Colorado Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Colorado electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Colorado.
NEC Edition Notice: Colorado currently tests on NEC 2026. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Colorado licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Colorado electrician license exam, expect 90 questions with a limit of 240 minutes, 70% to pass, aligned to NEC 2026. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $78 ($73 retest). Colorado electricians earn about $61,090 per year ($29.37 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: July 15, 2026 • Sources: Colorado Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:90
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$78 ($73 retest)
- Format:Closed-book
Master Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:90
- Time Limit:240 minutes (4 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$78 ($73 retest)
- Format:Closed-book
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Detailed Explanations
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Colorado Electrician License Overview
Colorado licenses electricians at both the state and local level. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. Some municipalities, most notably Denver, also issue local licenses with their own requirements. Colorado's robust construction market, driven by population growth in the Front Range, data center development, renewable energy projects, and ski resort infrastructure, creates sustained demand for licensed electricians across the state.
Colorado Electrician License Types
Colorado Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license issued by DORA. Authorizes the holder to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a master electrician.
Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master, or completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program. Must pass the Colorado Journeyman exam (PSI, NEC-based, 70% passing score; PSI provides the code book and a formula page at the test center, personal reference materials are not permitted).
Colorado Master Electrician
Statewide license. Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full responsibility for electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Colorado Journeyman license for at least 1 year. Additional experience required, verify with DORA. Must pass the Colorado Master exam (PSI, 70% passing score; PSI provides the code book at the test center).
Residential Wireman
Limited license for electrical work on one- and two-family residential structures.
Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential electrical OJT. Must pass the Colorado Residential Wireman exam.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Colorado Journeyman or Master Electrician, or completion of a DORA-approved apprenticeship program of equivalent length.
Master Requirements
Must hold an active Colorado Journeyman license for at least 1 year before applying. Additional experience requirements apply, verify current requirements with DORA at dora.colorado.gov.
Apprenticeship Programs
Colorado has active IBEW apprenticeship programs along the Front Range: IBEW Local 68 (Denver), Local 113 (Colorado Springs), and Local 969 (Grand Junction). ABC of Colorado also operates non-union programs. All registered with the Colorado Apprenticeship and Training Council.
License Reciprocity
Colorado participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary, contact DORA's Electrical Program at dora.colorado.gov to confirm current terms before applying.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
3 years (triennial)
Continuing Education
24 hours of Board-approved continuing education per 3-year cycle (verify current requirements at dora.colorado.gov)
Renewal Fee
Verify current renewal amounts at dora.colorado.gov
Important Notes
Colorado electrical licenses renew on a three-year cycle. DORA sends renewal reminders. Working on an expired Colorado license can result in fines and license reinstatement requirements.
ColoradoElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$61,090/year
$29.37/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $39,720 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $85,310 (90th percentile)
Colorado employs approximately 20,000 electricians. The Denver-Aurora metro has seen explosive commercial and residential construction growth. Renewable energy (utility-scale solar and wind on the Eastern Plains), data center development along the Front Range, and ongoing ski resort infrastructure spending add to sustained statewide demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - State Electrical Board for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Colorado-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
Colorado Electrician License FAQ
Does Colorado have a statewide electrician license?
Yes. DORA issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout Colorado. Some municipalities, including Denver, also have local requirements, check with the specific city's building department if you plan to work there.
What is the passing score for the Colorado electrician exam?
70% on both the Journeyman and Master exams, administered by PSI. PSI provides the code book and a formula page at the test center; personal reference materials are not permitted.
How long does it take to get a Colorado electrician license?
The Journeyman path typically takes 4–5 years to accumulate the required 8,000 hours of OJT. After application approval, most candidates sit for the exam within 30–60 days and receive their license shortly after passing.
How much do electricians make in Colorado?
The statewide average is about $61,090/year ($29.37/hr). Denver metro electricians, particularly IBEW Local 68 members, earn more, with experienced journeymen earning $75,000–$90,000+.
Do I need a Denver license in addition to my Colorado state license?
Denver has its own permitting and licensing requirements that may apply in addition to the state license. Contact the Denver Community Planning and Development office to determine what is required for work in the city.
Common Questions About the Colorado Electrician License
How much does the Colorado electrician license exam cost?
The Colorado electrician exam fee is $78 ($73 retest), paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Colorado electrician license exam?
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - State Electrical Board oversees electrician licensing in Colorado, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Colorado?
Colorado electricians earn about $61,090 per year ($29.37 per hour). Entry level pay is around $39,720 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $85,310 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Colorado?
8,000 hours of supervised OJT under a licensed Colorado Journeyman or Master Electrician, or completion of a DORA-approved apprenticeship program of equivalent length.
Does Colorado have electrician license reciprocity?
Colorado participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Eligibility and documentation requirements vary, contact DORA's Electrical Program at dora.colorado.gov to confirm current terms before applying.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Colorado's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Colorado Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
DORA State Electrical Board requirements, PSI exam, fees, and reciprocity.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Colorado exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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