Interested in getting your Colorado electrical license? This guide will cover everything you need to know to start and maintain your electrical career in the Centennial State.
We’ll look at what you need to do to get your electrical license in Colorado, including education, work experience, insurance requirements, renewals and reciprocity.
Here’s how to get a Colorado electrical license:
Yes, you need a license to be an electrician in Colorado. All electrician licenses in the state must be active, issued and regulated by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
If you’re contemplating a career as a tradesperson, becoming an electrician in Colorado may be right for you. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, Colorado electricians earn an average salary of $62,760. That breaks down to $30.17 hourly.
Colorado has four types of electrical licensure: residential wireman, journeyman electrician, master electrician and electrical contractor.
As you establish your small business, you will need the right mix of electrician insurance to fit your needs. Every business situation is different — solopreneurs, subcontractors and even fully employed electricians need coverage.
All employers in the state of Colorado must have workers’ compensation insurance. If you plan on employing subcontractors or other electricians, you need this to help cover workplace injuries, medical expenses and lost wages.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
You can rest easy with general liability insurance. This coverage can help if you run into a work-related accident, such as damage to a client’s property or a customer injury.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
Commercial property insurance helps cover work property, like the physical space and the equipment inside, for your electrician business.
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides broad coverage of general liability and commercial property policies combined in a single, cost-efficient bundle. That means it can help cover damage that you or your employees may accidentally cause to another person’s property and help protect your business equipment in the event of a fire or other covered event.
You can use tools and equipment insurance to help repair or replace work gear and lost or stolen tools. Since many electricians work out of their trucks, this provides peace of mind.
You need commercial auto insurance to help with accident-related costs like repairs if you drive a commercial vehicle.
Colorado mandates the following minimum coverages:
The path toward getting a Colorado electrical license is pretty straightforward. To become a Colorado journeyman electrician, you must complete 8,000 hours of experience in less than four years, plus classroom hours. You’ll need approximately 10,000 hours (six years) for a master electrical license.
Read on to understand the requirements for different license types.
When starting out, you must register with the State Electrical Board to become an electrical apprentice. Apprentices are taught the skills and provided the hands-on experience to become a licensed electrician. Training programs and/or practical experience can last four to six years.
Requirements differ depending on where you conduct your apprenticeship, but they generally include the following:
After completing an apprenticeship, individuals can proceed with the test to become a
licensed journeyman electrician or residential wireman. PSI administers exams. Exams are open-book, and you must score at least 70% to pass.
You must document all experience on the Affidavit of Experience form found on the portal and completed by the electrical contractor supervising the work.
All license applicants must be prepared to submit the following when they apply:
You must have 4,000 hours (two years) of residential-only practical experience to get the residential wireman license.
To get your journeyman electrician license in Colorado, you need 8,000 hours (four years) of electrical work experience in less than four years. You must spend half of those hours on commercial or industrial work.
You also need 288 hours of classroom education as an apprentice and must prove this education through a transcript.
You need to satisfy one of the following experience requirements:
After completing the required experience, individuals can sit for the test to become a
licensed master electrician. Exams are administered by PSI.
You must be licensed and registered to perform electrical contracting in the state. Electrical contractors may plan, design and supervise the installation of electrical systems. They must either be licensed as a master electrician or hire an employee with a master electrician license. Contractors must also carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees.
To register as an independent electrical contractor, you need to submit the following to the Board:
If your license is active, you must renew your application and show proof of continuing education. All levels — residential wireman, journeyman, master electrician and contractor licenses — must complete 24 hours of continuing education.
You must select continuing education from the following categories:
Colorado is part of the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance (NERA). This means the Colorado State Electrical Board grants reciprocity to journeyman licenses from the following states:
You must hold an active journeyman license or higher for at least a year. You do not need to pass an exam, but you do need to complete an application.
Colorado also has the option to license by endorsement for all license types. Your current license must be active, issued, regulated and obtained via examination.
You must submit:
NEXT serves small businesses — it’s our focus. We’ll help you get the right electrician insurance at an affordable price. You’ll not only have better peace of mind, but you’ll satisfy all state requirements as well.
We offer all of our services online to fit your needs. In minutes, you can apply for coverage and get a copy of your certificate of insurance.
Getting licensed to become an electrician in Colorado may be challenging, but your insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start a free instant quote with NEXT.
Do you want to work as an electrical contractor in another U.S. state? Learn what states require licenses in our guide to electrician license requirements.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
Jessica spent over a decade working in education before moving into content marketing. She has worked on content marketing campaigns in the edtech, real estate, and personal finance sectors. She has a passion for working with companies that take the time to educate their customers. When she’s not working, she’s probably outside with her two kids.
