State of Illinois
Where can I obtain the information for my professional licensure examination?
Must I have a valid E-MAIL address?
How do I contact Continental Testing Services, Inc.?
How do I complete my application?
How long is my application good for?
How long will it take to process my application?
Are copies or facsimiles (FAX) acceptable?
What happens if I miss my filing deadline?
What should I do if I change my address or other contact information?
How do I make a payment?
Can I pay over the phone?
If I do not meet the requirements to sit for an examination, what happens to my fee?
Where can I find a form required to complete my application?
Do I need to print and mail my application if I applied and paid online?
How long before I receive my admission notice for examination?
Can I get into the exam without my admission notice?
How long does it take to get exam results?
How can I check on the status of my application?
General Contractor’s License Applications
Chicago General Contractor Application
General Contractor License Renewal Form
How long does it take to receive or update my license?
How do I check the status / is there any way to get the license sooner than the 14 days to process / can I expedite the process? Can I drop it off in person is there a street address I can overnight the application to?
How do I know if my license has been issued or not?
How do I renew my license and if my license has already expired? Can I still renew my license or do I need to reapply?
Is there a late fee if I renew after my expiration date?
How do I change my business address on my license?
What do we do if there is a change of officer(s) in our company?
What do we do if there is a company name change?
If my license is inactive, how do i submit a current certificate of insurance?
City of Chicago Trade Licensing Examinations and Licensure
Where can I obtain the information for my City of Chicago Professional Licensure Examination?
What are the recent changes regarding particular City of Chicago trade licensing and examinations?
Who should I call with questions regarding for City of Chicago trade licensure and examinations?
What are the examination and licensure fees for my examination or licensure?
How frequently is the list of active licensees updated on the Department of Buildings website?
Where can I obtain the information for my professional licensure examination?
All the information, instructions and forms applicable to your professional licensure examination or licensure application are listed on the specific page for your profession.
It is your responsibility as a candidate to read and complete the application, provide all necessary supporting documentation, make payment and submit your application in accordance with the instructions listed for your specific profession.
READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR PROFESSION. THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE LISTED ON THE SPECIFIC PAGE FOR YOUR PROFESSION.
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Must I have a valid E-MAIL address?
Yes, you must have a valid e-mail address to register using the Continental Testing Services, Inc. on-line system. Whenever possible Continental Testing Services, Inc. will utilize e-mails as the preferred method of communication.
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How do I contact Continental Testing Services, Inc.?
The preferred method of contacting Continental Testing Services, Inc., is via email. To find which Exam Contact you should contact, follow these instructions:
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose Examination
- State of Illinois
- Click on your profession
At the bottom of the page the Exam Contact is listed.
Continental Testing Services, Inc. Mailing Address:
Continental Testing Services, Inc
P.O. Box 100
La Grange, IL 60525
General Phone Numbers: 708-354-9911 or FAX: 708-354-9922.
How do I complete my application?
Each profession may have different requirements for completing the application and for supporting documentation. Refer to the instructions for your specific profession when completing your application.
How long is my application good for?
Generally, applications are good for three years from the date of receipt.
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How long will it take to process my application?
All applications are processed within ten business days.
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Are copies or facsimiles (FAX) acceptable?
Photo copies of documents are not acceptable. Continental Testing Services, Inc. must have original documents in order to process your application. Do not forget that some documents may be required to be notarized, have original seals, and/or original signatures on them.
What happens if I miss my filing deadline?
New applications have to be received by Continental Testing Services, Inc. by the deadline date.
The filing deadline for each licensure examination is listed on the specific page for your profession. If a candidate’s application is received by Continental Testing Services, Inc. after the deadline date, the candidate will be moved to the next available examination date.
What should I do if I change my address or other contact information?
Notify Continental Testing Services, Inc., via email to the EXAM CONTACT listed on your profesion page.
Provide the following Information:
- Your name
- Social security number
- Email address
- Profession
- Previous and current addresses and/or phone numbers
How do I make a payment?
