SPEC SHEET · IL · PLUMBER
Illinois plumber license requirements
The answer
Illinois licenses plumbers statewide through the Department of PUBLIC HEALTH (unusual — plumbing is treated as a health matter). You must hold an apprentice license and work under a licensed plumber for at least 4 years (48–72 months), complete an approved course, then pass the state exam. Chicago issues its own plumber licenses with IDPH reciprocity.Your paths to the license
Apprentice license → 4 years → exam
Get the IDPH apprentice plumber license, work 4+ years (typical range 48–72 months) under a licensed plumber, complete at least 2 years of high school or equivalent plus an approved course through a college, university or trade school, then apply for the exam at least 30 days before the test date.
Chicago reciprocity
Chicago runs its own plumber licensing; IDPH has a dedicated Chicago reciprocity application to convert between the two.
Moving from another state
No general interstate reciprocity — out-of-state plumbers document their training and take the Illinois exam. Contact IDPH's plumbing program for experience evaluation.
License levels in Illinois
| Level | What it takes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Apprentice Plumber | IDPH apprentice license required before hours count; work under a licensed plumber. | — |
| Licensed Plumber | 4+ years as a licensed apprentice + 2 years of high school (or equivalent) + approved course + state exam. | — |
| Plumbing Contractor | Business registration with surety bond; renewed annually. | — |
Published fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam application / license | Per the current IDPH application forms |
The exam
| Provider | IDPH (state licensing exam) |
| Fees | Exam and retake fees per the IDPH application forms |
| Notes | Apply at least 30 days before the exam date. |
Moving here with a license? Renewal? The rest of the picture
Reciprocity: Chicago↔IDPH reciprocity only; no interstate agreements. Check your exact state pair →
Renewal & continuing education: Plumber licenses renew by April 30 each year with annual IDPH-approved continuing education (4 hours per IDPH program rules — confirm the current requirement on the CE sponsor pages).
Watch out: Chicago has its own plumbing code and licenses — working in Chicago means the city license or the reciprocity path. · The 4-year minimum can extend to 6 years depending on program structure (IDPH cites 48–72 months).
Official sources for this page
Illinois plumber licensing FAQ
How many hours do you need to become a licensed plumber in Illinois?
Illinois licenses plumbers statewide through the Department of PUBLIC HEALTH (unusual — plumbing is treated as a health matter). You must hold an apprentice license and work under a licensed plumber for at least 4 years (48–72 months), complete an approved course, then pass the state exam. Chicago issues its own plumber licenses with IDPH reciprocity.
What does the Illinois plumber license cost?
Exam and retake fees per the IDPH application forms. Fee amounts are published on the current official application — see the sources below.
Does Illinois have plumber license reciprocity?
Chicago↔IDPH reciprocity only; no interstate agreements.
How often does the license renew and how much continuing education is required?
Plumber licenses renew by April 30 each year with annual IDPH-approved continuing education (4 hours per IDPH program rules — confirm the current requirement on the CE sponsor pages).
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