Becoming a plumber can be a very rewarding career path for many people. It is an honorable profession and one that stays in demand year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The path to becoming a licensed plumber is not very difficult, provided you are prepared to put in the work. You need to complete an apprenticeship with a licensed plumber before you can get certified yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different requirements for becoming a plumber in different states. Read on to find out everything you need to know about becoming a plumber in Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
There are 3 different kinds of plumbing licenses you can apply for. They are, in order of seniority, the apprentice license, plumber license, and contractor license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is currently no reciprocity of plumbing licenses in Illinois with other states, so plumbers certified in other states will need to get certified by the Department of Public Health in Illinois if they wish to ply their trade in Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only exception is for Chicago plumbers\u2014they can submit an application for reciprocity in Illinois and they won\u2019t need to go through the certification process in Illinois. It costs $150 to submit the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the basic requirements for each level of plumbing certification in Illinois:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An apprenticeship program is the first step towards becoming a certified plumber. Being an apprentice means that you are learning the skills required to become a plumber by working under a licensed plumbing professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You cannot be an apprentice for more than 6 years. A licensed plumber needs to sponsor you for you to be eligible for an apprenticeship. If you have a plumber\u2019s sponsorship and fulfill the following requirements, you can start your plumbing apprenticeship:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After completing your apprenticeship, you can sit for the licensing exam to become a licensed plumber. You need to give the exam within 6 years of starting your apprenticeship, otherwise, your apprenticeship will be revoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most states in America have a journeyman\u2019s license and master certifications for plumbers, but Illinois does not offer any such certification. Once an apprentice meets the following requirements, they can obtain a plumbing license:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Department of Public Health, you only need 4 years of experience as an apprentice to be eligible for the plumber licensing exam.
However, if you are part of a union, you need at least 5 years of apprenticeship experience. Apprentices also need to complete over 1,200 classroom hours according to union laws in Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Illinois residents pay a $175 fee, but if you reside outside of Illinois, the application will cost you $225.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chicago is the only state with a plumbing license reciprocity in Illinois. Since the journeyman certification is acceptable in Chicago, licensed journeyman plumbers can work here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plumbing contractors are plumbers qualified to work more complex plumbing jobs. They can install or construct water systems, act as consultants for planning structural changes in the plumbing system<\/a> and supervise plumbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They usually have many licensed plumbers and apprentices working for them. If you plan on establishing a plumbing company or wish to enter into a partnership with other plumbers, you need a contractor\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following requirements are necessary for obtaining a plumbing contractor\u2019s license in Illinois:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plumbers who want to retire from the trade can acquire a retired plumbing license. Having a retired plumbing license means that you are still state-certified and considered competent for plumbing jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you ever want to renew your plumber\u2019s license to reinstate yourself as a plumber, you will be able to do so at a reduced cost. It makes a lot more sense to get a retired plumbing license than to renew an expired plumbing license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to note that retired plumbing licenses are only proof of competence, it does not mean that you can sponsor apprentice plumbers or supervise plumbing jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals who are 62 years of age or older or those physically unable to work as a plumber can apply for a retired plumbing license. You will be asked to surrender your plumber\u2019s license to obtain a retired plumbing license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plumber licenses are not valid indefinitely. They need to be renewed every year by the Illinois Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n April 30th of every year is the last date to renew plumbing licenses. The good news is that the renewal of licenses can be done online, which saves everyone a lot of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plumbers must keep in mind that they are required to state whether they have defaulted on child support payments or not\u2014even if they don\u2019t have any children. This information is mandatory for the license renewal application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different trade schools and colleges in Illinois that offer plumbing courses<\/a>. Citizens of Illinois can also enroll in distance learning programs to complete the requisite classroom hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the main subjects covered in plumbing courses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following schools in Illinois offer plumbing courses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few different specialties within the plumbing profession. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to know the earning potential of a career path before you decide to jump into it. There are many different factors that can affect your earning potential as a plumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, this is what plumbers make in Illinois:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the state averages, actual earnings could be more or less than these figures. However, they are a good ballpark to base your decision on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following factors can impact your earnings as a licensed plumber in Illinois:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming a plumber can be a viable career option for many people. All you need is a GED and you can begin your training to become a licensed plumber.<\/a>Retired Plumbing License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>License Renewal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Plumbing Courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Plumbing Specialities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
They often work with emergency services too. In addition to being licensed plumbers, they undergo special training to be able to work as gas plumbers.
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Residential plumbers need to meet all the requirements of licensing for plumbers as specified by the Department of Public Health in Illinois.
It takes a lot of training and experience to become a plumber, but it is a lucrative trade with constant demand.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/a>How Much Does a Plumber Make in Illinois?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Parting Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Several trade schools and colleges in Illinois offer plumbing programs and apprenticeship programs to make the training part of the job easier for you.
It can take you 4 to 5 years to become a licensed plumber, but you start earning as an apprentice, which means that you will be able to sustain yourself while getting trained as a plumber.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"