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 |
| 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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $910 |
Renewal: $120 every 3 years (expires September 30)
Exam Requirements
Residential Wireman Exam
Journeyman Electrician Exam
Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: PSI Services
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)
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.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DORA