Blog

It’s hard to believe, but indoor plumbing has been in existence for an estimated 5,000–6,000 years, although modern plumbing in homes only became commonplace within the last century.  

Because everyone these days relies on plumbing to supply drinkable water and carry away wastewater, skilled plumbers have become an important part of a functioning society. 

As a plumber, you have opportunities to advance your career and even run your own business. However, to legally operate in Colorado, you must first obtain proper licensure from the Colorado State Plumbing Board under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations.  

What plumbing licenses are available, and what are the requirements to obtain them? 

Journeyman Plumber 

As a journeyman plumber, you’re permitted to install, modify, repair, and renovate plumbing systems and components under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. To obtain a journeyman license, you must complete four years (6,800 hours) of relevant work experience and provide proof with your application for licensure. 

You must then pass the Journeyworker Plumbing Exam, consisting of 100 questions about topics like: 

• Water supply 
• Vents 
• Fixtures and equipment 
• Piping support and system protection 
• Traps, interceptors, and separators 
• Storm drainage systems 
• Sanitary drainage systems 
• Indirect and special waste piping 

You will have 240 minutes to complete this open-book test, and you must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. 

Master Plumber 

Master plumbers can perform all the same job duties as journeymen, but they require no supervision and are permitted to supervise journeymen and other workers. You must complete five years (8,500 hours) of relevant experience to become a master plumber. 

If you already have a journeyman license, you need an additional year of experience before you can apply for a master plumber license.  

You must also pass the Master Plumbing Exam, an open-book test featuring 120 questions on the same topics as the Journeyworker Plumbing Exam. You will have 270 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer a minimum of 84 questions (70%) correctly to pass. 

Residential Plumber 

Residential plumbers are permitted to install plumbing systems and equipment only in dwellings designed for habitation by 1-4 families, with no more than two stories above ground. You must complete two years (3,400 hours) of relevant work experience and pass the Residential Plumbing Exam to qualify for this license. 

This exam features 100 questions covering the same basic topics as Journeyworker and Master Plumber Exams, with the addition of residential fire sprinklers and water heaters. You will have 240 minutes to complete this open-book test, and you must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. 

Exam Prep for Working Professionals 

Before you can take the next step in your career, you need to ace your state exam to obtain a license. The right exam prep course will feature 24/7 online access for self-paced learning, along with courses developed by industry experts and educators. 

Are you interested in obtaining your journeyman, master, or residential plumbing license in Colorado? Contact RocketCert now to sign up for your preferred exam prep program.