Dreaming of a stable, in-demand career with strong earning potential? Plumbing offers just that—and in Colorado, the demand for skilled plumbers continues to rise. If you’re wondering how to become a licensed plumber in Colorado, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from training to licensing, so you can confidently pursue this rewarding trade.
What Are the Basic Requirements to Become a Plumber in Colorado?
Before diving into licenses and exams, it’s essential to understand the foundational requirements set by the Colorado State Plumbing Board:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Legal Status: You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Clean Record: No felony convictions related to plumbing or fraud (minor offenses may be reviewed case by case).
Unlike some states, Colorado does not require a state-wide journeyman license—but it does require a Master Plumber license to pull permits or run your own plumbing business.
💡 Did You Know? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers in Colorado earn a median annual wage of $63,400, with projected job growth of 10% through 2032—faster than the national average.
Step 1: Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship (4–5 Years)
Colorado does not mandate formal classroom education, but hands-on apprenticeship is the gold standard. Most aspiring plumbers enroll in a registered apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
How to Find an Apprenticeship:
Join a union program (e.g., UA Local 124 in Denver).
Enroll with a non-union contractor offering structured training.
Apply through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) apprenticeship directory.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll typically:
Work 40 hours per week under a licensed master plumber.
Complete 576–1,000 hours of classroom instruction over 4–5 years.
Learn pipe installation, code compliance, safety protocols, and blueprint reading.
📌 Pro Tip: Many apprentices earn $18–$25/hour while training—with raises as skills improve.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience (Minimum 4 Years)
To qualify for the Master Plumber exam, Colorado requires at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of practical plumbing experience under a licensed master plumber. This experience must include:
Residential and commercial plumbing systems
Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) installations
Gas piping and water supply systems
Keep detailed records of your work hours. The state may audit your logbooks during the application process.
Step 3: Apply for the Master Plumber License
Colorado does not have a journeyman license—so after your 4 years of experience, you go straight for the Master Plumber license, which allows you to:
Pull permits
Supervise other plumbers
Start your own plumbing business
Application Checklist:
✅ Completed application form (via Colorado DORA ) ✅ Proof of 8,000 work hours (signed by employers) ✅ $105 application fee ✅ $100 exam fee
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Step 4: Pass the Colorado Master Plumber Exam
The exam is administered by PSI Exams and covers:
Colorado Plumbing Code (based on the IPC – International Plumbing Code)
General trade knowledge
Plan reading and system design
Exam Details:
100 multiple-choice questions
4-hour time limit
70% passing score
Offered in Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Pueblo
📘 Study Resources:
International Plumbing Code (2021 edition)
PSI’s official exam content outline
Practice tests from reputable providers like PlumbingExamPrep.com
On average, 68% of first-time test-takers pass—so thorough preparation is key.
Step 5: Maintain and Renew Your License
Your Colorado Master Plumber license is valid for 2 years. To renew:
Complete 16 hours of continuing education (including 8 hours on code updates)
Pay a $125 renewal fee
Submit renewal before your expiration date (late fees apply)
Failure to renew on time means reapplying as a new candidate—including retaking the exam.
Colorado vs. Other States: Licensing Comparison
Colorado
❌ No
✅ Yes (to pull permits)
✅ Strongly recommended
California
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Texas
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Florida
✅ Yes
❌ No (journeyman can work independently)
✅ Yes
Colorado stands out by skipping the journeyman tier—but this also means higher responsibility earlier in your career.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants stumble on avoidable errors. Don’t be one of them:
❌ Inaccurate work logs – Hours must be verifiable and signed by a master plumber.
❌ Ignoring local codes – Some cities (e.g., Denver, Boulder) have stricter rules than state code.
❌ Skipping exam prep – The test includes scenario-based questions on real-world installs.
❌ Missing deadlines – Late renewals can cost hundreds in penalties.
ℹ️ For a deeper understanding of plumbing standards, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing codes , which outlines how codes like the IPC are adopted nationally.
FAQ: How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Colorado
Q1: Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Colorado?
A: You do not need a license to work as a helper or apprentice, but you must have a Master Plumber license to pull permits, sign off on work, or run your own plumbing business.
Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Colorado?
A: Typically 4–5 years, including apprenticeship and work experience. After that, the exam and licensing process take 1–2 months.
Q3: Can I get licensed in Colorado if I’m licensed in another state?
A: Colorado does not offer reciprocity. You must meet all state requirements and pass the Colorado-specific exam, even if licensed elsewhere.
Q4: What’s the cost to become a licensed plumber in Colorado?
A: Total costs range from $1,500–$3,000, including:
Trinidad State College (offers plumbing tech programs)
Aims Community College (Fort Collins)
Pikes Peak State College (Colorado Springs) These are great for classroom learning but do not replace apprenticeship hours.
Q6: Can I start my own plumbing business without a license?
A: No. Colorado law requires a Master Plumber license to operate a plumbing business or supervise plumbing work. Working without one risks fines up to $5,000 per violation.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed plumber in Colorado is a smart career move—with strong job security, competitive pay, and growing demand. While the path requires dedication (4+ years of training and passing a rigorous exam), the payoff is a respected, recession-resistant profession where your skills directly improve people’s daily lives.
If this guide helped you understand how to become a licensed plumber in Colorado, share it with someone exploring a trade career! 🛠️ 👉 Follow us on social media for more career guides, licensing tips, and industry insights.
Your future in plumbing starts with one pipe—keep going!
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