Like most other states, the state of Colorado also has some specific requirements for contractors. General contractors can receive their licenses at a local or municipal level.
The state does not regulate the work of general contractors. However, it does not include plumbers or electricians. Therefore, plumbers need to get their licenses from the state.
The state of Colorado regulates plumbers through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). All plumbers must meet their requirements before starting work.
For the state, there are three levels of plumber licenses. These include residential, journeyman and master plumber. Each license has its own requirements.
Can licensed plumbers from other states work in Colorado?
Colorado allows licensed plumbers from other states to transfer their licenses and continue working in Colorado. However, it does not have any direct license reciprocity. However, the state also requires out-of-state plumbers to be verified and evaluated before allowing them to work in it. Plumbers can transfer their plumbing license to Colorado through either examination or endorsement.
How to get a plumbing license in Colorado?
As mentioned, the state of Colorado has three levels of plumbing licenses. These include the residential, journeyman, and master plumbing licenses.
The state does not require prospective plumbers to work as an apprentice to become a plumber. However, most contractors and experienced plumbers recommend going through an apprentice program to obtain relevant experience.
Plumbing employers employ and sponsor their apprentices. They also teach them the skills and education necessary to become a plumber.
It allows apprentices to get the experience of getting a license while also getting paid at the same time. All apprentices must register themselves as an individual with the DORA. They can do it through their online portal.
For apprentices, there are no fees involved. They get a registration card with an identification number. The number stays with apprentices as they work between various jobs.
The state also requires contractors to register any new apprentices within 30 days of hiring them. They must also pay a $30 fee to do so. Contractors must also notify the SPB if their apprentice leaves their employment, within 30 days.
Residential plumbing license
The first level of plumbing license in Colorado is the residential license. Applicants must meet the following requirements to be able to apply for or become a residential plumber.
- Have two years (or 3,400 hours) of verified work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility, detailing their previous experience.
- Pay a $100 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.
As mentioned, the state of Colorado does not require plumbers to work as an apprentice. However, it does require residential plumbers to have an experience of at least 3,400 hours. Therefore, apprenticeships can be highly beneficial for them.
Journeyman plumbing license
The next step after obtaining a residential plumbing license is to apply for the journeyman plumbing license. Residential plumbers must meet the following requirements to obtain a journeyman plumbing license.
- Have four years (or 6,800 hours) of verified practical work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility detailing their previous experience.
- Pay a $120 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.
Master plumbing license
The last level of plumbing license in the state of Colorado is the master plumbing license. Only plumbers with a journeyman license can apply to get the master plumbing license. They must meet the following requirements first.
- Have five years (or 9,780) hours of verified practical work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility, detailing all their previous work experience.
- Pay a $140 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.
Other requirements
The state does not require plumbers to attend a trade school or complete an apprenticeship before applying for a plumbing license.
However, it may come in handy if they do. Plumbers also need to provide any relevant educational information in their application.
For each level of plumbing license, plumbers must apply. Before sitting for the exam, the SPB must approve their application.
Similarly, plumbers need to pass the exam and apply for their required license afterward. The SPB must then approve the license application before granting the license to plumbers.
Licensed plumbers must continually renew their licenses every two years. All Colorado plumbing licenses expire on February 28 in odd-numbered years. Plumbers can apply online to have their contracts renewed.
Summary
The state of Colorado has the following requirements for each level of plumbing license for plumbers.
Residential
- Have two years (or 3,400 hours) of verified work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility, detailing all their previous experience.
- Pay a $100 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.
Journeyman
- Have four years (or 6,800 hours) of verified practical work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility detailing their previous experience.
- Pay a $120 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.
Master
- Have five years (or 9,780) hours of verified practical work experience.
- Complete an Affidavit of Eligibility, detailing all their previous work experience.
- Pay a $140 application fee.
- Have a valid Social Security number and be a citizen of the United States.