In Illinois, plumbers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health or the City of Chicago. To be eligible for admission to the plumbing licensing exam, an applicant must meet one or more of the following requirements:

  • completion of two years of high school or the equivalent; and,
  • completion of a four year licensed apprenticeship or completion of an approved course of instruction in plumbing;
  • passage of an exam; and
  • payment of a licensing fee.

Licenses must be renewed after one year. Pipefitters are not licensed.

For more information, contact:

Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761
Phone: 217.782.4977, Fax: 217.782.3987

Optional certification is available for plumbers. This certification is rarely required for employment or advancement. Certification is a sign that plumbers have reached a certain skill level. For more information, contact:

American Society of Plumbing Engineers
6400 Shafer Court, Suite 350, Rosemont, IL 60018-4914
Phone: 847.296.0002, Fax: 773.695.9007
E-mail: info@aspe.org