How To Become A Licensed Electrician In Colorado: Everything You Need To Know

Colorado’s construction industry and clean energy goals are creating strong demand for skilled electricians. Cities like Denver, Fort Collins, and Crested Butte are seeing growth in infrastructure projects, renewable energy installations, and residential construction. Electrician jobs are expected to grow by 21.5% over the next decade, with roles in solar and EV installations expanding even faster. This guide outlines the steps to get licensed, from apprenticeships to exam prep, so you can take advantage of these opportunities.

Colorado Electrician License Types

Three primary licenses are issued by the Colorado State Electrical Board:

1. Residential Wireman License
   • Scope: Work on single-family or duplex residential properties.
   • Requirements: 4,000 hours of residential experience.
2. Journeyman Electrician License
   • Scope: Commercial and industrial projects under supervision.
   • Requirements:
     • 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 288 classroom hours, or
     • A two-year technical degree plus 6,000 hours of experience.
3. Master Electrician License
   • Scope: Supervise projects and obtain contractor licenses.
   • Requirements (meet one):
     • Electrical engineering degree plus 2,000 apprentice hours.
     • Trade school degree plus 8,000 hours.
     • 10,000 total hours with planning/layout experience.

Electrical Contractor Licenses require a Master Electrician license and business registration.

Steps to Get Licensed in Colorado

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.

2. Register as an Electrical Apprentice

Before starting work, you must register as an electrical apprentice with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This makes sure your hours count toward licensing requirements.

How to Register:

• Visit the DORA Online Services page.
• Create an account and complete the apprentice registration form.
• Your employer must also register you within 30 days of hiring.

What Happens Next:

• You'll receive a registration card with a unique number, which you must carry while working.
• Your employer will report your hours to DORA annually.

Why Registration Matters:

• Registration documents your work hours for future licensure (e.g., Journeyman or Master Electrician).
• It's required by law, and failing to register can lead to disciplinary action.

3. Complete Education and Training

• Apprenticeships: Enroll in programs like IECRM (4–5 years, 8,000+ hours).
• Classroom Topics: NEC code, OSHA safety, wiring methods, and electrical theory.

Employers often sponsor apprenticeships for their employees, so check with your employer for available programs.

4. Pass Licensing Exams

• Journeyman Exam: 80 questions on NEC, Colorado statutes, and electrical theory.
• Master Exam: 90 open-book questions on advanced NEC applications.
• Exams are proctored by PSI Services and require a 70–75% passing score.

5. Submit Application and Fees

• Journeyman: $240.
• Master: $210 application fee.
• Submit proof of experience, exam results, and insurance.

6. Secure Insurance and Bonds

• If You're Working for an Electrical Contractor:
  • Your employer typically provides insurance and bonding. Confirm this with your employer to make sure you are compliant.
• If You're Self-Employed or an Independent Contractor:
  • General Liability Insurance: Required to cover potential damages or injuries caused by your work.
  • Electrician License Bond: A $20,000 irrevocable bond is mandatory for licensure in Colorado.

Exam Preparation Resources

After completing your required apprenticeship hours, you'll need to prepare for your Colorado electrical licensing exam. Good preparation is key for success, as these exams test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory, and practical applications.

IECRM Exam Preparation Programs

The Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) offers exam preparation courses designed for Colorado electricians seeking residential wireman, journeyman, or master electrician licenses. Their programs include:

• Colorado-Specific Content: Materials tailored to state requirements and exam formats
• Expert Instructors: Learn from licensed professionals with years of field experience
• Multiple Learning Options: Choose from in-person classes in Denver and Fort Collins, live-online sessions, or self-paced courses
• Practice Exams: Build confidence with timed tests that match the actual exam experience
• Code Navigation Skills: Learn efficient techniques for using the NEC during open-book portions

Find upcoming exam prep courses on the IECRM website.

Additional Study Resources

• Mike Holt's Illustrated Guide to Electrical Exam Preparation: Industry-standard reference with detailed illustrations
• NEC Code Drill Software: Practice timed code lookups to build speed and accuracy
• Colorado State Electrical Board Study Guide: Official preparation materials available from DORA

Most successful candidates combine formal prep courses with self-study and practice exams. Plan for 2-3 months of consistent study for the journeyman exam and 3-4 months for the master electrician exam.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

Licenses expire every three years on September 30. Renewal requires:

• 24 PDUs (Professional Development Units):
  • 4+ hours on NEC updates.
  • 4 hours max on safety training.
• IECRM offers online CEUs in grounding, wiring methods, and code changes.

Employers often provide continuing education opportunities for their electricians. Check with your employer for approved courses and training resources.

Career Outlook and Salaries

Job Market

• High demand in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.
• Solar and industrial electrical work offers growth opportunities.

Earnings

• Journeyman: $59,226 average (range: $51,705–$68,174).
• Master/Contractor: Up to $200,000 annually with bonuses.
• Specialized Roles:
  • Power-line installers: $70,840–$96,740.
  • Commercial equipment repairers: $59,800–$79,790.

Electricians working for contractors typically receive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, while self-employed electricians must manage these independently.

Key Tips for Success

• Join Professional Groups: IBEW and IEC provide networking and training.
• Stay Updated: Colorado adopted the 2023 NEC code in August 2023.

Start Your Electrical Career Now

With Colorado's construction boom and growing renewable energy sector, now is an excellent time to pursue an electrical license. Licensed electricians enjoy solid job security, competitive wages, and clear advancement paths from apprentice to business owner.

Begin by registering with the Colorado State Electrical Board as an apprentice, then connect with quality training providers like IECRM to build both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Residential, commercial, and specialized electrical work in Colorado offers many opportunities for skilled, licensed professionals. Take your first step toward a rewarding career with strong growth potential. Register as an apprentice today and join Colorado's thriving electrical industry.