How to get a Electrical license in Illinois
The full Illinois electrical licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 6/12/2026.
Career prep, not a license.
Prep for the Illinois Electrical exam
Electrical 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.
Electrical Contractor License (Class A unlimited / Class B residential)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a electrical license in Illinois?
You need chicago: 4 years (8,000 hrs) verifiable experience under a licensed supervising electrician. most il municipalities follow similar requirements.. Then pass the Illinois Electrical Contractor Exam (administered by individual municipalities — no statewide license) administered by Continental Testing Services / municipal. Applications go through the Illinois Department of Public Health + local municipalities (Chicago Dept. of Buildings most common).
What exam do I need to pass?
Illinois Electrical Contractor Exam (administered by individual municipalities — no statewide license) — administered by Continental Testing Services / municipal.
How much experience do I need?
Chicago: 4 years (8,000 hrs) verifiable experience under a licensed Supervising Electrician. Most IL municipalities follow similar requirements.
What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?
Illinois has no statewide electrical contractor license — Chicago and 100+ other municipalities each issue their own. Reciprocity exists between many IL cities. Most accept the Chicago Supervising Electrician credential. Fee: roughly $250–$1,000 application + $200–$500 annual renewal depending on city.
Other electrical licensing guides
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