Licensing Guides
Colorado Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Colorado
Electrical, CO
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Colorado
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Colorado?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Colorado?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Colorado?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Colorado?
Does My Colorado Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Colorado?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Colorado?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become a licensed Colorado electrician.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 17,140 in Colorado.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034 adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Colorado is projected at 17%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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 (4%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Colorado
Is a license required for electricians in Colorado? Yes.
To legally perform electrical work in the state of Colorado, you must be licensed by the state.
The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), issues electrical licenses.
To start, you must first register as an electrical apprentice with the Colorado State Electrical Board. Then, you must find an electrical apprenticeship to gain the necessary training, either through a union or by working for an electrical contractor.
To become a licensed electrician, either at the journeyman, master or contractor level, you must meet specific work experience and classroom education requirements, pass an electrician exam, and meet other requirements. You can also supplement some of the training by earning a degree from a community college or trade school.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Colorado
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in Colorado. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Register as an apprentice with DORA.
Acquire work experience (progressively more for journeyman, master, and electrical contractor status).
Pass an examination administered by PSI.
Pay all exam and license application fees.
Apply for your license via the Department of Regulatory Agencies.
How to Become an Electrician in Colorado
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Colorado, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the Colorado Electrical Examining Board examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain insurance coverage if seeking an Electrical Contractor license.
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE LICENSE
Work experience: Apprentices must be actively enrolled in an apprenticeship training program registered by the Colorado State Electrical Board.
Apply for license: Apprentices must register online via the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website.
Pay Fee: The fee to register as an apprentice in Colorado is $30.
Limitations: Must work under direct supervision of a licensed electrician.
RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of two years of training or 4,000 hours of documented work experience performing residential electrical work.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams. The exam fee is $78.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: The Residential Wireman application fee is $100.
Limitations: Can only work in single-family dwellings, and must work under a licensed Journeyman, Master, or Electrical Contractor.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain a minimum of 8,000 hours of documented work experience and 288 hours of classroom training in a four-year period. At least 2,000 of those hours must include commercial or industrial work.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams. The exam fee is $78.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: The Journeyman license application fee is $100.
Limitations: Can only work under a licensed Master or Electrical Contractor.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain an electrical engineering degree from an accredited university or college, and 2,000 hours of experience as a registered electrical apprentice; OR obtain a community college/trade school degree in electrical construction (or a similar field), and have 8,000 hours of experience; OR obtain 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Pass Licensing Exam: Administered through PSI Exams. The exam fee is $78.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: The Master license application fee is $100.
Limitations: Can only work under a licensed Electrical Contractor.
INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain or employ someone who holds a Master Electrician license.
Obtain insurance: All contractors must obtain workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation insurance.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay Fee: The Contractor license fee is $150.
Increased Authority: Can pull building permits and pass inspections. Allowed to operate/advertise a business. Can bid on public/government projects.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Colorado
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Colorado?
There are five electrical licenses available in Colorado. Each level of licensing requires more experience and course work and allows you to work on a wider variety of systems and perform work that grows in complexity or assume responsibility for other’s work.
Apprentice Electrician
Must be employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Residential Wireman.
Residential Wireman
Means a person has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for, and install, electrical apparatus and equipment for wiring one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings. Must be employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or Journeyman Electrician.
Journeyman Electrician
Means a person has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to wire for, install, and repair electrical apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, and power, and for other purposes, in accordance with standard rules governing the work. Must be employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician.
Master Electrician
Means a person has the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and technical knowledge to properly plan, lay out, and supervise the installation and repair of wiring apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, and power, and for other purposes, in accordance with standard rules governing the work, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC). Must be employed by a licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Contractor
Means any person, firm, co-partnership, corporation, association, or combination thereof that undertakes or offers to undertake for another the planning, laying out, supervising, and installing or the making of additions, alterations, and repairs in the installation of wiring apparatus and equipment for electric light, heat, and power. A licensed professional engineer who plans or designs electrical installation shall not be classed as an electrical contractor.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Colorado
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Colorado.
First and most important, it is required by law in Colorado to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Colorado?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Colorado is $64,620 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Colorado those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $61,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,900
Senior (4-7 years): $77,500
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. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician 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 average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Colorado?
The cost of a license varies in Colorado depending on the level. The fees for each are as follows:
Apprentice license: $30
Residential Wireman license: $100
Journeyman license: $100
Master license: $100
Contractor license: $150
Testing Fee: There is a $78 fee for all electrician exams, administered by PSI.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Colorado?
