Trystan Casey
Chicago has its own electrical code and licensing requirements, which means that electricians need to be separately licensed by the City of Chicago. There are two types of electrical contractor licenses: a general license and a low voltage license. A business must employ at least one individual with a licensed supervising electrician to obtain an electrical contractor license. To become a licensed electrician in Chicago, one must gain knowledge and experience in the field, which can be acquired through apprenticeships and classroom training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license? | The Department of Buildings |
| Who processes the license applications? | Continental Testing Services |
| Who can obtain the license? | Businesses, including sole proprietorships, that employ at least one licensed supervising electrician |
| What does the license allow the business to do? | Install, alter, or maintain any wiring or equipment regulated by the Chicago Electrical Code |
| What type of work is included under the license? | Electrical, lighting, communication, and alarm systems and equipment |
| Is a separate license required for a private alarm contractor? | No, but a state-licensed private alarm contractor must register its state license with the city to obtain a permit in Chicago |
| Are there different types of electrical contractor licenses? | Yes, there are "general" and "low voltage" licenses |
| What is the validity of the license? | One year from issuance |
| What is the cost of the license? | $150/year |
| Is there an exam required to obtain the license? | Yes, there are two exams: The General Electrical Contractor Exam and the Low Voltage Electrical Contractor Exam |
| Is prior experience required to obtain the license? | Yes, approximately four years of experience (about 500 to 8000 hours of apprenticeships and classroom training is needed |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago's electrical trade license requirements
Chicago has strict requirements for its electrical trade licenses. The City of Chicago Department of Buildings is responsible for issuing electrical contractor licenses to businesses, including sole proprietorships, that employ at least one licensed supervising electrician. Obtaining this license is crucial if you intend to install, alter, or maintain any wiring or equipment regulated by the Chicago Electrical Code. This comprehensive code covers electrical, lighting, communication, and alarm systems, ensuring the safe utilization of electricity for various purposes.
To acquire an electrical contractor license in Chicago, businesses must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they must employ at least one licensed supervising electrician. This supervising electrician plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the Chicago Electrical Code and overseeing electrical work performed by the business and its employees. The electrical contractor license authorizes the business and its employees to undertake electrical work, but it's important to note that certain types of work may require a permit.
There are two types of electrical contractor licenses available in Chicago: a "general" license and a "low voltage" license. The "general" license empowers the business and its employees to tackle any type of electrical work, while the "low voltage" license restricts them to electrical work involving Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, as well as communications circuits. The distinction between these licenses is determined by the type of examination passed by the contractor's licensed supervising electrician.
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Chicago, applications must be submitted through Continental Testing Services, who process them on behalf of the Department of Buildings. Applicants with work experience limited to jurisdictions that require licensing and/or registration of electrical contractors or electrical wiring permits must provide a current copy of their license and a detailed chronological history of their work experience. Conversely, applicants from jurisdictions that do not require such licensing must furnish a letter of verification from the relevant jurisdiction, along with a detailed work experience history.
It's important to note that electrical contractor licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance. To maintain compliance, electrical contractors must retain records demonstrating adherence to the Chicago Electrical Code for at least two years after completing the work. Additionally, the Chicago Electrical Code undergoes updates, with the 2018 edition being based on the 2017 National Electrical Code, incorporating Chicago amendments for enhanced safety.
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Electrical work types and their licenses
Electrical work is a highly skilled profession that requires extensive training and qualifications. There are various types of electrical licenses, each with its own scope and requirements, which ensure that professionals are qualified and competent to perform electrical work safely and effectively. These licenses are typically issued by regulatory bodies and may vary depending on the jurisdiction. In this answer, we will explore the different types of electrical work and the licenses required for each.
Contractor Electrical License
The Contractor Electrical License is a crucial credential for individuals and businesses offering electrical services. This license allows the holder to legally contract and perform electrical installation, repair, and maintenance services. It is typically required for those operating their own electrical contracting business or managing large-scale electrical projects. The scope of work authorised under this license may vary depending on the authority and specific regulations.
Supervisor Electrical License
The Supervisor Electrical License is required for individuals who supervise electrical work. This license ensures that installations are safe, meet regulatory standards, and are carried out efficiently. Supervisor licenses are typically categorised into different classes based on voltage levels and the specific work environments. For example, a Class A Electrical Supervisor license authorises the supervision of electrical work on systems of any voltage level, including high-voltage installations in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
Wireman License
A Wireman License is required for individuals performing electrical work as a wireman. To obtain this license, extensive experience as an electrician or wireman is usually necessary. This license authorises the holder to perform electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance under the supervision of a licensed contractor or supervisor.
