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
Pass: 70% on all exams
2018 International Plumbing Code2018 International Residential Code
Journeyworker Plumber Exam
100 questions3 hoursPass: 70% on all exams
2018 International Plumbing CodeColorado Plumbing Code
Master Plumber Exam
120 questions4 hours (270 minutes)Pass: 70% on all exams
2018 International Plumbing CodeColorado Plumbing CodeState business law
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
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.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DORA