Illinois Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Illinois’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to get an Illinois Plumber License
- Meet one of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have been an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber for at least 4 years and have completed a DOL approved apprentice training program OR
- Have a valid plumbing license from another state
- Apply for examination (applications must be received 30 days prior to the exam date) and pay applicable fees
- Take and pass your exam
How to get an Illinois Plumbing Contractor Registration
- You must have possessed a valid plumbing license for at least 60 days
- Complete an application for registration. Submit application with the following items:
- Applicable fees
- Certificate of insurance
- Surety/indemnification bond
Illinois Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Plumbing licenses and contractor registrations expire April 30th, annually
Continuing Education:
Plumbers must complete 4 hours* of DPH approved continuing education annually
*Please note, our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Illinois.
Getting Licensed
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Illinois?
- Apprentice Plumber
- Plumber
- Plumbing Contractor
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Illinois?
Anyone who wants to install, repair, maintenance, alter or extend a plumbing system.
Illinois licenses apprentice plumbers and plumbers, who are generally employed by a plumbing contractor. You must be registered as a plumbing contractor in order to do business as a plumber in Illinois.
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Illinois?
Plumber
- Application/Exam:
- If IL licensed apprentice: $175
- Registered in Chicago: $225
- Out of state: $225
Plumbing Contractor
- Application: $150
- Renewal: $150
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Illinois plumbing license?
Plumbing licenses and contractor registrations expire April 30th, annually
How do I renew my plumbing license in Illinois?
You can renew online or with a paper application. Find both at the Illinois DPH website.
Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Illinois?
Plumbers must complete 4 hours* of DPH approved continuing education annually
*Please note, our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Illinois.
My Illinois plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years you will have to apply for restoration in writing to the DPH, retake the exam, and pay all applicable restoration fees
How do I get my plumbing license in Illinois?
- Meet one of the minimum state experience requirements:
- Have been an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber for at least 4 years and have completed a DOL approved apprentice training program OR
- Have a valid plumbing license from another state
- Apply for examination (applications must be received 30 days prior to the exam date) and pay applicable fees
- Take and pass your exam
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Illinois?
- Application/Exam:
- If IL licensed apprentice: $175
- Registered in Chicago: $225
- Out of state: $225
What can I expect from the Illinois plumbing exam?
You will need a grade of 61 or above on each section of the exam, but a 75 overall to pass.
The exam will consist of three parts:
- True/false assessment on the Illinois Plumbing Code
- Interpretation of construction drawings or plans.
- This assessment will determine your knowledge of plumbing fixtures, piping techniques and Code compliance
- Practical application assessment
- A hands-on project that requires the use of current plumbing techniques and materials
- Applicants are responsible for bringing their own tools and materials
- Materials are selected from Appendix A, Table A of the Illinois Plumbing Code
How do I know if I passed the Illinois plumber exam?
You will receive notified in writing by the DPH of your results.
How do I get my plumbing contractor license in Illinois?
- You must have possessed a valid plumbing license for at least 60 days
- Complete an application for registration. Submit application with the following items:
- Applicable fees
- Certificate of insurance
- Surety/indemnification bond
What fees are associated with becoming a plumbing contractor in Illinois?
- Application: $150
- Renewal: $150
What can I expect from the Illinois plumbing contractor exam?
There is no exam for becoming a plumbing contractor.
What continuing education is required to renew my Illinois plumber license?
Plumbers must complete 4 hours* of DPH approved continuing education annually
Who submits my Illinois plumbing continuing education course completions to the state?
Course sponsors are required to submit records of your proof of completion to the state.
Are your continuing education courses approved for credit in the state of Illinois?
No, our courses are not currently approved for continuing education in Illinois.
What is professional development?
Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.
Illinois Department of Public Health
Plumbing Program
525 W Jefferson St, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
(217) 524-0791
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing
Exams are scheduled through the DPH.
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.