Electrician License Requirements in Colorado
| Licensing Authority | Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board (DORA) |
| License Type | Residential Wireman / Journeyman / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 8,000 hours earned in no less than 4 years, plus 288 hours of classroom education required for ALL applicants. Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours (min 2 years). Master: 10,000 hours (min 5 years) with multiple qualification pathways including degree substitutes. |
| Education Substitute | Master Electrician: A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college reduces experience to 2,000 hours (1 year). A graduate of an electrical trade school or community college qualifies with 8,000 hours (4 years). Journeyman: 288 hours of approved classroom education is required (not a substitute — it is mandatory). |
| Exam Required | Yes — Residential Wireman Exam + Journeyman Electrician Exam + Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours every 3 years (per renewal cycle) |
| Processing Time | Online applications processed immediately upon payment. Mail applications may take 5-7 business days. CE attestations mailed via USPS may take up to 6 weeks. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $195 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Residential Wireman application | $100 |
| Journeyman application | $120 |
| Master Electrician application | $140 |
| Electrical Contractor registration | $210 |
| Apprentice registration | $30 |
| Apprentice renewal (annual) | $30 |
| Exam retest fee | $70 |
| Late renewal penalty | $15 |
Renewal: $120 every 3 years (expires September 30)
Exam Requirements
Residential Wireman Exam
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI Services
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Colorado
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Colorado. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must register with DORA and work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Residential Wireman
4,000 hours (minimum 2 years) in 1-4 family dwelling electrical work
Exam: Required
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours (minimum 4 years) plus 288 hours classroom education
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
10,000 hours (minimum 5 years). Pathways: (1) BS in Electrical Engineering + 2,000 hrs (min 1 yr), (2) Electrical trade school/community college graduate + 8,000 hrs (min 4 yrs), (3) Journeyman license + additional 2,000 hrs (min 1 yr)
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 14 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- All exams are open-book — NEC 2023 edition provided at the testing center
- PSI maintains 7 testing locations across Colorado
- Electrical Contractor registration requires employing a Master Electrician
- 24 CE hours must include minimum 4 hours on NEC code changes and 4 hours on safety
- Next renewal cycle: all licenses expire September 30, 2026
- 2026 change: photovoltaic installers must register with the Electrical Board by December 31, 2026 (SB25-002 related provisions)
You're licensed in Colorado as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board issues the Residential Wireman / Journeyman / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Colorado customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Colorado does not require a surety bond for this license — No statewide surety bond required by DORA for electrician licenses. Some local jurisdictions may require a bond for electrical contractors operating within their area.
Carry general liability insurance.
Colorado does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. DORA does not mandate GL insurance for electrician licensure, but it is strongly recommended and often required by local jurisdictions. Colorado law requires workers comp for all construction employers — sole proprietors may file a rejection of coverage. Pikes Peak requires $1M/$2M GL for contractors. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years (expires September 30) at $120. Continuing education: 24 hours every 3 years (per renewal cycle)
Other licenses in Colorado
- General Contractor license in Colorado
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Plumber license in Colorado
Statewide license required · $120 in initial government fees · DORA
- HVAC Technician license in Colorado
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Roofing Contractor license in Colorado
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires a statewide electrician license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board.
How much does an electrician license cost in Colorado?
The estimated initial cost is $195, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Colorado?
Journeyman: 8,000 hours earned in no less than 4 years, plus 288 hours of classroom education required for ALL applicants. Residential Wireman: 4,000 hours (min 2 years). Master: 10,000 hours (min 5 years) with multiple qualification pathways including degree substitutes. Education substitute: Master Electrician: A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college reduces experience to 2,000 hours (1 year). A graduate of an electrical trade school or community college qualifies with 8,000 hours (4 years). Journeyman: 288 hours of approved classroom education is required (not a substitute — it is mandatory).
What exams are required for an electrician license in Colorado?
You must pass the Residential Wireman Exam and Journeyman Electrician Exam and Master Electrician Exam exams. A passing score of 70% on all exams is required. Exams are administered by PSI Services.
Does Colorado have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Colorado has reciprocity agreements with 14 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Colorado?
Processing time is typically Online applications processed immediately upon payment. Mail applications may take 5-7 business days. CE attestations mailed via USPS may take up to 6 weeks. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Colorado?
Yes, 24 hours per every 3 years (per renewal cycle) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Colorado— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DORA