Colorado does not currently have a state-wide contractor license. There are only two trades that are regulated at the state level:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
For other licenses, the laws differ depending on the county.
However, several Contractor Licenses are offered in Denver through the Department of Community Planning and Development.
Plumbing Contractor Classifications in Colorado
In Colorado there are 3 levels of licensing for plumbing contractors:
Residential Plumber – Two Years Experience Required (3,400 Hours)
- Includes new construction, remodeling and additions to buildings for residential occupancy.
- Also include plumbing installation in one, two, three, and four-family dwellings, which do not extend more than two stories above ground.
Journeyman Plumber – Four Years Experience Required (6,800 Hours)
Master Plumber – Five Years Experience Required (9,780 Hours)
Who Needs to Have a Plumbing License in Colorado?
Anyone performing plumbing of any kind or work requires pulling a building permit.
Projects that involve installing, fabricating, or repairing residential or commercial plumbing systems.
Projects include but are not limited to:
- Water Supply
- Installation Techniques
- Plumbing Fixtures, Residential and Commercial Piping
- Blueprint Reading and Calculations
- Storm Drain and Sanitary Systems
- Waste Piping
- Water Heaters
- Residential Fire Sprinklers
- Piping Support and System protection
- Vents, Fixtures and Equipment
- Isometric Analysis
- Irrigation sprinkler systems, swimming pools and spas
Colorado Plumbing License Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Valid USA Identification
- Social Security Number or ITIN #
- Not currently on probation or parole
You must also
- Have 2, 4, or 5 Years of Journeyman Level Experience (depending on level)
- Pass Plumbing Exam
- Have an Active Contractor Bond
- Have a Registered Legal Entity (Sole, Partnership, LLC, or Corporation)
What is Journeyman Level Experience?
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) will require that you have journeyman-level experience as a plumber.
While different regions may have varying definitions for what a journeyman is, typically this is someone who:
- Can perform all of the duties associated with their trade
- Has worked un-supervised performing their trade
- Has supervisory level experience
- (in some cases) has completed a Journeyman certification
How Do I Prove My Plumbing Experience?
You will need to provide:
- Letters of verification
- Signature from either a supervisor, contractor, employer or journeyman
- The dates when your experience was gained
Verification of plumbing installation experience by submitting letters from current and/or former employers (master plumbers).
Letters of verification must be on company letterhead and signed by a master plumber.
The letters you submit must include the exact dates of employment and a specific job description, detailing the type of plumbing work performed (for example residential remodeling, commercial new construction, maintenance, etc.)
It should also include the amount of time you worked in each category. You must submit original letters; fax or photocopies of letters are not accepted. It is recommended that you keep copies of letters for your files.
Colorado Plumbing License Application Processing
You can apply for the Plumbing Contractor License Online here
Documents that must be included with your application are:
Some things to remember:
- According to Colorado law: all addresses and phone numbers on record with the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) are public record and must be provided to the public when requested.
- You will be responsible to keep all records current within the DPO system
Licensing Fees
- You must pay a $210 application processing fee with a credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover) or electronic check to complete the application process.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Colorado Plumbing License Exam
All applicants must pass the Colorado plumbing contractor exam. The exam is administered by a third-party company called PSI.
There are separate exams for the Residential, Journeyman, and Master Plumber’s licenses:
Residential Plumbing Exam
120 Scored Items – 270 Minutes
70% (84 Items Correct) to Pass
Up to 10 Non-Scored Items – 30 Minutes
The residential plumbing exam covers the following topics:
- Water Supply
- Vents
- Fixtures and Equipment
- Piping Support and System Protection
- Traps
- Sanitary Drainage Systems
- Residential
- Fire Sprinklers
- Water Heaters
Journeyman Plumbing Exam
100 Scored Items – 240 Minutes
70% (70 Items Correct) to Pass
Up to 10 Non-Scored Items – 30 Minutes
The Journeyman plumbing exam covers the following topics:
- Water Supply
- Vents
- Fixtures and Equipment
- 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
Master Plumber Exam
120 Scored Items – 270 Minutes
70% (84 Items Correct) to Pass
Up to 10 Non-Scored Items – 30 Minutes
The Master Plumber exam covers the following topics:
- Water Supply
- Vents
- Fixtures and Equipment
- 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
Colorado Business License
Colorado allows those applying for the Contractor License to choose if they would like to set themselves up as a business entity.
If you already have a registered business entity and you would like to apply for a license in Denver then you must include the following documentation about your business along with your application.
Typically, there are 4 common business structures among construction professionals:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a complete look at the differences between these business structures, check this guide.
For more information about getting a business license in Colorado and the nature of your business you can contact any of the following agencies:
- Colorado Secretary of State
- Colorado Department of Revenue
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
Worker’s Compensation
Colorado requires all businesses that have employees to carry worker’s compensation insurance, regardless of their construction trade.
Worker’s Compensation requirements for Colorado contractor license applicants can be found on the website of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Colorado Contractor License Look-up
For consumers or homeowners looking to search for an active Colorado contractor license, you may access information on the Department of Regulatory Agencies search portal
Construction Apprenticeships in Colorado
Whether you are looking to become a journeyman plumber in Colorado or begin a career in the construction industry, you will want to begin by mastering a trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career is by looking into an apprenticeship program.
These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a trade.
Colorado plumbing license holders must have skillsets beyond simply trade knowledge. You must also understand the fundamentals of running a construction business and safety.
If you are new to the world of construction and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state has different requirements and standards for certifications. To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Blueprint Reading Course
For those looking to do pursue a career in construction or get the Colorado General Contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for those looking to get a Colorado plumbing license.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Safety Certifications
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is a huge part of managing a construction site. General Contractors as well as licensed plumbers should know everything about safely supervising a project.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor in Colorado, you may be asked to complete some level of Osha Safety Training.
Get Started
Getting the Colorado plumbing contractor license can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for a company!
The Construction industry is highly lucrative. Whether you are looking to get licensed in other states or offer handyman services in Colorado.
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end. If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about plumbing contractor licenses in California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.