Key distinction — Chicago vs other cities
Illinois has no statewide electrician license. The Chicago Supervising Electrician License IS the only required credential to perform electrical work in Chicago. This is unlike Houston or Dallas where you need BOTH a state and city credential.
Licensing authority
City of Chicago Department of Buildings
Cost breakdown — Chicago electrician licensing 2026
Chicago Supervising Electrician License — only credential required
State license required
None — IL has no state license
Exam fee
$70 (City of Chicago)
Exam administrator
Continental Testing Services
Exam format
150 questions · 4 hrs · 70%
Reinstatement fee
$100/yr expired
Admin change fee
$50
Fees verified from chicago.gov Department of Buildings. Always confirm current fee schedule directly with the licensing authority before applying.
Step-by-step process
How to Get an Electrician License in Chicago
1
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 21 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years cumulative experience in installation, maintenance, or alteration of building wiring systems relating to your license category (General or Low Voltage). Illinois has no statewide electrician license — the Chicago credential is the only requirement.
Experience path: The most common route is through an IBEW Local 134 / NECA JATC-approved apprenticeship. Experience can also be verified through documented work history submitted to the Department of Buildings.
2
Obtain an Experience Verification Letter
All applicants must provide an original, signed letter on company stationery from their current or former employer's Supervising Electrician who is registered with the City of Chicago. The letter must verify dates of employment and establish a minimum of 2 years cumulative experience in the category for which you are applying (General or Low Voltage).
Important: The verification letter must come from a Chicago-registered Supervising Electrician — not just any licensed electrician.
3
Apply for the Exam Through Continental Testing Services
Continental Testing Services administers the Chicago Supervising Electrician examination on behalf of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Visit continentaltesting.net, click "Application Services," then "Chicago" to find current exam dates and submit your application. The exam fee is $70, payable by check or money order made payable to the City of Chicago.
4
Pass the Chicago Supervising Electrician Exam
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions over 4 hours. You must score at least 70% to pass. The exam covers the Chicago Electrical Code — knowledge and technical training to perform or supervise electrical installation, alteration, repair, or maintenance. A study guide is available on the Continental Testing Services website.
Two exam types: Supervising Electrician (General) covers all electrical work. Supervising Electrician (Low Voltage) is a separate credential for low voltage systems only. Most working electricians in Chicago need the General license.
5
Receive Your License and Renew Annually
Upon passing, the Chicago Department of Buildings issues your Supervising Electrician license. Renew annually. Expired licenses may be reinstated at $100 per year or fraction of a year the license has been expired. Modifications to an existing license requiring staff assistance carry a $50 administrative processing fee. For an electrical contractor license, your business must employ at least one licensed Supervising Electrician — apply through Continental Testing Services.
Frequently asked questions
Chicago Electrician License FAQs
Is an Illinois state electrician license required to work in Chicago?
No. Illinois has no statewide electrician license. The Chicago Supervising Electrician License — issued by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings — is the only credential required to perform or supervise electrical work in Chicago. If you plan to work in other Illinois cities, each has its own separate local licensing requirements.
How do I schedule the Chicago electrician exam?
The exam is administered by Continental Testing Services on behalf of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Visit continentaltesting.net, click Application Services, then Chicago. Exam dates are announced periodically — check the site for current schedule. Exam fee: $70 payable by check or money order to the City of Chicago.
Can I use a Chicago electrician license in other cities?
Some Illinois cities may waive their exam requirement for Chicago license holders due to equivalent testing standards. Contact the destination city's building department directly to confirm. There is no automatic statewide reciprocity. No city outside Illinois recognizes the Chicago credential.
What is the difference between General and Low Voltage supervising electrician licenses in Chicago?
The Supervising Electrician (General) license covers all electrical work including high voltage installations. The Supervising Electrician (Low Voltage) license is for low voltage systems only (fire alarm, security, voice/data, etc.). Most electricians doing full electrical work need the General license. You can hold both credentials simultaneously.
Does GlobalCybers place electricians in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago is one of our core markets. We place licensed Supervising Electricians in full-time roles across commercial construction, industrial facilities, and data centers in Chicago and the Chicago metro area. IBEW Local 134 wage scales are common across our Chicago placements. GlobalCybers covers your license renewal fees for registered candidates.