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Skilled trades like electrical work are always in demand. Every home or business needs functional electrical systems and equipment. In Colorado, you must obtain a license from the Colorado State Electrical Board to operate as an electrician.  

There are three licensing options to choose from. You can obtain a journeyman, master, or residential electrician license. Each of these types allows for different scopes of work. 

Journeyman electricians are permitted to install, maintain, and repair wiring and electrical equipment and apparatus under the supervision of a master electrician. In addition to performing these tasks, master electricians may also plan and lay out installations and supervise other professionals. 

A residential electrician is limited to electrical work for dwellings designed to house between one and four families. In addition to acquiring a suitable license, electrical professionals must renew their licenses periodically. Here’s what you need to know about the renewal process. 

How Often Should You Renew Your License? 

Colorado requires that electricians renew their licenses every three years. Unlike some states, which base renewal on the issue date of the license, Colorado licenses expire annually on September 30 in your third year of holding the license.  

You must complete 24 hours of suitable continuing education (CE) during this period. And before September 30 of your renewal year, you must submit proof to the board to ensure that your license remains valid. 

Requirements for Renewal 

Before you start classes to complete your 24 hours of CE, you should make sure they meet state requirements. Courses must be state-approved and cover categories like electrical safety and changes to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Topics addressed in these courses may include: 

• Grounding and bonding 
• Wiring methods 
• Theory and calculations 
• Safety related to the electrical industry 
• NEC changes 

You must devote a minimum of four hours to instruction on NEC changes. The remaining 20 hours may cover any of the topics listed, including additional instruction related to NEC changes. You may only take a maximum of four hours on safety related to the electrical industry. There are no exams required to renew your license. 

Choosing the Right CE Program 

Renewing your license is an important part of operating in your chosen field, and you should try to complete the required CE early to ensure that you don’t miss the deadline. The right CE program will be state-approved and designed to meet the needs of working professionals. 

You’ll want to look for a program developed by industry experts and educators that meets state requirements. However, it must also provide the valuable information you need to maintain compliance and offer the best possible service to clients.  

The right program will allow opportunities for self-paced learning with 24/7 online access when it’s convenient for you. You should also look for options that offer lifetime access to course materials for reference as needed, a certificate of completion for your records, and state notification on your behalf. 

Is it time to renew your journeyman, master, or residential electrician license in Colorado? If so, RocketCert has the CE courses you need to stay up-to-date with industry changes and meet state requirements. Contact us now to learn more and get started.