Overview
Colorado offers a well-structured path to journeyman electrician licensure through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations. To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 288 hours of approved classroom instruction, with the training period spanning no less than four years. Colorado divides its hour tracking into two categories: Commercial/Industrial Installation (with a 4,000-hour minimum) and General Electrical Work.
One of Colorado's standout features is its digital submission process. Unlike many states that still require paper forms with wet ink signatures, Colorado accepts applications through the DORA online portal. This significantly streamlines the application and verification process. Colorado also has reciprocity agreements with approximately 15 other states, making it one of the more portable licenses in the western United States. If you hold a journeyman license from a reciprocal state, you may be eligible for a Colorado license without re-examining.
The two-category system is straightforward compared to states like Oregon (8 categories) or California (9 categories). However, the 4,000-hour commercial/industrial minimum is a significant requirement that shapes your apprenticeship path. At least half of your total hours must come from commercial or industrial work, ensuring that every licensed journeyman in Colorado has deep experience with the more demanding types of electrical installations.
Hour Categories & Requirements
Colorado requires 8,000 hours across 2 categories. Plus 288 hours of classroom instruction.
Commercial/Industrial Installation
Electrical installation, maintenance, and repair in commercial buildings and industrial facilities. Includes conduit systems, motor controls, switchgear, distribution panels, three-phase power systems, and commercial lighting. Carries a 4,000-hour minimum — at least half of all OJT hours must come from commercial or industrial work.
General Electrical Work
All other qualifying electrical work including residential wiring, low-voltage systems, maintenance and repair, troubleshooting, and related electrical tasks. No minimum requirement and no individual credit cap. Up to 4,000 hours of general work can count toward your 8,000-hour total.
Application Process
- 1
Register as an electrical apprentice with DORA. You can register online through the DORA portal. Registration must be completed before your hours begin counting.
- 2
Work under the direct supervision of a licensed Colorado Journeyman or Master Electrician. Your supervisor must hold a current, active Colorado electrical license.
- 3
Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over a period of no less than 4 years, with at least 4,000 hours in commercial/industrial work.
- 4
Complete 288 hours of approved classroom instruction covering the NEC, electrical theory, blueprint reading, safety, and Colorado electrical regulations.
- 5
Log into the DORA online portal and submit your experience verification electronically. Include your supervisor information, hour totals by category, and employment history.
- 6
Upload or submit proof of classroom instruction completion through the DORA portal.
- 7
Once DORA verifies your hours and education, you will receive authorization to schedule the Journeyman Electrician examination.
- 8
Pass the exam and pay the license fee ($100). Your license is valid for three years.
Important Rules & Gotchas
Four-year minimum duration: Even if you work overtime and accumulate 8,000 hours in fewer than four years, Colorado requires that the training period span at least four calendar years. You cannot fast-track the apprenticeship.
Commercial/industrial minimum of 4,000 hours: This is the most common obstacle. If you work primarily in residential construction, you will not qualify even with 8,000+ total hours. Plan to get commercial and industrial assignments early.
Supervisor must hold a Colorado license: Hours logged under an electrician licensed in another state but not Colorado may not be counted. Verify your supervisor's Colorado license status.
Reciprocity is not automatic: While Colorado has reciprocity with approximately 15 states, you must still apply through DORA and may need to provide documentation of your out-of-state experience and licensing. Not all states with reciprocity cover all license types.
Classroom hours are lower but still required: At 288 hours, Colorado's classroom requirement is lower than many states but it is not zero. Falling behind on classroom hours is a common reason for delayed applications.
Digital submissions require a DORA account: You must create and maintain an active account on the DORA portal. Keep your login credentials secure and your contact information current.
Classroom & Education Requirements
Colorado requires 288 hours of approved classroom instruction — lower than many states (Ohio requires 900, Massachusetts 600) but still a meaningful commitment. The 288 hours are typically completed over 3-4 years alongside your OJT.
Classroom instruction must cover the current National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical theory and calculations, AC/DC circuits, blueprint reading and schematic interpretation, electrical safety practices, and Colorado-specific electrical regulations.
Most apprentices complete classroom hours through their JATC program or an approved trade school. If you are in an employer-sponsored program, verify that your education provider is approved by DORA.
Colorado accepts classroom instruction from providers in reciprocal states, which can be helpful if you completed part of your education elsewhere. Contact DORA to verify acceptance before relying on out-of-state classroom credits.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Colorado Journeyman Electrician licenses are valid for three years (triennial renewal). The renewal fee is $100.
You must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each three-year renewal cycle.
CE courses must be from DORA-approved providers and must cover NEC updates and electrical safety topics. Many providers offer online courses that satisfy Colorado's CE requirements.
Renewal can be completed online through the DORA portal, making Colorado one of the most convenient states for license management.
If your license expires, you must stop performing electrical work. Late renewal within one year typically requires the standard fee plus a late penalty. After one year, you may need to re-examine.
Tips for Tracking Your Hours
Register with DORA immediately. Hours worked before your apprentice registration do not count. The online registration process is quick and inexpensive.
Prioritize commercial and industrial work early. With a 4,000-hour minimum, you need at least half of your hours in commercial/industrial settings. If your current employer does mostly residential work, plan to gain commercial experience through job changes or rotational assignments.
Take advantage of digital submissions. Colorado's DORA portal lets you track your application status online. Upload your verification documents as you go rather than waiting until the end.
Track the four-year minimum timeline. Even if you accumulate hours quickly, you cannot apply until four calendar years have passed since your apprenticeship began.
Use WireHours to monitor your commercial/industrial progress in real time. The app tracks your category distribution and warns you if you are falling behind on the 4,000-hour minimum — just like it does for Washington's similar requirement.
Explore reciprocity options. If you plan to work in multiple western states, Colorado's reciprocity agreements can make your license more portable. Keep detailed records that would satisfy other states' documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a Colorado journeyman electrician license?
You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (with at least 4,000 in commercial/industrial work) plus 288 hours of approved classroom instruction. The training must span at least 4 calendar years.
Can I submit my Colorado electrician hours online?
Yes. Colorado accepts digital submissions through the DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) online portal. This includes experience verification, classroom documentation, and license applications.
Does Colorado have reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Colorado has reciprocity agreements with approximately 15 states. If you hold a journeyman electrician license from a reciprocal state, you may be eligible for a Colorado license without re-examining, though you must still apply through DORA.
How many classroom hours does Colorado require?
Colorado requires 288 hours of approved classroom instruction covering the NEC, electrical theory, blueprint reading, safety, and Colorado-specific regulations. This is lower than many states but must be from a DORA-approved provider.
Built for Colorado's Requirements
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