Colorado Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: Residential Plumber; Journeyworker Plumber; Master Plumber · Issued by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board.
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In Colorado, plumbers must hold the Residential Plumber; Journeyworker Plumber; Master Plumber, issued by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in Colorado
Follow these steps to earn your Residential Plumber; Journeyworker Plumber; Master Plumber. Every figure is verified against the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Residential: 2 years (3,400 hours); Journeyworker: 4 years (6,800 hours); Master: 5 years (8,500 hours) of practical experience. Experience may be verified through completion of state or federally approved apprenticeship program or affidavit of experience from employers.
- Pass the exam for the license class you are applying for. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not state-mandated for licensure; general liability is commonly carried for business. Workers' compensation: Required when employing others.
- Clear the background check. Criminal history disclosure required; false statements can result in application denial or license revocation
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board — Set by the State Plumbing Board / DORA and paid through DORA Online Services; amount varies by tier (Residential, Journeyworker, Master) application fee, plus a Included in the application license fee. Processing time: Online applications processed immediately upon payment; mail applications 5-7 business days.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years). Continuing education: 8 hours of continuing education in each year (March 1 to February 28) of the two-year license period; within every 24-month period at least 4 of the hours must be code-related (in either year). Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees.
For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →
Colorado plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in Colorado — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- Residential Plumber — Installation and repair of plumbing systems in residential buildings
- Journeyworker Plumber — Skilled plumber with 4 years experience; can perform full range of plumbing work under supervision or independently
- Master Plumber — Highest tier requiring 5 years experience; can operate independently, supervise others, and bid on plumbing contracts
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Residential: 2 years (3,400 hours); Journeyworker: 4 years (6,800 hours); Master: 5 years (8,500 hours) of practical experience. Experience may be verified through completion of state or federally approved apprenticeship program or affidavit of experience from employers. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Set by the State Plumbing Board / DORA and paid through DORA Online Services; amount varies by tier (Residential, Journeyworker, Master) |
| License fee | Included in the application |
| Renewal fee | Renewed every 2 years (odd-year February 28) through DORA Online Services; fee set on the DORA schedule |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years) |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of continuing education in each year (March 1 to February 28) of the two-year license period; within every 24-month period at least 4 of the hours must be code-related (in either year). Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees. |
| Bond required | None required by the state: the Plumbing Contractor registration requires the fee, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance, and a master plumber (C.R.S. 12-155-108); the plumbing statute and board rules set no bond. |
| Liability insurance | Not state-mandated for licensure; general liability is commonly carried for business. |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Required when employing others |
| Background check | Criminal history disclosure required; false statements can result in application denial or license revocation |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | None · other states' agreements |
| Processing time | Online applications processed immediately upon payment; mail applications 5-7 business days |
What a Colorado plumber license costs
| Application fee | Set by the State Plumbing Board / DORA and paid through DORA Online Services; amount varies by tier (Residential, Journeyworker, Master). |
|---|---|
| License fee | Included in the application. |
| Residential Plumber Exam | $75. |
| Journeyworker Plumber Exam | $75. |
| Master Plumber Exam | $75. |
| Surety bond | None required by the state: the Plumbing Contractor registration requires the fee, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance, and a master plumber (C.R.S. 12-155-108); the plumbing statute and board rules set no bond. |
| Renewal fee | Renewed every 2 years (odd-year February 28) through DORA Online Services; fee set on the DORA schedule. |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years). |
Exams
| Residential Plumber Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: $75 |
|---|---|
| Journeyworker Plumber Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% · Fee: $75 |
| Master Plumber Exam | Provider: PSI · Passing: 75% · Fee: $75 |
Renewing a Colorado plumber license
The Residential Plumber; Journeyworker Plumber; Master Plumber renews on a fixed cycle set by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years) |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | Renewed every 2 years (odd-year February 28) through DORA Online Services; fee set on the DORA schedule |
| Continuing education | 8 hours of continuing education in each year (March 1 to February 28) of the two-year license period; within every 24-month period at least 4 of the hours must be code-related (in either year). Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees. |
| Where to renew | Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board |
Local / municipal notes
Colorado uses statewide licensing; however, individual municipalities (Denver, Jefferson County, El Paso County, and others) impose separate local business licensing and permitting requirements. Local authorities conduct independent verification of bonding and insurance. Satisfying state minimums does not automatically satisfy municipal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Colorado plumber license cost?
Application: Set by the State Plumbing Board / DORA and paid through DORA Online Services; amount varies by tier (Residential, Journeyworker, Master). License: Included in the application. Renewal: Renewed every 2 years (odd-year February 28) through DORA Online Services; fee set on the DORA schedule.
How do I look up a plumber license in Colorado?
Search the official license database at apps2.colorado.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in Colorado need a surety bond?
None required by the state: the Plumbing Contractor registration requires the fee, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance compliance, and a master plumber (C.R.S. 12-155-108); the plumbing statute and board rules set no bond.
What experience is required for a Colorado plumber license?
Residential: 2 years (3,400 hours); Journeyworker: 4 years (6,800 hours); Master: 5 years (8,500 hours) of practical experience. Experience may be verified through completion of state or federally approved apprenticeship program or affidavit of experience from employers.
Is insurance required for plumbers in Colorado?
Liability: Not state-mandated for licensure; general liability is commonly carried for business. Workers' compensation: Required when employing others.
How long does it take to get a Colorado plumber license?
Processing time: Online applications processed immediately upon payment; mail applications 5-7 business days.
Is a background check required for plumbers in Colorado?
Background check: Criminal history disclosure required; false statements can result in application denial or license revocation.
How often must a Colorado plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years). Continuing education: 8 hours of continuing education in each year (March 1 to February 28) of the two-year license period; within every 24-month period at least 4 of the hours must be code-related (in either year). Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees.
Official sources
dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing/CE
dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing
dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing/LicensingServices
dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing/Applications