It will take a minimum of two years to complete an apprenticeship and then become a Residential Wireman in Colorado. It will take an additional two years to meet the eligibility requirements to test for a license at the Journeyman level. To become a Master Electrician, you must either obtain a four-year degree or work for a minimum of one year as a licensed Journeyman. If you choose to become a contractor, the application process will take additional time.
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 fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Colorado Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Colorado.
You can complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program approved by the Colorado Electrical Examining Board and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
Each option will provide the necessary training needed for your specific license classification.
There are a number of local community colleges that offer approved programs that lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology, electrician certificate, or similar degrees. A few are:
Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood
Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver
Aims Community College in Greeley
For more advanced training, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master’s degree and PhD program in Electrical Engineering.
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are paid 100% by the employer. According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $3,735 per year for in-state students and $10,403 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Colorado, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Colorado: The Ultimate Guide.
Colorado Electrician Licensing Exam Details
The state of Colorado requires an examination for each level of licensing, except for the Electrical Contractor license.
Residential Wireman exam candidates must:
Obtain a minimum of 4,000 hours of on-the-job training to qualify for examination.
Journeyman exam candidates must:
Obtain a minimum of 8,000 hours of documented work experience and 288 hours of classroom training in a four-year period. At least 2,000 of those hours must include commercial or industrial work.
Master exam candidates must:
Obtain an electrical engineering degree from an accredited university or college, and 2,000 hours of experience as a registered electrical apprentice.
OR obtain a community college/trade school degree in electrical construction (or a similar field), and have 8,000 hours of experience.
OR obtain 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
All exams require a passing score of 70% and incur a $78 exam fee.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Colorado?
All license types except for the Electrical Contractor license require you to pass an electrical exam.
All exams consist of 90 questions and you are given 240 minutes to pass with a score of 70% or higher. Topics for all exams include:
General Electrical Knowledge
Services, Feeders, and Branch Circuits
Grounding and Bonding
Overcurrent Protection
Conductors and Cables
Raceways and Boxes
Special Conditions
Special Occupancies
Special Equipment
Electrical Devices
Motors
Transformers
Electrical Calculations
Wiring Methods
Your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code, which has been adopted by the state of Colorado. For more information, including exam prep materials, visit the official Candidate Bulletin.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Colorado?
The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), issues electrical licenses.
Does My Colorado Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your Colorado electrical license will allow you to become licensed in several other states. DORA has reciprocal agreements with Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Note: You will still need to fulfill administrative steps to apply for licensure if you choose to work in any of those states and possibly face some additional requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Colorado?
As stated above, Colorado maintains reciprocal agreements with Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Reciprocal requirements include:
Hold a journeyman license or a master electrician license that is current, active, and in good standing and allows the individual to work as a journeyman electrician or master electrician in the licensing state.
Have gained that license through a state-administered examination with a passing score from the licensing state.
Have held the journeyman license or the master electrician license for at least 1 year in the licensing state.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Colorado?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Colorado. Options include:
Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain: Offers various scholarships and grants for students enrolled in an IEC-approved electrical apprenticeship or postsecondary program.
Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain: Offers scholarships for students enrolled in a trade-specific program between $1,500 and $3,000 annually.
Rocky Mountain Electrical League Foundation: Offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the electrical trades at Colorado State University. Scholarships range from $1,500 and $3,000+ annually.
Additionally, many trade schools and apprenticeship programs in Colorado allow access to federal aid, grants, and employer/union-supported tuition reimbursement. This helps lower or eliminate tuition burden for many students.
There are several scholarships offered through trade organizations in Colorado as well. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Colorado offers several scholarships for members and their dependents from the local chapters, including IBEW Local 68 in Denver and IBEW Local 111 in Denver and Grand Junction.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but, in general, you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Colorado?
Your electrical license can be verified through DORA’s online verification portal. You can search via name, business name, or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Colorado?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Colorado electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, visit the official Colorado Electrical Practice Act.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Colorado?
According to the Colorado Electrical Practice Act, a first offense will result in a fine no less than $1,000; $2,000 for a second offense. For further offenses, unlicensed contractors can face fines up to $2,000 per day.
Additionally, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), unlicensed contractors can be sued for “deceptive trade practices,” which can mean actual damages, treble damages, and attorney-fee recovery for clients harmed by negligent/unlicensed work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, visit the official Colorado Electrical Practice Act.
Continuing Education
To renew a Colorado Journeyman Electrician license, Master Electrician license, or Electrical Contractor license, you are required to complete 24 professional development units. Professional development units cover the following topics:
Grounding and bonding
National Electrical Code (NEC) changes
Wiring methods
Theory and calculations
Click here to find an approved provider.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
