The Illinois Plumber Guide

Illinois plumbing licensing runs through the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, plumbers’ apprentices, irrigation contractors, and retired plumbers. A plumber applicant should verify apprentice sponsorship, the 48-to-72-month supervised period, exam timing, contractor registration, and annual renewal rules with IDPH before relying on a school or sponsor claim.

1. The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates plumbers and the plumbing trade. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “the Illinois Department of Public Health regulates plumbers and the plumbing trade by maintaining a minimum code of standards for plumbing practices.”)

2. Illinois requires individuals who plan, inspect, install, alter, extend, repair, or maintain plumbing systems to be licensed. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “Individuals who plan, inspect, install, alter, extend, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in state of Illinois must be licensed.”)

3. Under Illinois Plumbing License Law, the Department licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, plumbers’ apprentices, irrigation contractors, and retired plumbers. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “Under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), the Department licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, plumbers’ apprentices, irrigation contractors and retired plumbers.”)

4. To obtain an Illinois plumber license, an individual must pass a state licensing exam after working as a licensed apprentice for 48 to 72 months. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “To obtain a license, individuals must pass a state licensing exam after working under a licensed plumber as a licensed apprentice for a 48 to 72 month period.”)

5. An Illinois apprentice plumber applicant must provide proof of sponsorship by an Illinois licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “provide proof of sponsorship by an Illinois licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program.”)

6. Illinois plumbing contractors must register with the state and pay an annual fee. (Source: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html; verbatim: “All plumbing contractors must register with the state and pay an annual fee.”)

Registered apprenticeship oversight in Illinois runs through Illinois Department of Public Health for apprentice plumber sponsorship; U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency for registered apprenticeship (no URL on file).