How to Become a Plumber in Illinois
In Illinois, a Plumber license typically requires a state exam.
Installs and repairs water, gas and drainage systems. Journeyman plumber licenses vary by state and locality; many require apprenticeship hours plus an exam. Requirements change — always confirm with City of Chicago Department of Buildings (no state-level plumber license in Illinois) before paying.
Licensing steps in Illinois
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam vendor varies — check the official board site.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
Renewal cycle and CE requirements vary — check the board.
Plumber requirements — Illinois at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | — |
| Questions (national/state) | — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | — |
| Reciprocity | No state license — plumber licensing is municipal in Illinois (Chicago and other local jurisdictions); there is no statewide plumbing license |
Official source: City of Chicago Department of Buildings (no state-level plumber license in Illinois) ↗
Transferring a Plumber license between states
No plumber compact — licensure is state or local. Plumbing licences do not transfer through a national compact. As with electrical work, licensing authority sits with state boards and local jurisdictions, and bilateral board agreements cover specific state pairs.
Contact the specific licensing authority for your destination and ask about reciprocal agreements and code-exam requirements. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Plumber license in Illinois?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the Plumber exam in Illinois?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Illinois; check the state board.
What does the Plumber license cost in Illinois?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Illinois?
No plumber compact — licensure is state or local: Plumbing licences do not transfer through a national compact. As with electrical work, licensing authority sits with state boards and local jurisdictions, and bilateral board agreements cover specific state pairs. For Illinois specifically, our dataset notes: No state license — plumber licensing is municipal in Illinois (Chicago and other local jurisdictions); there is no statewide plumbing license.
Plan your Plumber licensing in Illinois
Work the road in order — check what Illinois requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the Plumber exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Illinois reciprocity.
Plumber tools for Illinois
Every step of the Illinois Plumber road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with City of Chicago Department of Buildings (no state-level plumber license in Illinois) (retrieved 2026-08-20).