Navigating electrical contractor licensing in Illinois can be confusing, as the state no longer issues a statewide license for new applicants. Instead, licensing has reverted to the municipal level, with authorities like the City of Chicago Department of Buildings governing the trade licenses required for electrical professionals to work within city limits. This guide details the process and requirements for obtaining an electrical license in the City of Chicago.
Overview of Illinois Electrical Licensing: State vs. Municipal
While Illinois no longer issues a statewide electrical contractor license for new applicants, local municipal licenses, such as those issued by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, are required for electrical work within their jurisdictions. The Illinois Electricians Licensing Act, which governed the statewide license, was sunset by P.A. 104-152 and is scheduled for full repeal. As a result, all new electrical licensing is handled at the local level. If you plan to work in Chicago, you must obtain a license from the city.
City of Chicago Electrical Licenses: Key Distinctions
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings primarily issues two electrical trade licenses: Supervising Electrician and Electrical Contractor. These licenses serve different functions and are essential for legally performing and managing electrical work within the city.
Chicago Supervising Electrician License
The Supervising Electrician license certifies an individual's knowledge and skill to oversee electrical installations. This person is responsible for ensuring that all work performed under their supervision complies with the Chicago Electrical Code.
Chicago Electrical Contractor License
The Electrical Contractor license is required for any business entity that contracts to perform electrical work in Chicago. This license holder is responsible for the business operations, including securing permits, insurance, and bonding. A licensed Electrical Contractor must employ or be a licensed Supervising Electrician to oversee the technical aspects of the work.
Requirements to Get a Chicago Electrical License
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings sets the specific eligibility, experience, and examination requirements for its electrical trade licenses.
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the general criteria established by the City of Chicago. These requirements typically include standards for age and good moral character. Specific details are published by the Department of Buildings; confirm the current criteria before applying.
Experience Requirements by License Tier
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings administers trade licenses for Supervising Electricians and Electrical Contractors.
- Chicago Supervising Electrician: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of hands-on experience in the electrical trade. The specific number of years or hours of experience required is set by the city; confirm the current Chicago experience thresholds with the Department of Buildings before applying.
- Chicago Electrical Contractor: The responsible individual for an Electrical Contractor license must typically hold a Supervising Electrician license or meet equivalent qualifications as defined by the city.
Examination Requirement
The electrical license examinations for the City of Chicago Department of Buildings are administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS). All candidates for the Supervising Electrician license must pass this exam to demonstrate their knowledge of the National Electrical Code and Chicago's local amendments. Exam content, passing scores, and scheduling information are available directly from CTS.
Studying for the exam? Mike Holt's electrical exam-prep courses and code references are a long-standing study resource for electricians preparing to test.
The Chicago Electrical License Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Follow these general steps to obtain your electrical license from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.
- Meet Experience Requirements: Fulfill the minimum experience qualifications for the Supervising Electrician license as mandated by the city.
- Pass the Examination: Register with Continental Testing Services (CTS) by calling 1-800-359-1313, schedule, and pass the required Supervising Electrician exam.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all required documents, which may include proof of experience, exam pass notification, and personal identification.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the official trade license application provided by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.
- Submit and Pay Fees: Submit your completed application along with all required application and licensing fees to the Department of Buildings.
- Provide Proof of Insurance and Bond: Fulfill the city's insurance and bonding requirements, providing certificates as proof of coverage.
How Much Does a Chicago Electrical Contractor License Cost?
The total cost for an electrical contractor license in Chicago includes application, licensing, and examination fees, which are set by the Chicago Municipal Code and the testing administrator, Continental Testing Services (CTS).
Initial Application and License Fees (Chicago Department of Buildings)
Per the 2026 fee schedule published on the Department of Buildings' Electrical Contractor License page:
- Electrical Contractor - General: $150.00 initial license fee, $150.00 renewal fee.
- Electrical Contractor - Low Voltage: $150.00 initial license fee, $150.00 renewal fee.
- Reinstatement Fee: $100.00 per year (or fraction of a year) the license has been expired.
- Administrative Processing Fee: $50.00 for a license modification requiring staff assistance; $50.00 also applies to replacement documents and license verification letters.
Examination Fees (Continental Testing Services)
CTS charges a fee for administering the electrical exam.
- Exam Registration Fee: Set by CTS; confirm the current exam fee with Continental Testing Services before registering.
- Re-examination Fee: A separate fee applies for retaking the exam; confirm the amount with CTS.
Other Potential Costs
Additional costs may include fees for background checks or document processing.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Chicago Electrical Contractors
Electrical contractors in Chicago must hold a certificate of registration under Municipal Code Chapter 4-290, and must keep proof of insurance and/or bond information on file with the Department of Buildings (updating that information doesn't count toward the standard administrative processing fee).
- General Liability Insurance and Bond: Chapter 4-290 sets specific per-class dollar minimums; confirm the current figures directly with the Department of Buildings, since they are not published on the licensing FAQ page.
- Workers' Compensation: Contractors with employees must also carry workers' compensation insurance as required by Illinois state law.
Renewing Your Chicago Electrical License
City of Chicago electrical trade licenses, including those for Supervising Electricians and Electrical Contractors, operate on a biennial renewal cycle. License holders must complete the renewal process every two years to keep their license active.
The Electrical Contractor renewal fee is $150.00 (same as the initial license fee); a $100.00 per-year reinstatement fee applies if the license has expired.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings establishes any continuing education requirements for license renewal; confirm the current requirement, if any, with the Department of Buildings for supervising electrician and electrical contractor renewals.
Reciprocity for Chicago Electrical Licenses
State-level reciprocity is not applicable for electrical licenses in Illinois due to the sunsetting of the statewide act. The City of Chicago Department of Buildings sets its own policy regarding reciprocity and may consider agreements with other specific municipalities. You must confirm any potential reciprocity agreements directly with the Department of Buildings before assuming your out-of-jurisdiction license will be accepted.
Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Chicago
Performing electrical work in Chicago without the proper license is a violation of the Chicago Municipal Code. Penalties can include significant fines, stop-work orders, and legal action. The Department of Buildings is responsible for enforcing licensing regulations and investigating claims of unlicensed activity.