Browse Colorado Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA).
Getting your Colorado contractor license? Contractor Pathway is one of the most competitive contractor exam-prep programs anywhere — original, exam-focused study guides and four full-length practice exams with a written explanation for every answer, for every Colorado classification that requires a state board exam — currently 4 courses across Electrical and Plumbing. Choose your classification below and study with 30-, 60-, or 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169.
Who licenses contractors in Colorado
These are the Colorado classifications we build exam prep for, each licensed by its responsible board:
| Trade area | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA), tested by PSI | National Electrical Code (NEC) — 2023 edition, moving to 2026 |
| Plumbing | Colorado Examining Board of Plumbers | Adopted plumbing & fuel-gas codes |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any Colorado board or testing vendor.
How to get licensed in Colorado
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). A registered apprenticeship is a common path.
- Apply to the board for your trade, submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. Colorado trade exams are typically open book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your Colorado classification
Each course includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide — worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan — plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the Colorado test.
Colorado contractor licensing — FAQ
Does Colorado license general contractors?
Not at the state level. Colorado general contractors – along with roofers, HVAC, and many specialties – are licensed by individual cities and counties (for example, Denver and Larimer County), which often require ICC exams and supervisor certificates.
What does Colorado license at the state level?
Electricians and plumbers, through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) within DORA – its Electrical and Plumbing Boards license individuals and the business-level registrations tied to a responsible master. Those state exams are administered by PSI.
What is the passing score for the Colorado state exams?
The state electrical and plumbing exams are administered by PSI; the Master Plumber exam, for example, requires 70%. Confirm the current cut score, question count, and references for your specific license in the PSI candidate information bulletin.
Which NEC edition does the Colorado electrician exam use in 2026?
Colorado electrical exams use the 2023 NEC through July 31, 2026. Effective August 1, 2026, the State Electrical Board’s adoption of the 2026 NEC takes effect and PSI bases every exam question on the 2026 code. Match your study materials to the edition in force on your test date, and confirm it on the PSI candidate information bulletin.
Which Colorado licenses do you build courses for?
We focus on the classifications that require a state board exam – primarily the statewide electrical and plumbing trades – plus foundational building content. For a local general-contractor license, also check the specific exam requirements of your city or county.
How long should I study for the Colorado exam?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on experience, which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan.