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Home / Plumbers / Colorado / License

Colorado journeyman plumber license

Journeyworker license: what DPO asks for once you're logging hours.3

6,800hours of supervised work
3 YEARbetween renewals

How many hours do you need for the journeyworker license in Colorado?

6,800 hours of supervised work, about 3 years full time.2

Residential electrician certification
3,400 hrs2 years (about 3,400 hours)
Journeyworker license
6,800 hrs4 years (about 6,800 hours)
Master license
8,500 hrs5 years (about 8,500 hours)

Keep your own record of hours, employers and pay stubs. DPO can ask for proof when you apply.

What is the Colorado plumber exam like?

You take the state exam once the board approves your hours. The exam is given by PSI Services LLC. Code book: 2018 International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code (editions referenced for the exams). Open book: you bring your own copy of the code book.12

How much does the journeyworker license cost?

DPO lists these fees.2

FeeAmount
Residential application$100
Journeyworker application$120
Master application$140
Renewal: residential$100
Renewal: journeyworker$120
Renewal: master$140
Apprentice registration$30

How do you renew it?

3-year terms starting with the cycle that begins March 1, 2027.1 Continuing education: 8 hours for every 12 months since the last renewal; not required at the first renewal after passing the exam.1

Does a license from another state count in Colorado?

License by endorsement if the other state's license is active, issued by the state (not a city or county) and earned by exam on the current or previous International Plumbing Code; a verification of licensure from the issuing board is required.2

License levels in Colorado

Apprentice (registered); Residential Plumber; Journeyworker; Master Plumber; plumbing contractor registration (business).

Ready to apply?

Applications, exam booking and hour forms are on DPO's site.

DPO license page

More for plumbers in Colorado

Sources

  1. Colorado State Plumbing Board, Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO): exam (leg.colorado.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Colorado State Plumbing Board, Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO): exam provider (dpo.colorado.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Colorado State Plumbing Board, Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO): licensing (dpo.colorado.gov, 2026-10-27)