How to get a general contractor license in Illinois
Illinois general contractor licensing covers hours, prerequisites, exam path, fees, and renewal. Confirm current rules on the board source before you apply.
Verified on: 2026-09-14 · Board source
From the board
- Disclaimer The Construction-Related Statute and Rules Directory is a compilation of requirements governing construction within the State of Illinois.
- The Directory is comprehensive but statutes and rules are frequently added and revised.
- While updated frequently the Directory is only as current as the information available on the date of its publication.
- It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the information is accurate.
- The Capital Development Board, Division of Building Codes & Regu
Requirements overview
- Illinois sets experience, education, and exam rules for general contractor applicants
- Documented OJT or apprenticeship hours are common for journeyman / technician paths
- Master and contractor tracks usually add experience, exams, and firm paperwork
- Confirm current hour totals, affidavits, and fees on the state board before you apply
Exam
- See the Illinois contractor exam guide for vendor, scheduling, and prep
- LicenseFlo helps with paperwork and reminders — we do not sit the exam
Renewals
- Most credentials renew on a fixed cycle with mandatory CE or training
- Roster watch → intake → assemble → sign → submit
Related: Exam · Renewal and CE
Have LicenseFlo do it
From $79 per event. Text once; we collect photos, assemble the packet, and send a one-tap signature.