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How to get a plumber license in Colorado

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from Colorado's official board.

Confirmed; there is no separate apprentice license (apprentices register).

Issuing authority: Colorado DORA - State Plumbing Board (Division of Professions and Occupations). Official page: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Plumbing

License levels in Colorado

Colorado plumber licensing at a glance

RequirementsApprentice: register with DPO within 30 days of starting work. Residential: 3,400 hours (2 years) as a registered apprentice + exam. Journeyman: 4 years (6,800 hours) practical experience + exam. Master: 5 years (8,500 hours) total, including at least 2 years (~4,000 hours) of documented journeyman-level work after journeyman licensure + exam.
ReciprocityNot established statewide.
RenewalTwo-year license period; at least 8 hours of continuing education each year (March 1 - February 28) of the two-year period (required since May 1, 2021).
NotesConfirmed; there is no separate apprentice license (apprentices register).

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Colorado?
Confirmed; there is no separate apprentice license (apprentices register).
What plumber license levels does Colorado have?
The levels are Apprentice (registration), Residential Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, (Plumbing Contractor).
How do you get licensed as a plumber in Colorado?
Apprentice: register with DPO within 30 days of starting work. Residential: 3,400 hours (2 years) as a registered apprentice + exam. Journeyman: 4 years (6,800 hours) practical experience + exam. Master: 5 years (8,500 hours) total, including at least 2 years (~4,000 hours) of documented journeyman-level work after journeyman licensure + exam.
Does Colorado have plumber license reciprocity?
Not established statewide.

Related

Supply
How many plumbers in ColoradoHub
All Colorado trades pages

Sources: dpo.colorado.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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