Illinois Apprentice GuideIllinois Electrician Apprentice Guide | Requirements & Hour Tracking
Illinois uses municipal licensing - no statewide license exists. Learn about local requirements in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and throughout the state. Track your 8,000 OJT hours with SparkShift.
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Illinois Electrical License Requirements
Important: Illinois does not have a statewide electrical license for journeymen or contractors. All licensing is handled at the municipal (city or county) level.
This means you must contact the building department of the specific city or county where you intend to work. For example, the City of Chicago Department of Buildings has different requirements than suburban municipalities.
Typical Illinois Requirements
- 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (approximately 4 years)
- 576 hours of classroom instruction (144 hours/year for 4 years)
- Pass a written examination (varies by municipality)
- Work under a licensed supervising electrician
Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Illinois offers both union (IBEW/JATC) and non-union (IEC/ABC) apprenticeship programs.
IBEW/JATC Programs (Union)
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) run 5-year apprenticeship programs through IBEW locals across Illinois.
- Structured classroom and OJT training
- Guaranteed wage progression
- Health and retirement benefits
- Job placement assistance
IEC/ABC Programs (Non-Union)
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offer apprenticeship alternatives.
- Flexible scheduling options
- Work while you learn
- DOL-approved programs
- Nationwide recognition
IBEW Locals in Illinois
Illinois has multiple IBEW locals serving different regions. Find the local that covers your area.
Local 134
Chicago
Jurisdiction: Cook County
One of the largest IBEW locals in the nation, covering the entire Chicago metropolitan area.
Local 146
Decatur
Jurisdiction: Central Illinois
Serving Decatur and surrounding central Illinois communities.
Local 117
Crystal Lake
Jurisdiction: McHenry & Northern Kane Counties
Covering the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Local 461
Aurora
Jurisdiction: Kane, Kendall & Will Counties
Serving the western Chicago suburbs and collar counties.
Local 364
Rockford
Jurisdiction: Northern Illinois
Covering Rockford and the northern Illinois region.
Required OJT Hours in Illinois
Most Illinois municipalities require 8,000 hours of documented OJT across various work categories.
8,000
Total OJT Hours
4-5
Years to Complete
576
Classroom Hours
12
Work Categories
Illinois follows the standard IBEW work categories including Raceways & Boxes, Conductors & Cables, Motors & Controllers, Lighting Systems, and more. SparkShift tracks all 12 categories automatically.
How to Track Hours in Illinois with SparkShift
SparkShift is built for Illinois's unique municipal licensing system. Track hours that work for any local board.
GPS-Verified Clock-In
Every time entry is stamped with GPS coordinates. Prove you were on the jobsite when you logged your hours for any Illinois municipality.
Track All Work Categories
Log hours across all IBEW work categories. Track your progress toward the 8,000-hour requirement for journeyman licensing.
Export for Any Municipality
Generate PDF reports that meet local requirements. Chicago, Aurora, Rockford - wherever you work in Illinois.
Supervisor Sign-Off
Get digital approvals from your journeyman or foreman. No more chasing paper forms at the end of the month.
DOL & JATC Compliant
Built to meet Department of Labor and Illinois JATC standards for hour documentation.
Works Offline in the Field
Log hours even without cell service on remote Illinois jobsites. Your entries sync automatically when you're back online.
Illinois Electrical Board Contact Info
Since Illinois uses municipal licensing, contact your local building department. Below are major municipalities:
City of Chicago - Department of Buildings
Note: For other Illinois cities and counties, contact your local building or permits department directly. Requirements and fees vary by municipality.
FAQ for Illinois Electricians
Common questions about becoming an electrician in Illinois.
Does Illinois have a statewide electrician license?
No. Illinois does not have statewide electrical licensing. Licensing is handled entirely at the municipal (city or county) level. This means you need to obtain a license from each city or county where you plan to work. For example, a Chicago electrical license may be accepted by some surrounding suburbs, but you must verify with each municipality.
How many OJT hours do I need to become a journeyman in Illinois?
Most Illinois municipalities require 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years) of on-the-job training to qualify for a journeyman electrician license. Additionally, you'll typically need 576 hours of classroom instruction through an approved apprenticeship program. Specific requirements may vary by municipality, so always check with your local building department.
What is IBEW Local 134 and how do I join?
IBEW Local 134 is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union local covering Cook County (Chicago). It's one of the largest IBEW locals in the country. To join, you typically apply through their JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee), pass an aptitude test, complete an interview, and be accepted into their 5-year apprenticeship program. Contact their training center directly for current application periods.
Can I transfer my apprentice hours from another state to Illinois?
Yes, you can typically transfer documented apprentice hours from another state or program to Illinois. You'll need official documentation such as an Affidavit of Experience from previous employers or your training program. However, since Illinois licensing is municipal, you must verify acceptance with the specific city or county licensing board where you plan to work.
What's the difference between union and non-union apprenticeships in Illinois?
Union apprenticeships (through IBEW/JATC) typically offer structured 5-year programs with guaranteed wage scales, benefits, and classroom training. Non-union programs through IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) or ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) offer similar training but may have different wage structures and benefits. Both paths can lead to journeyman licensing in Illinois municipalities.
How does SparkShift help Illinois apprentices track their hours?
SparkShift provides GPS-verified hour tracking that meets municipal requirements across Illinois. You can log hours by work category, get supervisor digital signatures, and export professional PDF reports. Since Illinois requires documentation for multiple municipalities, SparkShift helps you maintain organized records that satisfy any local licensing board.