Colorado Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Plumber License · Issued by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board.

🔧 PlumberCO ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Colorado, plumbers must hold the Plumber License, issued by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board, and a $10,000 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 Plumber License. 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 Residential Plumber Exam and Journeyworker Plumber Exam and Master Plumber Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Colorado requires $10,000 surety bond required for the separate Plumbing Contractor registration (the business entity); the individual plumber license itself does not require a bond.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not state-mandated for licensure; general liability is commonly carried for business.), and workers' compensation coverage.
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. Renew every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years), completing 8 hours of continuing education every 12 months (in effect since May 1, 2021); at least 4 hours must be code-related. Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees.

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 every 12 months (in effect since May 1, 2021); at least 4 hours must be code-related. Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees.
Bond required	$10,000 surety bond required for the separate Plumbing Contractor registration (the business entity); the individual plumber license itself does not require a 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
Processing time	Online applications processed immediately upon payment; mail applications 5-7 business days

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: 70% · Fee: $75

Preparing for the Plumber exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

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.

Do plumbers in Colorado need a surety bond?

$10,000 surety bond required for the separate Plumbing Contractor registration (the business entity); the individual plumber license itself does not require a 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 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 every 12 months (in effect since May 1, 2021); at least 4 hours must be code-related. Applies to active Residential, Journeyworker, and Master licensees.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-26 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations, State Plumbing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.