Payment instructions are shown in the application for your particular profession. If you retake an examination you must pay another examination fee.
PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION
Payment can be made by bank, business, or personal check, money order, or credit card.
If you pay by credit card and the credit card payment is declined you must then pay by Bank Check, Money Order, or Personal Check. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON YOUR APPLICATION UNTIL A PROPER, ACCEPTABLE, AND VALID FORM OF PAYMENT IS RECEIVED.
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Can I pay over the phone?
Continental Testing Services, Inc., does not accept payment by phone.
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If I do not meet the requirements to sit for an examination, what happens to my fee?
All fees are non-refundable, however your fee and your application will remain in a pending status for up to one year or until such time as the requirements are met, whichever comes first. After one year, your fee will be forfeited.
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Where can I find a form required to complete my application?
Forms can be found on the Continental Testing, Inc. Website
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Click on State of Illinois under Downloadable Forms.
Do I need to print and mail my application if I applied and paid online?
No, you do not. However, if you applied on line and chose to mail in payment instead of paying online, please provide a signed copy of the application along with your payment.
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How long before I receive my admission notice for examination?
Admission notices are mailed approximately 3 weeks prior to the exam date. If you do not receive an admission notice 7 days prior to the exam date please call Continental Testing Services, Inc. Your admission notice will be emailed to you.
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Can I get into the exam without my admission notice?
No. All applicants for examination must have an admission notice to enter the examination.
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How long does it take to get exam results?
It can take approximately 10 business days for some professions. Others professions take longer, approximately 4 to 8 weeks, as Continental Testing Services, Inc. receives some test results from third party vendors.
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How can I check on the status of my application?
The status of your application can be checked online at the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website.
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose Application Status and Test Results
- Type in the information requested.
- Click on SUBMIT
Please note that an application’s status is updated whenever the application is processed, not as soon as each individual document is received in our office. All documents mailed to our office will also be processed within ten business days. If it has been over ten business days and you have not heard anything regarding your status, please contact the EXAM CONTACT for your profession.
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose State of Illinois
- Click on your profession
- At the bottom of the page the Exam Contact is listed.
City of Chicago
How long does it take to receive or update my license?
New applications:
As stated in the application, it takes up to 14 business days to process from receipt.
Renewals: 7-10 days to process
Insurance updates: 2-3 business days from receipt in our office
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How do I check the status / is there any way to get the license sooner than the 14 days to process / can I expedite the process? Can I drop it off in person is there a street address I can overnight the application to?
Status is not available during the review process. Once approved the license will be mailed within 10 days. If there is any additional information that may be required, we will contact you by email. There is absolutely no expediting under any circ*mstances on any new or renewal applications.
If you would like to overnight through the USPS to the PO BOX that is the only option to ensure a prompt and timely delivery of your application. We are a closed office. You may not drop it off. All correspondence and applications must be mailed to:
City of Chicago
General Contractor License
P.O. Box 388249
Chicago, IL 60638-8249
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How do I know if my license has been issued or not?
There is a list of licensed general contractors on the city’s website which is updated on a weekly basis. https://webapps1.chicago.gov/licensedcontractors/general
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How do I renew my license and if my license has already expired? Can I still renew my license or do I need to reapply?
A renewal notice is mailed at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of an active license. Instructions are on the notice. You will submit your renewal notice along with proof of insurance, copy of ID and the fee for the license.
You can renew your license at any time after expiration within 1 full year from your expiration date. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must reapply as a new applicant. If you have not received a renewal form you can obtain a one page renewal form from the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website.
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Is there a late fee if I renew after my expiration date?
Yes. However, you will still have the same expiration date as your original license. For example: if your license expires on 10/31/06 and you do not choose to renew it until 12/01/06, your license will be renewed, but you will still have an expiration date of 10/31/06.
*Applies to Trade License renewals only. Does not include General Contractors.
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How do I change my business address on my license?