Specific Electrical Work Licenses
In addition to the licenses mentioned above, there are also specific licenses for particular types of electrical work. For instance, licenses for low-voltage work, alarm or signal systems, audio and sound systems, and telephone interconnect may be restricted to work involving low-voltage systems and may have voltage limitations. Similarly, licenses for electric sign installation and maintenance may be limited to work performed on dedicated outlet receptacles or connections directly adjacent to the signs.
Regional Variations
It is important to note that electrical license requirements can vary significantly from one region to another. For example, in Chicago, electrical contractor licenses are issued by the Department of Buildings, and there are two types: a "general" license and a "low voltage" license. On the other hand, Connecticut offers a license that permits the holder to perform all electrical work as defined in its general statutes while being employed by a properly licensed contractor.
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The Chicago Electrical Code
To work with electrical wiring or equipment in Chicago, an electrical contractor license is required. This license is issued to businesses, including sole proprietorships, that employ at least one licensed supervising electrician. There are two types of electrical contractor licenses: a "general" license and a "low voltage" license. The general license allows the business and its employees to perform any type of electrical work, while the low voltage license restricts electrical work to Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control, signalling, and power-limited circuits, and communications circuits.
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Chicago, businesses must employ at least one licensed supervising electrician. This supervising electrician must have passed either the General Electrical Contractor Exam or the Low Voltage Electrical Contractor Exam. Additionally, employees performing electrical work must meet minimum qualifications, which include having at least two years of experience installing, altering, repairing, and maintaining electrical wires and equipment under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
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Electrical contractor license exams
In Chicago, an electrical contractor license is required to install, alter, or maintain any wiring or equipment regulated by the Chicago Electrical Code. The Chicago Department of Buildings issues electrical contractor licenses to businesses, including sole proprietorships, that employ at least one licensed supervising electrician.
To obtain an electrical contractor license in Chicago, a business must first employ a licensed supervising electrician. There are two types of electrical contractor licenses: a "general" license and a "low voltage" license. The type of license obtained is based on the type of examination passed by the contractor's licensed supervising electrician. The two exams available are the General Electrical Contractor Exam and the Low Voltage Electrical Contractor Exam.
To become a licensed supervising electrician in Chicago, one must pass one of the aforementioned exams. The requirements to take the exam include having at least two years of experience installing, altering, repairing, and maintaining electrical wires, equipment, and apparatuses while under the direct supervision of a licensed supervising electrician or equivalent person. Work experience must be verified in writing by the candidate's supervisor.
In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also submit a completed application packet to the Department of Buildings. The exam fee is included in the application fee, which is $250. The Chicago Electrical Contractor Exam has approximately 100 questions and a time limit of 2 and 1/2 hours. A score of 72% or higher is required to pass. If a candidate does not pass the exam, they must wait 60 days and pay another exam fee of $100 to retake it.
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Electrician apprenticeship programs
Chicago has strict requirements for electrical work. To install, alter, or maintain any wiring or equipment, you must obtain an electrical contractor license. This includes electrical, lighting, communication, alarm, and signalling systems. Electrical contractor licenses are issued to businesses that employ at least one licensed supervising electrician.
There are two types of electrical contractor licenses: a "general" license and a "low voltage" license. The type of license is determined by the type of exam passed by the supervising electrician. A "general" license allows the business and its employees to perform any type of electrical work, while a "low voltage" license restricts work to Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, and communications circuits.
To become a licensed supervising electrician, one must pass either the General Electrical Contractor Exam or the Low Voltage Electrical Contractor Exam.
Additionally, IN-TECH, established by ECA Chicago and Local Union IBEW, is a premier apprenticeship education center for Local 134 electricians. IN-TECH offers a tuition reimbursement program for graduates who transfer into the Industrial Technology and Management (INTM) program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). This program covers up to $6,000 per year for undergraduate students or 50% of tuition costs for graduate students.
There are also various electrician apprenticeship job opportunities in Chicago, offering wages ranging from $18 to $43 per hour. These positions often require a high school diploma or GED, electrician apprenticeship or schooling, and proficiency in electrical work, renewable energy systems, and troubleshooting.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicago has its own electrical trade license and does not accept other city licenses.
The Department of Buildings administers trade licenses and registrations for construction industry professionals. They work with Continental Testing Services (CTS) to offer examinations and process license applications.
To obtain a license, one must pass an exam—either the General Electrical Contractor Exam or the Low Voltage Electrical Contractor Exam. Other requirements include working under a licensed electrician for about four years, completing an apprenticeship program, and fulfilling a minimum number of hours of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
An electrical trade license in Chicago allows for the installation, alteration, or maintenance of wiring or equipment regulated by the Chicago Electrical Code. This includes electrical, lighting, communication, and alarm systems.
