How to Get Your Electrician License in Illinois
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for Illinois. Last verified: February 2026.
Important Note
Illinois does not issue a statewide journeyman or master electrician license. Licensing is handled at the local (city, county, or village) level. Chicago issues a City Electrical License through the Chicago Department of Buildings. Requirements, exams, and fees vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Major Local Licensing Jurisdictions
What You Still Need — Regardless of Jurisdiction
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training (required on most commercial and union job sites)
- ✓NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training (recommended for arc flash protection)
- ✓Local Electrical Contractor License in your municipality (if starting a business)
Quick Facts
Hours Required
N/A — no statewide license
Exam
Local Electrician Exam (varies)
Fee Range
Varies by jurisdiction
Governing Body
Local Jurisdiction (Chicago DBACP / County)
Requirements
Illinois has no statewide electrician licensing law. Licensing requirements vary by municipality. Chicago requires a City Electrical License with specific experience and exam requirements administered through the city. Many other Illinois municipalities (Naperville, Aurora, Rockford, etc.) maintain their own electrician licensing programs. If you work in multiple jurisdictions, you may need multiple local licenses.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Identify the specific city or municipality where you will perform electrical work.
- 2
Contact the local building department or electrical licensing authority for current requirements.
- 3
Complete the required apprenticeship or experience hours for your jurisdiction.
- 4
Submit a license application with proof of experience and pay the required fees.
- 5
Pass the local electrical exam.
- 6
Receive your local electrician license and maintain it through required renewals.
Exam Details
Exam requirements depend on the local jurisdiction. Chicago's electrician exam covers the NEC as locally adopted (Chicago Electrical Code) with Chicago amendments. Other municipalities use their own exams or adopt state/national standards. [VERIFY requirements with your local jurisdiction]
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: Varies by jurisdiction
Fees vary by jurisdiction. Chicago electrician license fees vary by license type (apprentice, journeyman, master). [VERIFY current Chicago DBA fee schedule at chicago.gov/buildings]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois have a statewide electrician license?
No. Illinois does not have a statewide electrician license. All electrician licensing in Illinois is local. Each city or municipality has its own requirements.
What electrical code does Illinois use?
Illinois has adopted the National Electrical Code (NEC) as the state standard, but cities can and do adopt local amendments. Chicago uses the Chicago Electrical Code, which is based on the NEC with significant local amendments. [VERIFY currently adopted NEC edition in Illinois]
If I have a Chicago electrician license, can I work in other Illinois cities?
Not automatically. Since licensing is local in Illinois, each municipality's license is typically only valid within that jurisdiction. You may need to apply for a separate license in each city where you perform electrical work.
Why doesn't Illinois have a statewide electrician license?
Illinois home rule gives municipalities with populations over 25,000 broad authority to set their own regulations, including trade licensing. Chicago and many other Illinois cities have exercised this authority to create local electrician licensing programs. No state law preempts this local licensing or creates a uniform statewide credential. [VERIFY any pending statewide legislation]
How do I find my local electrician license requirements in Illinois?
Contact the building or licensing department of the specific city or municipality where you'll work. Chicago's requirements are at chicago.gov/buildings. For other IL cities, search your city name + "electrician license" or contact your local IBEW hall for guidance on the correct local licensing authority.
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Electrician Prep
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Also Available
Electrician License in other states
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