Licensing Guides
Colorado Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Colorado
Plumbing, CO
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Colorado
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Colorado?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Colorado?
Does My Colorado Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Colorado?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Colorado?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Colorado employs 9,970 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Colorado, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate for the plumbing industry is double that at 12% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Colorado in July 2025 totaled 186,700, a decrease of 700 (-0.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,300 or 4% from February 2020.” If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. The state of Colorado has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Colorado
Is a license required for plumbers in Colorado? Yes.
It is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Colorado, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be licensed. The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, residential plumbers, journeyman plumbers, master plumbers, and contractors.
Statewide regulations for plumbers are set by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations, located in Denver. The Colorado State Plumbing Board falls under its purview and issues three plumbing license classifications and requires apprentice and contractor registrations.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Colorado
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Colorado?
There are three main plumber licenses in Colorado. There is no apprentice license, as apprentices only need to register with DORA.
Apprentice — The Plumbing Board defines a plumbing apprentice as any individual employed in the plumbing trade that is not currently licensed in the State of Colorado. Working as an apprentice, which is required for licensure, requires employment by a Plumbing Contractor actively registered with the State Plumbing Board and registration with the Plumbing Contractor as a Plumbing Apprentice with the State Plumbing Board.
Residential Plumber — “Means any person, other than a master or journeyman plumber or plumbing apprentice, who has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge, as specified by the board, to install plumbing and equipment in one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings, which dwellings must not extend more than two stories aboveground.”
Journeyman Plumber — “Means any person, other than a master plumber, residential plumber, or plumbing apprentice, who engages in or works at the actual installation, alteration, repair, and renovation of plumbing in accordance with the standards and rules established by the board.”
Master Plumber — “Means a person who has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, and install and repair plumbing apparatus and equipment including the supervision of such in accordance with the standards and rules established by the board.”
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Note: Colorado defines one month of full-time experience as equivalent to 163 hours.
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Must register as an apprentice with Colorado’s Division of Professions and Occupations within 30 days of starting plumbing work.
Have a valid driver’s license, Social Security Number, and be insurable.
Must possess the physical capabilities to perform plumbing work.
Must work exclusively under the supervision of a licensed residential, journeyman, or master plumber.
Must pay the $30 registration fee.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must work under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber.
Must pass a criminal background check and provide documentation of any criminal convictions.
Must provide an affidavit of experience showing 3,400 hours (2 years) of work experience as a registered apprentice.
Must pass the Residential Plumbing License exam via PSI.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must work under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
Must pass a criminal background check and provide documentation of any criminal convictions.
Must provide an affidavit of experience showing 6,800 hours (4 years) of work experience. Note, you don’t have to hold a Residential license to become a Journeyman plumber, so long as you meet the 4 years of practical experience.
Must pass the Journeyman Plumber License exam via PSI.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass a criminal background check and provide documentation of any criminal convictions.
Must provide an affidavit of experience showing 8,500 hours (5 years) of work experience.
Must pass the Master Plumbing License exam via PSI.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
If you plan to be a general contractor, you will need to get your license at the local level. The state does not regulate general contractor licenses in Colorado. If you want to be a plumbing contractor, you must register with the state Plumbing Board.
To register a Plumbing Contractor company, you must pass the Master Plumber exam or have a licensed master plumber as your company’s responsible party. The fee to register your company as a plumbing contractor is $210.
If you employ others, you must have workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance. If you are not a master plumber yourself, you will need to complete the Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form identifying the master plumber who will be responsible for all plumbing work performed.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Colorado
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Enroll in a registered apprentice program registered with the State Plumbing Board.
Complete two-year apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed Residential, Journeyman, or Master plumber.
Apply for a Residential plumber license.
Gain two years of work experience as a licensed Residential plumber working under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master.
Apply for and pass the exam for Journeyman license.
Work for at least one year as a licensed Journeyman plumber to become eligible for a Master license.
Apply for and pass the exam for a Master license.
If you want to own your own business and become a general contractor, you will need to obtain your license at the local level.
If your contracting business performs plumbing work, you either need to hold a Master Plumber license or employ someone with the licensure.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractor’s License in Colorado
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Colorado plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Colorado to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Colorado?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Colorado is $67,020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers.
In Colorado those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,800
Senior (4-7 years): $76,700
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Colorado?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Colorado is fairly low. The fee for the Apprentice Registration is only $30.
Union apprenticeships, like UA Local 145 in Grand Junction, last 4-5 years and cost around $40 per month. However, apprentices are earning as they learn, so the pay outweighs the money spent on apprentice training.
Once you have met the work experience requirements, you’ll also pay a fee to take the applicable licensing exam. The fee for the Residential, Journeyman, and Master exam is $75.
Each of the other Colorado plumber license classes has a different application fee, including:
Residential Plumber: $100
Journeyman Plumber: $120
Master Plumber: $140
To register a Plumbing Contractor, you must have a Master Plumber license or have a licensed master plumber as your company’s responsible party. The fee to register your company as a plumbing contractor is $210.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Colorado
Becoming a plumbing professional in Colorado isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. To begin training, you must register as an apprentice with the State Plumbing Board. The apprenticeship fee is $30.
Registered apprenticeship programs typically last between 2 and 5 years, depending on the license you seek. You need a minimum of 2 years of experience to qualify for a Residential plumber license, 4 years of experience for a Journeyman license, and 5 years of experience for a Master Plumbing license.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply to take the state licensing exam at your desired level. All three exams are administered by PSI testing services. There are Candidate Information Bulletins for each exam on the PSI website which describe the examination and application process for Residential Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber tests. All three require a 70% to pass, and all three are open book, based on the 2018 Edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Building Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After successfully passing an examination, you will need to complete the license application. You can access all plumber license applications online.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to pass a criminal background check and provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you plan to be a general contractor, you will need to get your license at the local level. The state does not regulate general contractor licenses in Colorado. View the full Colorado Contractor Licensing details here.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Colorado?
