A career as a plumber has many benefits. Two revolve around the process of becoming a licensed plumber (and, yes, in Illinois you do need a license to be a plumber).
- It’s inexpensive, as shown below.
- It’s easy, as shown below.
Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Illinois
Step One – Apprenticeship
The first step in becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois is to serve as a plumbing apprentice. The qualifications:
- You must be a US citizen or in the process of becoming one.
- You must be at least 16 years old (although some places mandate you be 18 years old).
- Completion of at least two years of high school, although the preference is to have either a high school diploma or GED. This provides important knowledge in the following areas:
- Computers – especially for drafting
- Geometry and algebra
- Units of measurement
- Physics and thermodynamics
If you have those qualifications, you can apply for a Plumber’s Apprentice License, paying a $100 application fee ($225 in the City of Chicago or out of state). You will also need to be sponsored by a licensed plumber. As an apprentice, you will:
- Receive 144 hours of classroom instruction through a college, trade school, or university program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. The cost is $3,500-$7,000 per semester, plus books and other small expenses. Sometimes your sponsoring plumber or union will pay for this.
- Serve at least four years, but not more than six, under the supervision of a licensed plumber in Illinois. During this apprenticeship, you will perform many of the duties of a licensed plumber, such as:
- Installing new plumbing fixtures
- Repairing existing plumbing fixtures
- Cleaning water supply systems
- Cleaning disposal systems
- Assembling, cutting and repairing pipe systems
- Unclogging drains and sewers
- Responding to customer questions
Note that frequently you will be paid while you are working, at least partially offsetting the cost of your course work.
You have up to seven years to complete your apprenticeship. Once complete, you can apply to be a licensed plumber.
Step Two – Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois requires the following:
- You need a valid driver’s license.
- Confirm you are not delinquent on child support payments.
- Apply to take the exam to become a licensed plumber, paying the $175 application fee ($225 in Chicago or outside Illinois).
- Take and pass the two-part exam:
- A written portion testing your knowledge of the plumbing code.
- A practical portion where you will be required to fabricate various assemblies of water and wastewater piping. These will be evaluated for dimensional correctness and the ability to hold pressure.
Note that most people do not pass the test on their first attempt. If you do not pass, you will have to retake the test until you pass, paying a $175 fee each time. You have seven years from the time you started your apprenticeship to pass the test. Otherwise, you must start over.
Licenses must also be renewed every year. The renewal fee is $100, and you will be required to complete four hours of continuing education in an approved course.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for a Career as a Licensed Plumber in Illinois
If you are looking for an outstanding career as a plumber, Ravinia Plumbing wants to talk with you. We provide opportunities for both apprenticeship and licensed plumbers. We offer interesting work, excellent compensation, and opportunities for advancement. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 97 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we have made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland.
