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Electrical work is just one of many skilled trades gaining popularity as more young adults look for good-paying work that doesn’t require a costly college degree and the burden of unwanted student loan debt. Entering a skilled trade as an apprentice allows you to learn on the job and earn a paycheck while you train to advance your career. 

In the state of Illinois, you must obtain a license to legally perform electrician services. These licenses are administered by the Department of Buildings, and if you live and work in the city of Chicago, you can apply for licensure through Continental Testing Services.  

Below, you’ll learn more about the types of electrical licenses that are available and the requirements to obtain them. 

Electrician Licenses 

Prospective electricians in Chicago may apply for one of two licenses: a General Electrical Contractor or a Low Voltage Electrical Contractor License.  

The first is the broader of the two, permitting businesses and their employees to perform tasks related to the installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair of any wiring equipment and electrical systems regulated by the Chicago Electrical Code. The latter allows only for electrical work involving Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits and communications circuits. 

How to Obtain a License 

The qualifications to apply for an electrical license include being at least 21 years old, as well as a handful of experience requirements, including a minimum of two years installing, altering, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment and systems. That work must be completed under a licensed supervising electrician (or equivalent individual) who must verify the experience in writing. 

What to Expect From State Exams 

Electricians in Chicago must either pass a Supervising Electrician Exam or a Supervising Low Voltage Electrician Exam. Both tests are open book and include questions related to Electrical Principles and Practices, as well as the Chicago Electrical Code.  

The topics covered under the Electrical Principles and Practices exam are as follows: 

• Fundamental concepts 
• Electrical blueprint reading 
• Conductors, conduit, and grounding 
• Transformers, delta, and wye loads 
• Power factor and volt-amps 
• Service and voltage drops 
• OSHA regulations and workplace safety 

Questions related to the Chicago Electrical Code could be about topics such as: 

• Titles 2, 4, and Chapter 13 (Code Supplement) 
• General Provisions (090-110s) 
• Wiring and Protection (200s) 
• Wiring Methods and Materials (300s) 
• Equipment for general use (400s) 
• Special Occupancies (500s) 
• Special Equipment (600s) 
• Special Conditions (700s) 
• Communication Systems (800s) 

The Supervising Electrician Exam features 150 questions, while the Supervising Low Voltage Electrician Exam has 100. For each test, you must answer a minimum of 70% of questions correctly to pass. 

Preparing for Success on State Exams 

The best way to ace your exams is with reliable exam prep. The right course for working professionals will offer the convenience of 24/7 online access, allowing for self-paced learning that works with your busy schedule. 

If you’re ready to obtain an Electrical Contractor License in Chicago and move forward in your career, RocketCert has the exam prep that helps you pass on the first try. Contact us today to get started.