How to Get Your
Colorado Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Colorado. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career with 21% job growth expected.
Colorado Plumbing License Quick Facts
Education Required
Trade school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
2-5 years (based on license type)
License Fee
$100 - $140
Licensing Authority
DORA - Division of Professions
Renewal Period
Every 3 years
Continuing Education
14 hours per renewal
A plumbing license is a crucial document since it shows your competency and expertise in plumbing fittings & fixtures. Having one sets you different from the crowd, and not having a license would keep the taps closed, restricting the flow of opportunities coming your way.
According to Coloradophcc, the demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is set to increase by 21% in the current decade. As discussed, it requires a license to grab the 21% growth, but how would you obtain a Colorado plumbing license? Don't worry; we have come up with this article through which you would be halfway through obtaining a plumbing license.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Colorado?
Colorado Licensing Authority
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
DORAIssues plumbing licenses throughout Colorado. You must register as an apprentice with DORA within 30 days of getting a plumbing job.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Colorado
To acquire a plumbing license, you must get yourself registered as an apprentice with DORA. The registration work should be done within 30 days of getting a plumbing job. Besides, your employer should attach a registration with $30 as a registration fee to the master plumber under whom you will be employed.
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Residential Plumber License
Entry-level license for performing residential plumbing installations, repairs, and pipe fittings.
Key Requirements
- 2 years practical experience (3,400 hours)
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
- Pass residential plumbing exam
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to perform commercial and residential plumbing services independently.
Key Requirements
- 4 years experience (6,800 hours)
- Submit affidavit of eligibility
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
Master Plumber License
Highest level license allowing you to train apprentice plumbers and perform all plumbing services.
Key Requirements
- 5 years experience (9,780 hours)
- Submit affidavit of eligibility
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
Requirements for Colorado Plumbing Licenses
Depending on the kind of license you're seeking, there are different eligibility requirements for obtaining a plumbing license in Colorado.
General Requirements
Colorado Plumbing License Requirements
1Residential Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Residential Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Possess a trade school diploma or equivalent in formal education
- 2 years of practical plumbing experience (3,400 hours total)
- Experience must be gained within the last 10 years
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
- Pass residential plumbing exam with minimum 70%
- Successfully pass criminal background check
- Pay application, examination, and license fees
2Journeyman Plumber
Intermediate level requirements
Journeyman Plumber
Intermediate level requirements
- Possess a trade school diploma or equivalent in formal education
- 4 years of plumbing experience (6,800 hours total)
- Experience must be gained within the last 10 years
- Submit affidavit of eligibility
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
- Pass journeyman plumbing exam with minimum 70%
- Successfully pass criminal background check
- Pay application, examination, and license fees
3Master Plumber
Advanced level requirements
Master Plumber
Advanced level requirements
- Possess a trade school diploma or equivalent in formal education
- 5 years of plumbing experience (9,780 hours total)
- Experience must be gained within the last 10 years
- Submit affidavit of eligibility
- U.S. citizen with valid Social Security number
- Pass master plumber exam with minimum 70%
- Successfully pass criminal background check
- Pay application, examination, and license fees
- Meet continuing education requirements (14 hours per renewal)
Plumbers Insurance in Colorado
Insurance is another mandatory factor to fulfill to obtain a plumbing license in Colorado.
If you are working under or employed by a journeyman or master plumber, then you are covered under your employer's policy.
If you train others under you, you must have:
- $100,000 as property damage insurance
- $300,000 as general liability insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance (as mandated by Colorado law)
Colorado Plumbing License Costs
State Fees
Colorado License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Registration Paid by employer to master plumber | — | $30 | |
| Residential Plumber | $75 | $100 | $18 |
| Journeyman Plumber | $75 | $120 | $18 |
| Master Plumber | $75 | $140 | $18 |
| Exam Retest For any license level | $70 |
Colorado plumber's license must be renewed every three years. The state licensing board sends a reminder to the license holder before expiration.
