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Illinois trade license requirements

Per-trade licensing path. Always confirm with the state board before testing.

Career prep, not a license.

Plumbing

Journeyman / Master Plumber License

Verified 5/24/2026
Required hours / experience
Typically 4–5 yrs apprenticeship (~8,000 hrs)
Exam
State Plumbing Exam (IPC/UPC) (PSI / Prometric / State board)
Licensing authority
Notes
General overview — verify exact requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation before scheduling exams.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Plumbing 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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HVAC

HVAC Contractor / Mechanical License

Verified 5/24/2026
Required hours / experience
Varies by state — typically 2–4 yrs experience or apprenticeship + EPA 608
Exam
State trade exam + EPA 608 Universal (PSI / Prometric / State board)
Licensing authority
Notes
General overview — verify exact requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation before scheduling exams.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

HVAC 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Electrical

Journeyman / Master Electrician License

Verified 5/24/2026
Required hours / experience
Typically 4 yrs (8,000 hrs) apprenticeship + 576 hrs classroom
Exam
State Electrical Exam (NEC-based) (PSI / Prometric / State board)
Licensing authority
Notes
General overview — verify exact requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation before scheduling exams.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Electrical 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Solar

Solar / PV Installer (often under Electrical or Specialty)

Verified 5/24/2026
Required hours / experience
NABCEP-recommended 58+ hrs training + field experience
Exam
NABCEP PV Associate / Installation Professional (NABCEP)
Licensing authority
Notes
General overview — verify exact requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation before scheduling exams.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Solar PV 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Low-Voltage

Locally licensed (state Private Alarm Contractor for security)

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Varies
Exam
PERC exam (alarm) (IDFPR)
Licensing authority
Notes
State licenses Private Alarm Contractors. General low-voltage work is locally licensed.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Low-Voltage 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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General Contractor

No statewide GC license

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Varies by municipality
Exam
Varies
Licensing authority
Notes
Illinois does not issue a statewide GC license. Chicago requires a General Contractor license through the Department of Buildings.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

General Contracting 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Roofing

Roofing Contractor License

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
4 years experience
Exam
Roofing Contractor Exam (Continental Testing Services)
Licensing authority
Notes
Illinois is one of the few states with a dedicated state roofing exam.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Roofing 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Pest Control

Commercial Pesticide Applicator

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Trainee hours required
Exam
CORE + Category exam (IDA)
Licensing authority
Notes
Required category(ies) plus general standards exam.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Pest Control 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

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Landscaping

No statewide license (Pesticide Applicator if applying)

Verified 5/26/2026
Required hours / experience
Varies
Exam
Category 3A
Licensing authority
Notes
No license for landscape work; turf/ornamental chemicals require Commercial Applicator.

Prep with Fieldora Academy

Landscaping & Irrigation 101 — Start Here (Free) • Self-paced + practice exam

Start prep

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