee (initial or renewal): $150
  • Late / reinstatement fee (in addition to lapsed renewals): $100
Source: ilga.gov · as of
RenewalEvery year. Expires April 30 following issuance (special rule if issued after February 15). Renew for one year from each succeeding May 1 with the renewal fee and required CE proof before May 1.Source: ilga.gov · as of · CE: Section 750.500 / 750.400 · Program overview: dph.illinois.gov
CE to renew4 hours per year
  • Department-approved plumbing continuing education courses
Required each annual renewal after the first renewal year. Course sponsors must be IDPH-approved.
Source: ilga.gov · as of · Section 750.500 summarized in JCAR Part 750; overview: dph.illinois.gov

License types in Illinois

  • Illinois Plumber license
  • Apprentice Plumber license
  • Plumbing Contractor registration
  • Irrigation contractor registration
  • Retired plumber license
Source: dph.illinois.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

IDPH publishes paths for applicants licensed elsewhere and a specific reciprocity form for Chicago-licensed plumbers. Out-of-state / Chicago examination applicants pay the higher exam fee in Section 750.1100. Confirm the exact reciprocity packet on the IDPH plumbing page before you file.Source: dph.illinois.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Illinois have a state plumber license?

Yes. IDPH licenses plumbers and apprentices statewide under the Illinois Plumbing License Law.

How long is the Illinois plumber apprenticeship?

At least 4 years as a licensed apprentice (maximum generally 6 years) plus education requirements before the state exam.

Already licensed? See Illinois plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.