Refer to address change form. You must submit a letter in writing to Continental Testing Services, Inc., notifying us of the address change. The letter must be on company letterhead including your license number, previous business address and new business address. The letter must be signed by an authorized officer or member of the company. The letter must be mailed to:
City of Chicago
General Contractor License
P.O. Box 388249
Chicago, IL 60638-8249
Refer to address change form, complete and mail or email to pgarber@continentaltesting.net
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What do we do if there is a change of officer(s) in our company?
Any changes in officers must be submitted to our office in writing. You must provide us with the name, as well as other requested information in Section 2 of the application for any new officers of the company. Each new officer must also complete a general contractor’s license Affidavit. All officer changes can be submitted to our office at any time. If you do submit officer changes during renewal, a renewal may be held up until all required information is received.
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What do we do if there is a company name change?
Only corporations and LLC’s may be able to change their name. If you have legally changed your name with the Illinois Secretary of State, you must change the company name on your license to reflect the appropriate and current business name. You must submit a letter in writing, addressing the name change along with proof of the name change and a certificate of insurance showing the correct company name as insured. Letter must be on new company letterhead.
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If my license is inactive, how do i submit a current certificate of insurance?
You must furnish a certificate of insurance at least 14 days prior to the policy expiring. The certificate of insurance must meet the City of Chicago insurance requirements and be mailed to:
City of Chicago
General Contractor License
P.O. Box 388249
Chicago, IL 60638-8249
All correspondence must be mailed to this address.
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How can I change my license classification & what if my business structure changes?
If the business structure changes for example, individual/DBA and you have now become incorporated, you will need to reapply. All changes in business structure require a new application and you will be issued a new license.
Your license class can be changed at any time during the duration of an active license or at the time of renewal. In order to change your license class you must submit a letter in writing requesting the change, along with proof of insurance the appropriate license fee. Funds are not transferrable from previous licenses held, so the entire fee must be submitted, not the difference. The insurance certificate must meet the City of Chicago insurance requirements according to the license class. The letter must be on company letterhead, it must include the license number along with what class the change is going to be and it must be signed by an authorized officer or member of the company. If you are changing the class at the time of renewal, include the letter along with the renewal packet.
Mail to:
City of Chicago
General Contractor License
P.O. Box 388249
Chicago, IL 60638-8249
See attached Upgrade/Downgrade fom.
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Where can I obtain the information for my City of Chicago Professional Licensure Examination?
All the information, instructions, and forms applicable to your Professional Licensure Examination or Licensure Application are listed on the specific page for your profession/examination.
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose Examination
- City of Chicago
- Click on your profession
It is your responsibility as a candidate to read and complete the application, provide all necessary supporting documentation, make payment and submit your application in accordance with the instructions listed for your specific profession.
READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR PROFESSION. THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE LISTED ON THE SPECIFIC PAGE FOR YOUR PROFESSION.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED WITHOUT PROCESSING.
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What are the recent changes regarding particular City of Chicago trade licensing and examinations?
Continental Testing Services, Inc. is a subcontractor to the City of Chicago responsible for the processing of first time and renewal applications and the administration of examinations for trade licensure required by the City of Chicago.
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Who should I call with questions regarding City of Chicago trade licensure and examinations?
The preferred method of contacting Continental Testing Services, Inc., is via email. To find which Exam Contact you should contact, follow these instructions:
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose Examination
- City of Chicago
- Click on your profession
- At the bottom of the page the Exam/Licensure Contact is listed.
You may also contact Continental Testing Services, Inc. at:
City of Chicago/Trade License
P.O. Box 388249
Chicago, Illinois 60638
Phone: 708-354-9911
FAX: 708-354-0324
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What are the examination and licensure fees for my examination or licensure?
Examination and licensure fees are as listed under your specific profession/exam.
- From the HOME page of the Continental Testing Services, Inc. website
- Choose Examination
- City of Chicago
- Click on your profession
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How frequently is the list of active licensees updated on the Chicago Department of Buildings website?
The list of active license holders for trade licenses is updated daily on the City of Chicago Department of Buildings website:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/buildings
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