There are many benefits to becoming a plumber in Illinois – attractive compensation, excellent benefits, and rewarding and challenging work, to name a few. Becoming a plumber, while not easy, does have a low cost of entry. Here are the two steps to becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois.
Step 1 – Serve an Apprenticeship
Before becoming a licensed plumber, you need to serve an apprenticeship. To apply for an apprenticeship, you must meet the following requirements.
- Be 18 years old (some places will accept 16)
- Have a high school diploma (some places will accept two years) or a GED. This provides a base of knowledge including:
- Algebra and geometry
- Computer knowledge – especially for drafting
- Physics and thermodynamics
- Units of measurement
- Be a U.S. citizen or be in the process of becoming one
- Complete an application to be an apprentice plumber and pay the $100 fee ($225 in Chicago or outside Illinois)
There are two components to becoming an apprentice:
- Work under a licensed plumber for at least four years (many licensed plumbers will compensate you). You will perform many of the duties of licensed plumbers, which may include but may not be limited to:
- Cleaning water supply and disposal systems
- Installing new plumbing fixtures or repairing existing ones
- Preparing and cleaning job sites
- Repairing, cutting and assembling piping systems
- Unclogging sewers and drains
- Responding to customer questions
- Receive 144 hours of classroom instruction through a trade school, college, or university program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.
You have seven years to complete your apprenticeship. That is step one.
Step 2 – Becoming a Licensed Plumber
You are now ready to take the test to become a licensed plumber. You need to apply for the test, paying a $175 application fee ($225 for plumbers in Chicago or outside Illinois). There are two parts to this test:
- A practical portion where you fabricate different assemblies of water and waste piping that will be evaluated for the ability to hold pressure and dimensional correctness.
- A written portion where your knowledge of the plumbing code will be tested.
If you don’t pass the first test, no worries. Most people don’t. But you will have to retake the test and pay an additional $175 fee. You must pass the test within seven years of starting your apprenticeship or start over.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for a Career as a Licensed Plumber
If you are looking for an outstanding career as a plumber, Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric wants to talk with you. We offer opportunities for both apprenticeship and licensed plumbers. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to find out more.
