A state-issued license is necessary to legally perform plumbing work in Colorado, establishing a standard of competency for public health and safety. The entire licensing process is managed and regulated by the Colorado State Plumbing Board, which operates under the Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA). This board governs the requirements for entry into the trade, progression through the ranks, and ongoing compliance once a license is obtained. The career path is structured to ensure all licensed professionals possess the required technical knowledge and practical experience.
The Plumbing Licensing Hierarchy in Colorado
The plumbing profession in Colorado is governed by the statutory framework outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 12, Article 58. The career path is organized into three levels: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumber. Independent practice is not permitted until the Journeyman or Master level is achieved. The state mandates a uniform system, meaning local municipal plumbing licenses are not recognized for general practice. This standardization ensures that all licensed plumbers meet the same competency standard across the state.
Step One: Becoming a Registered Plumbing Apprentice
The plumbing career begins with mandatory registration as a plumbing apprentice to accrue required experience hours. This is an accessible entry point, as no prior experience or formal education is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) within 30 days of starting a plumbing job. The process involves submitting an application and a registration fee of approximately $30. Apprentices must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master, Journeyman, or Residential Plumber.
This practical experience must be systematically documented and verified by the supervising plumber. State regulations limit supervision to a maximum of three apprentices per licensed plumber at a single jobsite. Although formal trade school is not required, many apprentices enroll in state-approved programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. These programs cover plumbing theory, code requirements, and safety practices.
Progressing to Journeyman Plumber
The Journeyman Plumber designation represents the transition from a supervised trainee to an independently practicing professional and is the most common licensure for general plumbing work. To qualify for the examination, an apprentice must document a minimum of 6,800 hours of practical experience, typically accumulated over four years of full-time work under supervision. The applicant must submit an Affidavit of Experience, formally verifying the accumulated hours from past and current contractors. Once verified, the candidate must apply for examination pre-approval from the Colorado State Plumbing Board, submitting an application and paying a fee of around $120.
The Journeyman examination is a comprehensive, open-book test administered by a third-party service. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 240-minute time limit. The test covers subjects including water supply, vents, sanitary drainage systems, storm drainage, and various plumbing components and fixtures. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. A licensed Journeyman Plumber is permitted to perform both residential and commercial plumbing projects without direct supervision.
Achieving Master Plumber Status
The Master Plumber license is the highest certification level, authorizing the holder to operate a contracting business, bid on projects, and assume major supervisory responsibilities. This license signifies a high level of technical proficiency, comprehensive code knowledge, and a grasp of administrative business practices. Eligibility requires five full-time years, or 8,500 hours, of documented practical experience in the plumbing trade. If the applicant holds a Journeyman license, they typically need at least one additional year of experience before applying.
The application requires submitting an Affidavit of Experience and paying a fee of approximately $140. The Master Plumber exam is a separate, more challenging, open-book, computer-based test. It contains 120 questions with a time limit of 270 minutes. The test covers advanced technical topics, project planning, supervision, and business knowledge specific to Colorado plumbing regulations. A passing score of 75% is required. Achieving this status allows a plumber to employ other licensed plumbers and apprentices, taking on the full liability and responsibility of a plumbing contractor.
Licensing Maintenance and Renewal Requirements
Maintaining an active plumbing license (Residential, Journeyman, or Master) requires adherence to a regular renewal cycle and continuing education. All licenses expire on February 28th of every odd-numbered year, establishing a two-year renewal period. Licensees must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours to be eligible for renewal.
A minimum of eight hours of CPE must be completed every 12 months, totaling 16 hours per renewal period. These hours must be selected from core competencies, with at least four hours every 24 months related to plumbing codes. Administrative fees apply, such as $120 for a Journeyman license and $140 for a Master license. Allowing a license to lapse may require paying reinstatement fees or completing additional testing.
Typical Salary and Job Outlook in Colorado
The plumbing profession in Colorado offers strong earning potential, driven by high demand for skilled labor. Employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by 12% over a ten-year period, double the national projection. Salaries increase substantially as professionals advance through the licensing hierarchy.
Entry-level apprentice plumbers in Colorado often earn an average hourly wage higher than the national average. Licensed Journeyman Plumbers earn an average annual salary well above the median wage for all occupations. Master Plumbers, who operate their own businesses and manage larger projects, have the greatest earning potential, often reaching six-figure annual incomes.