Moving to Illinois as a master plumber: every state's rule
Illinois has reciprocity agreements with 0 states. Everyone else follows its standard out-of-state path: endorsement.
Illinois master plumber · “Plumber (Illinois licensed plumber)”
State license plus local requirements
Illinois' only full plumbing credential is the Plumber license issued by the Department of Public Health; it is the state's equivalent of a master license because a licensed plumber may plan, design, install and inspect all plumbing, sponsor up to two apprentices, and serve as the license-holding member or officer of a registered Plumbing Contractor. The standard route is four years (48 to 72 months) as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber or completion of an approved college/trade-school plumbing course, two years of high school or equivalent, an application filed at least 30 days before an exam date, and passing the IDPH-administered examination (held at least quarterly), which covers planning and design, manual skills, and the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 890). Licenses expire every April 30 and renew annually with four hours of continuing education. The City of Chicago runs a parallel plumber license under Section 16 of the Act, and by statute a plumber licensed by either IDPH or Chicago may work anywhere in Illinois, so the two licenses are alternatives rather than stacked requirements. Out-of-state plumbers are handled under Section 17: without examination only where the origin state's requirements were substantially equal at the time of licensure and that state reciprocates with Illinois (no state partner is named by IDPH), otherwise by passing the Illinois plumber's examination.
How local licensing works in Illinois
Chicago. Section 16 of the Plumbing License Law lets a municipality of 500,000 or more (only Chicago qualifies) adopt an ordinance 'substantially the same' as the Act with equivalent education or experience requirements and run its own board of plumbing examiners; within Chicago the state Act then does not apply except as the Act provides. The City of Chicago Department of Buildings issues that plumber license. Section 16(2) provides that 'any person licensed as a plumber pursuant to such ordinance, or licensed by the Department under this Act, may engage in plumbing anywhere in this State', so an IDPH license is valid in Chicago and a Chicago license is valid in the rest of Illinois; Section 13.1(9) also accepts a Chicago plumber license for state Plumbing Contractor registration. IDPH separately publishes a 'Plumber's License: Application for Reciprocity for the City of Chicago Licensees' for Chicago plumbers who want the state card as well. Local governments may adopt a plumbing code at least as stringent as the State code, require permits, and employ licensed plumbers as inspectors (Sections 18, 36, 37), but they cannot require a separate individual plumber license.
- Chicago (Department of Buildings, plumber license under 225 ILCS 320/16)
Every origin state
| State | Mechanism | Note | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Alaska | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Arizona | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Arkansas | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| California | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Colorado | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Connecticut | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Delaware | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| District of Columbia | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Florida | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Georgia | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Hawaii | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Idaho | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Indiana | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Iowa | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Kansas | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Kentucky | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Louisiana | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Maine | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Maryland | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Massachusetts | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Michigan | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Minnesota | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Mississippi | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Missouri | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Montana | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Nebraska | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Nevada | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| New Hampshire | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| New Jersey | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| New Mexico | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| New York | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| North Carolina | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| North Dakota | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Ohio | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Oklahoma | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Oregon | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Pennsylvania | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Rhode Island | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| South Carolina | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| South Dakota | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Tennessee | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| Texas | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Utah | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Vermont | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Virginia | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Washington | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
| West Virginia | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Wisconsin | Endorsement | 2026-09-16 | |
| Wyoming | No credit | no state license to transfer | 2026-09-16 |
Getting licensed in Illinois from scratch
No license yet, or nothing that transfers? This is how Illinois issues a master plumber license to a first-time applicant.
Plumber's license by examination
Illinois licenses plumbers at a single tier, so you qualify for the Plumber license by first working as a licensed Illinois Apprentice Plumber: at least four years and 5,600 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed plumber, plus two years of high school or the equivalent. You then file the Application for Examination with the Department of Public Health (IDPH) at least 30 days before an exam date, with a $175 fee. The exam is written and graded by IDPH with the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and has three parts: a knowledge test on the Illinois Plumbing Code, a construction drawings and plans section, and a hands-on practical assessment. You pass with an average of 75 and at least 61 on each part, then pay a $150 license fee. There is no separate law or business exam.
