How to get a HVAC license in Illinois
The full Illinois hvac licensing path — experience hours, required exam, fees, and where to apply. Verified 6/12/2026.
Career prep, not a license.
Prep for the Illinois HVAC exam
HVAC 101 — Start Here (Free) — self-paced lessons, practice exam, certificate of completion.
Illinois — No statewide HVAC license (municipal + federal EPA 608)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a hvac license in Illinois?
You need chicago refrigeration contractor: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) supervised. epa 608 (federal, no hour requirement) required to handle refrigerant.. Then pass the Chicago HVAC Contractor Exam (where applicable) + EPA 608 administered by Municipal + EPA. Applications go through the Illinois municipalities + federal EPA.
What exam do I need to pass?
Chicago HVAC Contractor Exam (where applicable) + EPA 608 — administered by Municipal + EPA.
How much experience do I need?
Chicago Refrigeration Contractor: 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) supervised. EPA 608 (federal, no hour requirement) required to handle refrigerant.
What about fees, insurance, and continuing education?
No statewide Illinois HVAC license. Major cities (Chicago, Aurora, Naperville) issue their own. Plumbing license is required to install hydronic heating in IL. EPA 608 Universal is the minimum federal credential. Chicago Refrigeration Contractor fee ~$500 + $250 renewal.
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