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. 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 a electrician license in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires a statewide electrician license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Electrical Board.
How much does a electrician license cost in Colorado?
The estimated initial cost is $195, including application, exam, and license fees.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DORA