Illinois Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Illinois electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Illinois.
NEC Edition Notice: Illinois currently tests on NEC 2017. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Illinois licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Illinois electrician license exam, expect 150 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2017. The exam is delivered by Continental Testing Services and the fee is $150. Illinois electricians earn about $72,870 per year ($35.03 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: Illinois Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:Continental Testing Services
- Questions:150
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$150
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Illinois Electrician License Overview
Illinois does not have a statewide electrician license, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) does not license electricians. The City of Chicago runs the most prominent licensing program through its Department of Buildings, covering a massive market that includes the city and extends influence throughout the Chicagoland metro area. Outside Chicago, licensing is handled (or not) by individual municipalities. Some Illinois cities require local licenses while others have no licensing requirement at all, making it essential to check with the specific jurisdiction where you plan to work.
Illinois Electrician License Types
Supervising Electrician (General or Low Voltage)
Chicago's individual electrical credential, issued by the Chicago Department of Buildings. Authorizes the holder to supervise electrical work and pull permits in Chicago.
Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of qualifying electrical experience. Must pass the exam administered by Continental Testing Services (open book with the Chicago Electrical Code, which is based on the 2017 NEC with city amendments). Confirm the current question count and fee with Continental Testing Services.
Local Municipal Licenses (Suburban/Downstate)
Various cities and villages outside Chicago issue their own electrical licenses with different requirements.
Requirements: Varies widely. Some suburbs accept Chicago credentials, others require a separate local exam. Downstate cities like Springfield, Peoria, and Rockford have their own programs.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
Chicago: the Supervising Electrician license requires being at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of qualifying electrical experience. Suburban jurisdictions: typically 8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised on-the-job training or equivalent apprenticeship completion.
Master Requirements
Chicago Supervising Electrician (General or Low Voltage): at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of qualifying electrical experience plus the Continental Testing Services exam. Specific requirements are set by the Chicago Department of Buildings.
Apprenticeship Programs
IBEW Local 134 (Chicago) operates one of the largest electrical apprenticeship programs in the Midwest, a 5-year program with both on-the-job and classroom components. Other programs include IBEW 117 (Peoria), 146 (Decatur), 193 (Springfield), and ABC of Illinois chapters.
Education
High school diploma or GED required for apprenticeship admission. Some programs require a minimum score on the IBEW aptitude test (math and reading comprehension). Pre-apprenticeship programs are available at several Illinois community colleges.
License Reciprocity
Illinois has no statewide reciprocity because there is no statewide license. Chicago's licensing program does not have formal reciprocity with other jurisdictions. Some suburban municipalities may accept credentials from Chicago or other recognized programs, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Chicago: 3 years. Other jurisdictions: varies.
Continuing Education
Chicago requires continuing education credits for license renewal, including training on Chicago Electrical Code updates. The exact hours are set by the Department of Buildings and may change with code cycles.
Renewal Fee
Chicago Supervising Electrician: verify the current renewal fee with the Chicago Department of Buildings. Other jurisdictions vary.
Important Notes
Chicago also requires active insurance for certain license classifications. Failure to renew on time may require re-examination. Always check the Chicago Department of Buildings website for current renewal requirements.
IllinoisElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$72,870/year
$35.03/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $45,680 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $102,310 (90th percentile)
Illinois employs approximately 27,000 electricians, heavily concentrated in the Chicagoland metro area. Demand drivers include commercial high-rise construction, O'Hare Airport expansion, data center development, and infrastructure modernization. IBEW Local 134 wages in Chicago are among the highest in the Midwest.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the City of Chicago Department of Buildings (no statewide board) for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Continental Testing Services
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Illinois-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Illinois Electrician Exam Tips
State-specific guidance to help you prepare smarter for your Illinois exam.
💡What You Need to Know About Illinois
- Illinois does NOT have a statewide journeyman electrician license, the Chicago area has its own licensing system, and other municipalities regulate independently.
- The City of Chicago issues an Electrical Licensing through the Department of Buildings; the exam covers Chicago Electrical Code, which has significant local differences from standard NEC.
- Outside Chicago, some Illinois municipalities have licensing requirements while others do not, always check with the local building department.
- Illinois requires a separate license for fire alarm work, HVAC control wiring, and low-voltage systems in many jurisdictions.
NEC Adoption & State Amendments
Illinois does not adopt a single statewide electrical code. Chicago uses the Chicago Electrical Code, which is based on NEC but includes extensive local amendments. Other Illinois municipalities may adopt the NEC with local modifications. Check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the code edition and amendments applicable to your area.
⚠️Common Mistakes on the Illinois Exam
- Studying standard NEC for a Chicago exam, the Chicago Electrical Code differs substantially from NFPA 70, including different conduit requirements (metallic conduit is required for most wiring in Chicago).
- Assuming an electrical license from one Illinois city is valid in Chicago or other municipalities, reciprocity is very limited.
- Not checking whether your specific scope of work (residential, commercial, low-voltage) requires a separate license in your jurisdiction.
Illinois Electrician License FAQ
Does Illinois have a statewide electrician license?
No. Illinois does not license electricians at the state level. The City of Chicago has its own licensing system through the Department of Buildings, and other municipalities set their own requirements. Some areas of Illinois have no local licensing requirement at all.
What is different about the Chicago Electrical Code?
The Chicago Electrical Code is based on the NEC but includes extensive local amendments. The most notable difference is that Chicago requires metallic conduit (EMT or rigid) for nearly all wiring, Romex (NM cable) is not allowed in most applications. The exam tests on Chicago-specific provisions, not just the standard NEC.
Can I use my Chicago license in the suburbs?
Not automatically. Some suburban municipalities accept Chicago credentials, but many require their own local license or exam. If you're working in the suburbs, check with that municipality's building department to see what they require.
How much do electricians make in Illinois?
The statewide average is about $72,870/year ($35.03/hr). IBEW Local 134 members in Chicago earn significantly more, the journeyman scale plus benefits regularly exceeds $90/hour in total package. Downstate wages are lower but still above the national average.
How do I become an electrician in Chicago?
The most common path is through the IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship program (5 years). You can also qualify with at least 2 years of qualifying electrical experience once you are 21 or older. You then take the Supervising Electrician exam through Continental Testing Services and apply for your license through the Chicago Department of Buildings.
Common Questions About the Illinois Electrician License
How much does the Illinois electrician license exam cost?
The Illinois electrician exam fee is $150, paid to Continental Testing Services when you register.
Who administers the Illinois electrician license exam?
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings (no statewide board) oversees electrician licensing in Illinois, and the exam is delivered by Continental Testing Services.
How much do electricians make in Illinois?
Illinois electricians earn about $72,870 per year ($35.03 per hour). Entry level pay is around $45,680 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $102,310 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Illinois?
Chicago: the Supervising Electrician license requires being at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of qualifying electrical experience. Suburban jurisdictions: typically 8,000 hours (4 years) of supervised on-the-job training or equivalent apprenticeship completion.
Does Illinois have electrician license reciprocity?
Illinois has no statewide reciprocity because there is no statewide license. Chicago's licensing program does not have formal reciprocity with other jurisdictions. Some suburban municipalities may accept credentials from Chicago or other recognized programs, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Illinois's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Illinois Electrician License: How to Get Licensed in 2026
Chicago Supervising Electrician exam, requirements, fees, and 2026 dates.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Illinois exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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