Plumber License Requirements in Colorado
| Licensing Authority | Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Plumbing Board (DORA) |
| License Type | Residential / Journeyworker / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | Residential: 3,400 hours (2 years). Journeyworker: 6,800 hours (4 years). Master: 8,500 hours (5 years). All experience must be practical plumbing work. Apprentices must register with DORA. |
| Education Substitute | Not explicitly defined — Colorado requires practical experience hours. Trade school or community college plumbing programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Residential Plumber Exam + Journeyworker Plumber Exam + Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every year (16 hours per 2-year renewal cycle) |
| Processing Time | Online applications processed immediately upon payment. Mail applications may take 5-7 business days. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Residential Plumber application | $100 |
| Journeyworker application | $120 |
| Master Plumber application | $140 |
| Apprentice registration | $30 |
| Apprentice renewal (annual) | $30 |
| Late renewal penalty | $15 |
| Est. Initial Total | $555 |
Renewal: $100 every 2 years (expires last day of February, odd years)
Exam Requirements
Residential Plumber Exam
Journeyworker Plumber Exam
Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: PSI Services
License Tiers
Apprentice
Entry level — must register with DORA, works under supervision
Exam: Not required
Residential Plumber
3,400 hours (minimum 2 years) in 1-4 family dwellings, no more than 2 stories above ground
Exam: Required
Journeyworker Plumber
6,800 hours (minimum 4 years) practical plumbing experience
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
8,500 hours (minimum 5 years) practical plumbing experience
Exam: Required
Notes
- All plumbing exams are open-book — IPC and Colorado Plumbing Code references allowed
- Exams based on 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) and 2018 International Residential Code
- Plumbing Contractor registration requires employing a Master or Journeyworker Plumber
- Next renewal: all plumbing licenses expire February 28, 2027 (odd years)
- Retakes permitted after 30 days with new exam fee
- 2025 change: SB25-002 exempts factory-built structures from Plumbing Board jurisdiction, but connections to external utilities still require licensed plumbers
How to get a Colorado plumber license: step-by-step
- Register as an apprentice with DORA's State Plumbing Board ($30 application + $30 annual renewal). You must work under a licensed plumber from the start.
- Log your hours. Residential Plumber needs 3,400 hours (2 years minimum). Journeyworker needs 6,800 hours (4 years). Master needs 8,500 hours (5 years).
- Apply for your exam through PSI Services. Application fee ranges $100–$140 by tier. All Colorado plumbing exams are open-book and based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code plus Colorado amendments.
- Sit the exam. Journeyworker is 100 questions over 3 hours; Master is 120 questions over 4 hours. Both require 70% to pass. Retakes are permitted after 30 days with a new exam fee.
- Post your bond and insurance. Plumbing contractors must file a $10,000 surety bond with DORA and carry $500,000 minimum general liability.
- Submit your license application. Online applications process immediately on payment; mailed ones run 5–7 business days. Renewals are biennial, expiring the last day of February in odd years (next: 2/28/2027).
Common reasons DORA denies Colorado plumber applications
- Unverifiable apprentice hours — DORA requires the supervising master plumber's license number and signed verification for every hour claimed
- Wrong tier — applying for Journeyworker with only 3,400 hours of residential work (you'd need Residential Plumber instead)
- Missing 2018 IPC familiarity — exams are open-book, but applicants who don't bring the IPC and Colorado Plumbing Code to the test routinely fail
- Insurance certificate naming an entity other than the licensed contractor (common when working under a parent LLC)
- Continuing education shortfall at renewal — 8 hours per year (16 per 2-year cycle) is mandatory, and mailed CE attestations can take 6 weeks to post
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado requires a statewide plumber license through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies — State Plumbing Board.
How much does a plumber license cost in Colorado?
The estimated initial cost is $120, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in Colorado?
Residential: 3,400 hours (2 years). Journeyworker: 6,800 hours (4 years). Master: 8,500 hours (5 years). All experience must be practical plumbing work. Apprentices must register with DORA. Education substitute: Not explicitly defined — Colorado requires practical experience hours. Trade school or community college plumbing programs may count toward experience hours at the Board's discretion.
What exams are required for a plumber license in Colorado?
You must pass the Residential Plumber Exam and Journeyworker Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. A passing score of 70% on all exams is required. Exams are administered by PSI Services.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Colorado?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. Plumbing contractors must post a surety bond. Amount is $10,000 per the State Plumbing Board. Some sources cite higher amounts ($25,000) for larger operations — verify with DORA for your specific situation.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in Colorado?
Processing time is typically Online applications processed immediately upon payment. Mail applications may take 5-7 business days. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Colorado?
Yes, 8 hours per every year (16 hours per 2-year renewal cycle) is required for license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DORA