Plumbing is an honorable profession and attracts those with a good work ethic. Plumbers are in high demand! The level of responsibility and commitment to learn is usually compensated with good salaries.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established requirements to obtain a license, which ensures the safety of the public and our water supply. The IDPH administers the licensing.
- Apprenticeship. You must first become an apprentice. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old, complete the Apprentice Plumbers License Application, and provide proof of sponsorship by a licensed plumber in the state of Illinois. Each licensed plumber is only allowed two sponsors at any given time. You may also attend a trade school or join a union.
- The minimum requirement for being an apprentice is four years and the maximum is six years, before you will be prepared to take the plumber's licensing test.
- To begin the apprenticeship, you must pass the initial licensing exam and possess basic plumbing knowledge. During your apprenticeship, you will have on-the-job training supervised by a licensed plumber.
- An Illinois Plumber's license is only valid in Illinois. Plumbers are required to complete annual continuing education credits totaling 144 credit hours to stay current on all codes.
- After completing these requirements, you will receive a Plumber’s license become what is know in some places as a Journeyman or Master Plumber, who is then competent to work independently.
For more details, information can be found at Plumber Training Center. Click to apply or call Classic Plumbing & Air at (217) 586-7473.