Exams are held at least once every three months, with no more than 50 candidates per date (40 in winter months); after approval IDPH notifies you of the place and time. You bring your own tools and materials for the practical assessment, as advised in writing, must wear safety glasses in the shop, and may not wear clothing with pictures, writing or logos. Requests for disability accommodations are due at least 10 business days before the exam. If you fail, you file the Examination Retake Form with a $175 fee at least 30 days before a later exam date; an apprentice who fails three times is called before IDPH and the Board with their sponsor. An apprentice license cannot be held for more than six years in total. To do plumbing for others as a business, the firm must also register annually as a Plumbing Contractor, with a licensed plumber as the sole proprietor, a partner or a corporate officer. The City of Chicago runs its own plumber licensing exam, and a license from either IDPH or Chicago is valid statewide. Certified Plumbing Inspector is a separate IDPH credential with its own exam.
- Trade exam
- Required
- Law / code exam
- Not required
- Exam given by
- Illinois Department of Public Health and the State Board of Plumbing Examiners
- Passing score
- 75%
- Renewal
- Every year
- Continuing education
- 4 hours per cycle
Who can apply
- Hold a Illinois Apprentice Plumber license for at least 4 years first.The apprentice license requires sponsorship by an Illinois licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program and an age of at least 16. It must be held for at least four years before you apply to take the exam.
- You must document at least 5,600 hours of qualifying work experience.At least 1,400 hours a year for four years, as practical experience under the supervision of an Illinois licensed plumber.
- At least a two-year course of study in high school, or an equivalent course of study
- United States citizen, or has declared the intent to become a citizen (notarized papers such as an intent to file for citizenship)
Other ways to qualify
Each of these replaces the requirements above. You only need one.
Two years as a licensed apprentice plus two years of approved plumbing courses
At least two years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber combined with two years of IDPH-approved plumbing courses, for a total of 5,600 hours. Classroom or laboratory training at a vocational or trade school, in the military, or at a college or university earns two credit hours per classroom hour, up to 24 months of credit, shown with transcripts, degrees, military records or certificates.
- Hold a Illinois Apprentice Plumber license for at least 2 years first.
- Two years of IDPH-approved plumbing courses, combined with the apprentice experience for a total of 5,600 hours
- At least a two-year course of study in high school, or an equivalent course of study
- United States citizen, or has declared the intent to become a citizen (notarized papers such as an intent to file for citizenship)
Approved course equivalent to a four-year apprenticeship
Completion of a plumbing course of instruction and practical training approved by IDPH as equivalent to four years of Illinois licensed apprenticeship, given at a college, university or trade school and supervised directly by an Illinois licensed plumber. An approved course totals 2,800 hours of credit across subjects set in the rules, from the plumbing code and license law to planning and design.
- Complete at least 2,800 hours of classroom or related instruction.Shown with transcripts, degrees or certificates of completion.
- At least a two-year course of study in high school, or an equivalent course of study
- United States citizen, or has declared the intent to become a citizen (notarized papers such as an intent to file for citizenship)
Licensed apprentice in another state or territory
The equivalent of four years as a licensed apprentice plumber in another U.S. state or territory, or in a municipality there, is credited hour for hour toward the four-year apprenticeship, with proof of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
- You must document at least 5,600 hours of qualifying work experience.
- At least a two-year course of study in high school, or an equivalent course of study
- United States citizen, or has declared the intent to become a citizen (notarized papers such as an intent to file for citizenship)
Steps to get licensed
- 1Application fee. Pay the application fee ($175). Application for Examination fee for Illinois licensed apprentice plumbers, non-refundable, paid by check or money order to IDPH and mailed with the application, a recent photograph and proof of eligibility at least 30 days before the exam date.
