Illinois Department of Public Health · checked 2026-10-20
Illinois Plumber License Requirements
Statewide plumber and apprentice plumber licenses under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320). Licensed Plumber: 4 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1AP · Licensed Apprentice Plumber entry level
- 2PL · Licensed Plumber 4 years
License levels in Illinois
The Illinois path has 2 steps on this page: Licensed Apprentice Plumber and Licensed Plumber. The source states the time in years.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Licensed Apprentice Plumber | none stated | — | entry level | Not stated | Not printed |
| PL Licensed Plumber | 4 years at the prior level | — | 4 years | Yes | Not printed |
Licensed Apprentice Plumber (AP)
Plumbing work toward the license is done as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber under supervision. Source: 225 ILCS 320/10.
Licensed Plumber (PL)
At least a 2-year high school course of study or equivalent, and employment as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber under supervision for at least 4 years before applying (or an approved course of instruction supervised by an Illinois licensed plumber). Apply at least 30 days before the exam. 225 ILCS 320/10. Source: 225 ILCS 320/10.
Exam
1 of the 2 levels listed here requires an exam: Licensed Plumber. The source does not print a pass mark.
Fees
The Illinois source read prints no dollar amounts for this license. Application fees for the plumber exam are not refundable. The only amount printed in the sources read is the $225 out-of-state and Chicago application fee.
Reciprocity
The IDPH exam application has a section for out-of-state applicants and charges plumbers registered or licensed in Chicago or outside Illinois a $225 application fee. No reciprocity agreements are named. Source: IDPH, Plumber license examination application.
How Illinois compares
Among the 11 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top plumber credential, Illinois ranks 4 of 11 from shortest (3 years) to longest (6 years). California and Florida set the same 4 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Texas · Florida · Ohio · Georgia. All states side by side: Plumber license requirements by state.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · How trade license exams work.
Questions
Who issues the plumber license in Illinois?
Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program. Statewide plumber and apprentice plumber licenses under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320).
How long does it take to qualify for the Licensed Plumber in Illinois?
4 years by this site's count. At least a 2-year high school course of study or equivalent, and employment as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber under supervision for at least 4 years before applying (or an approved course of instruction supervised by an Illinois licensed plumber). Apply at least 30 days before the exam. 225 ILCS 320/10.
Does Illinois have plumber license reciprocity?
The IDPH exam application has a section for out-of-state applicants and charges plumbers registered or licensed in Chicago or outside Illinois a $225 application fee. No reciprocity agreements are named.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing Program | 2026-10-20 |
| AP requirements | 225 ILCS 320/10 | 2026-10-20 |
| PL requirements | 225 ILCS 320/10 | 2026-10-20 |
| Law cited | 225 ILCS 320/10 | 2026-10-20 |
This page summarises what the Illinois source said on 2026-10-20. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with Illinois Department of Public Health before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.