It will take a minimum of 2 years to complete a registered apprenticeship and become a Residential Plumber in Colorado. You must acquire 4 years of work experience to qualify for a Journeyman license, and five years for a Master license.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are a fully licensed plumber. Then it goes up again when you advance to a Master level. As a licensed contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Colorado Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. Since the state of Colorado requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.
Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood offers a Plumbing Service program that prepares students for entry-level plumbing jobs and related certifications. The program covers essential plumbing skills, including piping, plumbing service, soldering, and the International Plumbing Code. The program also prepares students for the written and practical portions of state plumbing exams.
Front Range Community College in Fort Collins offers a 145-hour Foundations of Plumbing certificate. The program states, “In this self-paced course, you will learn how to work on modern plumbing systems from in-depth course material developed by industry experts and employers. After completing this plumbing foundation course, you will possess the specialized skills and technical knowledge needed to start a career in plumbing.”
Apprenticeship: There are apprenticeships offered through unions or local trade associations. Local 58 of the Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Journeyman Union of Southeastern Colorado serves the area of Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Local 58’s JATC Training Apprenticeship program consists of five years of on-the-job training and attending classes at the JATC training center.
Program Prerequisites:
High school diploma or GED with scores
Original transcript of courses and grades
Birth certificate or other acceptable proof of age
Records of previous work experience, if any (Resume)
Must have a valid driver’s license
Social Security Card
Must be insurable at standard rates
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces. Local 58’s program specifically covers:
Underground water supply
Stormwater
Sewer drainage
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Colorado, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Colorado.
Colorado Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The Colorado State Plumbing Board has contracted with PSI Testing Services to conduct the examinations for licensing. Once you have the required years of experience you may contact PSI to schedule your exam.
There are Candidate Information Bulletins for each exam on the PSI website which describe the examination and application process for Residential Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber tests.
The Examination fee for each of the three exams is $75. The retest fee if you do not pass the first time is $70. PSI has exam centers in Denver, Fort Collins, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Durango.
The Residential Plumber Exam consists of 100 questions and has a time limit of 240 minutes. The Journeyman Plumber Exam consists of 100 questions with a time limit of 240 minutes. The Master Plumber Exam contains 120 questions, and you are allowed 270 minutes to complete it. All three require a 70% to pass, and all three are open book, based on the 2018 Edition of the International Plumbing Code and the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Building Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings.
Categories covered in exam include: cross-connections, calculations, and blueprint reading, combination waste and vent systems, hangers, supports, and system protection, indirect and special waste piping, installation techniques, plumbing fixtures, isometric analysis, sanitary drainage systems, storm drainage systems, traps, interceptors, separators, vents/venting, and water distribution systems.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Colorado?
All plumbing licenses in Colorado are issued by the State Plumbing Board, which is part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations.
Does My Colorado Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Colorado does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other states. However, the State Plumbing Board does allow plumbers from other states to apply by means of endorsement from another verifying agency.
Endorsement applicants must:
Document minimum experience requirements.
Upload a copy of your qualifying, equivalent license from another state.
The license must be active and issued at the state level by a state-administered test on the current or previous version of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) in use in Colorado at the time of application.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Colorado?
Colorado does not offer formal reciprocity agreements with any other state for plumbing licenses. However, Colorado does allow endorsement applications: you can submit your out-of-state plumbing license and documentation, but must still meet Colorado’s full eligibility criteria, including hours, experience affidavits, and examination requirements.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Colorado
Colorado mandates strict ratios for the supervision of plumbing apprentices. For instance, a journeyman plumber can supervise no more than three apprentices at one time. These ratios are regulated and enforced by the Colorado State Plumbing Board, which is more tightly controlled than in some other states.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Colorado?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Colorado.
Scholarships are awarded through trade organizations and through the state itself.
Apprenticeship Colorado funds registered apprenticeship programs in the building trades. According to the program, “Apprenticeship programs may be free or have associated tuition, fees, supplies, or other training materials. Career seekers and apprentices may find many resources available to support associated costs through local workforce centers, education partners, and apprenticeship intermediaries. Incentives, scholarships, and grants offered to apprentices by Registered Apprenticeship Programs are also listed on the Apprenticeship Directory under the program's directory profile listing.”
Emily Griffith Technical College partners with the Construction Industry Training Council and local unions to operate plumber apprenticeships. These programs usually don’t charge tuition and often pay apprentices, especially in union arrangements.
Additionally, Top‑Notch Plumbing in Greeley runs a state-registered apprenticeship that provides full tuition at no cost while apprentices earn wages over four years. The program leads directly to eligibility for the Colorado Journeyman exam.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Colorado?
Your plumbing license can be verified through the official license lookup tool provided by DORA.
Enter license details. You can search by license number or first and last name.
View license details, including active status or any previous disciplinary actions.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Colorado?
A suspended license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Colorado plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Colorado plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Colorado Plumbing Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Colorado?
Performing plumbing work at any level without an active license, permit, or registration is a Class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense, which may carry up to 120 days in jail and/or fines. A second or subsequent offense escalates to a Class 6 felony, with significantly harsher penalties including potential state prison time.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Colorado plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Colorado Plumbing Code.
Continuing Education
In 2021, the State of Colorado began requiring continuing education for plumbers. To renew, you must show proof of eight hours of continuing education for each year. That’s a total of 16 CEU hours for renewal every two years. Renewals occur on odd-numbered-years.
According to the Plumbing Board, “All courses must be taken through a CE vendor or provider that has attested to the Board that their courses and instructors meet the continuing education requirements of Board Rule.”
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