Continuing Education: Plumbers must complete 14 hours of continuing education per renewal period, including:
- 2 hours on code updates
- 2 hours on business management courses
Plumbing Exam and Application Procedure
PSI testing services are assigned the role of conducting plumbing exams by the Colorado state plumbing board. You can connect with PSI once you have a minimum number of years of experience.
Entry-level exam structure
Residential Plumber Exam
Water supply systems and installation
Plumbing fixtures and equipment
Venting systems and requirements
Trap installation and requirements
System support and protection
Residential-specific requirements
Fire sprinkler systems
Water heater installation and service
Intermediate-level exam structure
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Water supply systems
Fixtures and tools
Venting systems
Trap systems and separators
System protection
Blueprint reading and isometric drawings
Drainage systems
Storm water drainage
Special waste systems
Water heater systems
Advanced-level exam structure
Master Plumber Exam
Advanced water supply systems
All fixture types and equipment
Complex venting systems
Advanced trap systems
System protection and support
Advanced blueprint analysis
Complex drainage systems
Storm drainage design
Special waste applications
All water heater types
Exams are available at PSI testing centers throughout Colorado:
- Grand Junction
- Durango
- Pueblo
- Colorado Springs
- Denver
- Fort Collins
Steps to Get Your Colorado Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Complete Education Requirements
Obtain a trade school diploma or equivalent in formal education. Plumbing-related trade or technical training is necessary.
Register as an Apprentice
Register with DORA within 30 days of getting a plumbing job. Your employer should attach the registration with $30 fee to the master plumber under whom you will work.
Register with DORAGain Required Experience
Complete the required hours based on your target license: 2 years (3,400 hours) for Residential, 4 years (6,800 hours) for Journeyman, or 5 years (9,780 hours) for Master Plumber.
Complete Criminal Background Check
Successfully pass a criminal background check as required by the Colorado state plumbing board.
Apply for and Pass the Exam
Contact PSI testing services to schedule your exam. Pass the written and practical exam with a minimum score of 70%.
PSI Exam RegistrationPay License Fees
Pay the examination fee ($75) and license fee based on your license type: $100 (Residential), $120 (Journeyman), or $140 (Master).
Congratulations! You're Licensed!
You are now a licensed plumber in Colorado and can work according to your license level.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Colorado plumber's license must be renewed every three years. You must renew the license to avoid lapses when performing plumbing jobs. The state licensing board sends a reminder to the license holder before expiration.
For each renewal cycle, the state of Colorado mandates at least 14 hours of continuing education (CE), including:
- At least 2 hours of business management courses
- At least 2 hours of code updates
Colorado law mandates that plumbers carry:
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Liability insurance
- $100,000 property damage insurance (if training others)
- $300,000 general liability insurance (if training others)
Yes, if you don't renew your license on time or before it expires, there could be problems when you try to work as a licensed plumber because the license status could lapse. If it expires, the license holder has to undergo an entire reapplication process and meet the new requirements.
Yes, the state's licensing page allows you to renew your license online through the DORA licensing portal.
On the state's licensing portal, you can look up the status of your license.
You won't be able to operate as a plumber in Colorado if your license is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the issues that led to the suspension or revocation before you can practice again.
The state of Colorado requires all out-of-state plumbers to earn a plumbing contractor license by passing an exam and fulfilling its standards for education and experience. There is no automatic reciprocity, so you must meet Colorado's specific requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anyone wishing to operate as a plumber in the state of Colorado must first get and maintain a Colorado plumber's license. People must pass a test and fulfill the state's education and experience requirements to receive a license. Plumbers must renew their licenses every three years and complete continuing education requirements to keep their licenses active.
With the demand for plumbers set to increase by 21% in the current decade according to Coloradophcc, now is an excellent time to pursue your plumbing license. Start as a residential plumber and work your way up to master plumber to maximize your earning potential and career opportunities.
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