Colorado Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in CO

Are plumbers required to be licensed in Colorado?

Yes, you’re required to have a plumbing license to perform work in Colorado. Licenses vary based on training and education, years of experience, and what other licensed plumbers you’re allowed to supervise. With your license, you’ll be able to work on plumbing projects such as pipe installation, plumbing repairs, and sewage repairs. 

Licenses are issued by Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations. 

The type of projects you’re allowed to work on will depend on the type of plumbing license you have. Residential plumbers can perform plumbing work on residential projects, whereas Journeyman plumbers can work on both residential and commercial projects.

Those looking to perform plumbing work on their own home aren’t required to get a plumbing license, but will still need to obtain the necessary permits. If you’re interested in starting your own plumbing business, you’ll need to look into getting a contractor’s license from your local jurisdiction.

Types of plumbing licenses in Colorado

Colorado offers a few types of plumbing licenses that vary based on your level of experience. To get started earning your license, you’ll start off as a plumbing apprentice. As you get more experience, you can apply for higher-level licenses until you reach your master plumbing license:

• Apprentice: less than 2 years of experience
• Residential: 2 years of experience (3,400 hours)
• Journeyman: 4 years of experience (6,800 hours)
• Master: 5 years of full-time experience (8,500 hours)

Plumbers who want to own their own business will also need to get a contractor’s license from their local jurisdiction. In Denver, the Contractor’s License will be issued to individuals who have a state-issued Master Plumber license or who hold a city-issued supervisor certificate to qualify for the license.

Colorado plumbing license requirements

There are a few requirements you’ll need to start the process of becoming a master plumber. Such as:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Meet the minimum experience requirements for the license level you’re applying for
• Pass the exam
• Complete an online application
• Submit an Affidavit of Experience
• Pay all applicable fees
• Provide proof of insurance (business owners only)

If you’re interested in getting licensed locally, check the specific license requirements in your local jurisdiction.

How do I get a plumbing license in Colorado?

To get your Colorado plumbing license, you must become an apprentice and accumulate the necessary hours for residential, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. There are a few steps to get there:

• Register as an apprentice: You’ll need to first register as an apprentice to start gaining experience. Applicants can register online through the DORA portal and must register within 30 days of starting a plumbing job.
• Get the necessary experience: Each plumbing license level requires a different number of hours of practical experience. Experience must be documented and verified by an employer or licensed plumber.
• Take the exam: For all three levels of licensure, applicants must successfully pass the relevant exam.
• Submit an application and any relevant documents: Applicants must complete an online application and submit an affidavit of eligibility. Along with their applications, applicants will need to provide proof of work experience and citizenship, and complete criminal history screening questions.

Relevant documents can be mailed to:

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Division of Professions and Occupations

1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202

Colorado plumbing license test

To schedule an exam, applicants can either sign up for an exam slot online or contact  PSI exams by phone or mail. The specific number of questions and time you have available depends on the type of test you’re taking. 

• The Journeymen and Residential Plumber exams are 100 questions long, and you’ll have 240 minutes to complete. 
• The Master Plumber exam is 120 questions long, and you’ll have 270 minutes to complete. 

You need to score 70% or better in order to pass and qualify for each level of plumbing license.

All license exams cover the same plumbing topics:

• Water Supply
• Vents
• Fixtures and Equipment
• General Regulations
• Piping Support and System Protection
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage Systems
• Sanitary Drainage Systems
• Indirect and Special Waste Piping
• Isometric Analysis
• Residential Fire Sprinklers
• Water Heaters 

PSI has a variety of testing locations and available time slots to accommodate any schedule. You must schedule your test at least 24 hours prior to the test time.
Learn more about each Colorado plumbing exam through the Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI.

Does my Colorado plumbing license work in any other states?

Reciprocity agreements are arrangements made between states that allow one state’s license to be accepted in another state. 

Colorado does not have any reciprocity agreements with other states for plumbing licenses, but out-of-state license holders can apply for a Colorado license via endorsement. 

To obtain your license via endorsement, you must: 

• Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent work experience
• Provide proof of passing a comparable state plumbing exam
• Submit a copy of your plumbing license from another state (held at least 6 months)
• Submit an application with verified letters for work experience

Colorado plumbing license costs

There are a few fees involved with earning your plumbing license. These costs vary depending on the level of licensure you’re going for.

Colorado plumbing license renewal 

Colorado plumbing licenses need to be renewed in order to remain valid. All plumbing licenses expire on February 28th of odd years. To be eligible to renew your license, you must pay a renewal fee: 

• Apprentice plumber: $30
• Residential plumber: $100
• Journeyman plumber: $120
• Master plumber: $140

In addition to a renewal fee, license holders must complete 8 hours of continuing education every year. License renewals can be submitted using the DORA online portal.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If your license has expired, you must stop all plumbing work and pay the late fee to renew your license. You’ll have a 60-day grace period from the expiration date to renew your license. 

Failure to renew within the grace period will result in a delinquent license, and you’ll need to complete a reinstatement process. You can check if your license has expired using the DORA online portal.

Requirements for business owners

To start a plumbing business, you’ll need to complete a few additional steps beyond receiving your license. ​​Only those with a locally issued contractor’s license will be able to operate a plumbing business. 

When starting a business, you’ll first need to establish the structure in which you’ll operate. You can choose from business structures such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or partnership. Once you decide on your business structure, you’ll need to choose a name and register your business with your local government. 

You’ll need to meet the following requirements to start your business:

• Get the necessary insurance: Business owners are required to obtain general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial automobile insurance. The minimum coverage amount required depends on the monetary limit of your contractor’s license. This monetary amount is based on your financial statement.
• Obtain the necessary permits: The specific permits you need will depend on the local jurisdiction of the location where the project will take place. Check with your local Building and Codes office for what specific permits you’ll need.

On average, it costs around $10,000 to get all the essential plumbing tools, equipment, and insurance needed to start a plumbing business. If needed, you can apply for a small business loan to help cover the initial costs. You can also check with your local government to see if any small business grants are available.

Does a plumbing license in Colorado increase your earning potential? 

A plumbing license is not only required to conduct plumbing work, but it also helps increase your earning potential. The more experience you get, the higher the license title you’re able to receive, which brings greater earnings. 

The average annual salary for a Colorado plumber is $63,215. As you progress through your career from plumbing apprentice to journeyman and master plumber, you’ll have the opportunity to make upwards of $100,000. This potential is even greater for plumbing business owners.

Our Essential Plumber Salary Guide shows how much your earning potential increases with experience, job title, and geographic location.