Colorado Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Colorado requires statewide licensing for electricians and plumbers through DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies), Division of Professions and Occupations. General contractors, HVAC technicians, and roofing contractors have NO statewide license — licensing for those trades is handled entirely at the city/county level. Denver, Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak), Boulder, and other municipalities each set their own requirements.
General Contractor
Not requiredExperienceNone
ExamNo
Est. CostN/A
Electrician
RequiredExperience8,000 hrs
ExamYes
Est. Cost$195
Plumber
RequiredExperience6,800 hrs
ExamYes
Est. Cost$120
HVAC Technician
Not requiredExperienceNone
ExamNo
Est. CostN/A
Roofing Contractor
Not requiredExperienceNone
ExamNo
Est. CostN/A
Reciprocity Agreements
Colorado has reciprocity agreements with 14 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Alaska — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA (National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance). Must hold current, active journeyman or master certificate obtained via state-administered exam for at least 1 year. No written exam required.
Arkansas — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Idaho — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Iowa — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Minnesota — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Montana — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Nebraska — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
New Hampshire — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
New Mexico — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
North Dakota — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Oklahoma — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
South Dakota — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Utah — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.
Wyoming — Journeyman Electrician reciprocity through NERA.