- 2Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. Illinois plumber's license examination given by IDPH and the State Board of Plumbing Examiners: an Illinois Plumbing Code knowledge assessment, a construction drawings and plans section, and a practical application assessment; average of 75 and at least 61 on each part to pass.
- 3License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($150). Plumber's license fee, paid after passing the exam; the license is issued as a photo ID card.
- 4Other. Child support certification, required with every IDPH plumbing license application.
- 5Contractor license. Hold or obtain a contractor license (if applicable). Plumbing Contractor registration with IDPH (annual, expires 30 September) to perform plumbing for others; a licensed plumber must be the sole proprietor, a partner or a corporate officer (225 ILCS 320/13.1).
- 6Insurance. Carry the required insurance (if applicable). For Plumbing Contractor registrants: general liability at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate bodily injury, property damage $50,000 (or $300,000 combined single limit), workers' compensation with $500,000 employer's liability (225 ILCS 320/13.1(4)).
- 7Surety bond. Post a surety bond ($20,000) (if applicable). For Plumbing Contractor registrants: $20,000 indemnification bond or letter of credit (225 ILCS 320/13.1(5)).
Published fees on this path total $325, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.
Keeping it active
Every year with 4 hours of continuing education per cycle and a $150 renewal fee.
Four hours each year in courses from IDPH-approved sponsors, listed in the IDPH continuing education course listing. No continuing education is required for the year your license is first issued. Plumbers found to have repeatedly violated the Illinois Plumbing Code must complete at least two additional hours conducted by IDPH.
Every plumber license expires on April 30 and is renewed online for one year from May 1; an initial license issued after February 15 runs until April 30 of the following year. A renewal received after May 1 adds a $100 reinstatement fee to the lapsed renewal fees. A license expired for more than five years must be restored by paying a $175 restoration fee and passing the exam again.
Exam preparation
Most boards contract PSI, Prov, or ICC for exams. Check which code edition the exam is written to before buying a prep course.
- Trade exam
Liability insurance
Some states require proof of general liability or workers' compensation coverage at licensing time.
- Insurance · if applicable
Surety bond
A license or contractor bond is bought from a surety, not the state. Price is a small percentage of the bond amount and depends on your credit.
- Surety bond · $20,000 · if applicable
Continuing education
Renewals usually need approved CE hours, often on the latest NEC. Reciprocal licensees are rarely exempt.
- Continuing education
Sources for this section
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.1100 - Plumbers' and Apprentice Plumbers' Examination and Licensure Fees · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.1100 (amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 19715, eff. 2014-09-23) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.300 - Requirements for Admission to the Plumbing License Examination · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.300 (amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 8786, eff. 2016-06-17) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.310 - Administration of the Plumbing License Examination · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.310 (amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 8786, eff. 2016-06-17) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.400 - Licensing of Plumbers · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.400 (added at 24 Ill. Reg. 12019, eff. 2000-08-01) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.500 - Continuing Education Requirements for Licensed Plumbers · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.500 (amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 8786, eff. 2016-06-17) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- Plumbers Licensing Code, Section 750.550 - Programs of Instruction and Practical Training in Plumbing Approved as Equivalent to Illinois Licensed Apprenticeship · 68 Ill. Adm. Code 750.550 (amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 19715, eff. 2014-09-23) · Illinois Department of Public Health (Illinois Administrative Code, published by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- IDPH - Plumber's License: Application for Examination (form dated 2021-06-24) · Illinois Department of Public Health · Form · verified September 23, 2026
- IDPH - Plumber's Licenses: Examination Retake Form · Illinois Department of Public Health · Form · verified September 23, 2026
- Illinois Department of Public Health - Plumbing (licensing requirements, renewal, apprentices, contractors, forms) · Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Environmental Health · Agency Page · verified September 23, 2026
- Illinois Plumbing License Law - full text (225 ILCS 320) · 225 ILCS 320/3, 320/8, 320/9, 320/10, 320/11, 320/13, 320/13.1, 320/14, 320/30, 320/42 · Illinois General Assembly · Statute · verified September 23, 2026