HVAC Contractor License Requirements in Illinois

Overview — hvac licensing in Illinois

Illinois does not issue a state-level hvac contractor license. No state-level HVAC license. Cities including Chicago have local HVAC contractor licensing.. Most Illinois cities still require local contractor registration and per-job permits, and federal lead-paint / refrigerant rules apply regardless of state licensure. The absence of a state license does not mean "no rules".

License classes available

Illinois offers 1 hvac license class — pick based on the largest project you plan to bid:

• Chicago HVAC Contractor. Required for HVAC work in Chicago.

Experience required

Chicago: documented HVAC experience + master/journey exams.

Exam — what you're tested on

Illinois requires a written examination administered by Chicago Department of Buildings; other IL cities use various providers. Topics covered:

• IMC + Chicago amendments
• Local code

Passing score: .

Fees

• Application fee: $130
• Initial license fee: $250
• Renewal fee: $250 ( biennial)

Bond & insurance

Bond: Required — typically $10,000. Chicago requires $10,000 license bond.

General liability insurance: Minimum $1,000,000.

Workers' compensation: Required for any IL employer.

Continuing education

Illinois requires 8 hours of continuing education annual. CE must come from approved providers — verify a course is approved before paying. Required topics typically include:

• Chicago mechanical code
• Safety

Reciprocity with other states

Illinois does not have formal hvac reciprocity with other states. Out-of-state contractors must complete the Illinois process from scratch.

Local permits and requirements

Every IL city requires HVAC permits. Chicago and most Cook County suburbs require contractor licensing on top.

Common gotchas

Things that catch most applicants on their first license cycle in Illinois:

• No state license — every city sets its own rules.
• Chicago has master and journey HVAC contractor exams.
• Suburban Cook County may have separate licensing.
• EPA Section 608 separately required.

Frequently asked questions

Does Illinois have a state HVAC license?

No — IL is one of the few states without state-level HVAC contractor licensing. Chicago and most Cook County suburbs have their own HVAC contractor processes.

How do I get a Chicago HVAC contractor license?

Documented experience + Chicago HVAC exam + $10,000 bond + $1M liability + workers' comp. Apply through Chicago DOB.

Do other Illinois cities accept the Chicago HVAC license?

Some suburbs accept Chicago licensure; most require their own. Check before bidding outside Chicago.

Does Illinois require CE for HVAC contractors?

Chicago: 8 hours annually. Outside Chicago: depends on local rules. Many municipalities have no CE requirement.

Why hasn't Illinois passed state HVAC licensing?

Bills proposing state HVAC licensing have been introduced in IL since 2010. They've failed due to industry pushback (especially HVAC supply chain) and reluctance to add state-level regulation. As of 2026, no state HVAC contractor license exists.