Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado.gov

Because similar questions surface in day-to-day contact with our customers, this page is designed to be an aid in answering your questions more quickly. Please choose the category that most generally describes your question.

Examination and Licensing || Permit Issuance || Board Meetings || Code Questions

EXAMINATION AND LICENSING QUESTIONS

What qualifications do I have to meet to be approved for the examination?
Qualifications are outlined on our licensing requirements page.

What fees are required for licensing?
Prior to taking the examination, you will need to submit a license application along with an application processing fee. Fees are non-refundable and are subject to change every year on July 1.

The examination fee is collected by the examination vendor Pearsonvue and must be paid at the time of reservation and each time you take the exam. After you pass the examination, you will receive your license at no additional charge. Payment will not be accepted at the test center.

Is Colorado reciprocal with any state?
Yes, for information on reciprocity, please see our reciprocal licenses web page.

What is license by endorsement?
According to § 12-23-109, C.R.S., the Board may issue a license by endorsement to an individual who possesses credentials and qualifications that are substantially equivalent to requirements in Colorado for licensure. It may be helpful to review the qualifications for license by endorsement before submitting your application.

What code is Colorado using for the examinations?
Beginning July 1, 2011, the examinations will be based on the 2011 edition of the NEC.

Where can I purchase a code book?
Code books are available for purchase at electrical supply houses and most college book stores. You may also purchase the National Electrical Code through the publisher.

How quickly will I receive my exam results?
The written exam results are received upon completion of the exam at the exam site. When you pass the written exam, you are immediately issued your license.

If you are an Electrical Contractor and need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), go to the following website: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html, or call 800-829-4933.

PERMIT ISSUANCE

Where can I purchase a permit?
Electrical Permits can be obtained online, or if you do not wish to use this option, you may print a permit form and return it with the payment. Please contact our office if you need assistance.

What are the current permit fees?
Fees are subject to change. See page two of the current permit form.

Do you accept credit cards for payment?
Yes, through our online permit system only.

Do I have to be licensed to wire my own home?
No, however, the following is the homeowner clause which must be signed when applying for your homeowner permit:

HOMEOWNER CLAUSE: The electrical law provides you, as the homeowner, the opportunity to perform your own wiring provided the following conditions are true: (1) You are the property owner and this property is not for sale or resale, is not rental property which is occupied or is to be occupied by tenants for lodging, either transient or permanent; and is not generally open to the public. (2) The wiring will be inspected prior to covering, i.e., insulation, drywall, etc., and again upon completion of the system prior to occupancy and permanent power release. (3) All electrical work will be done in accordance with the National Electrical Code adopted by the Colorado State Electrical Board.

Inspection Schedule* Now Available On Line

In an effort to increase the performance of your online permit account, we have added the following enhancement. Once your inspection has been scheduled by the inspector, you can access that information from your online account. Normally, your inspection should appear on the schedule within three days of receipt of your request OR on the regularly-scheduled inspection day for your area. For more specific information click here.

*due to unforeseen delays, your inspector might not be able to complete his/her entire itinerary on any given day.

BOARD MEETINGS

When are the board meetings held?
Board meetings are typically scheduled for the fourth Monday every other month. Please see the scheduled meeting dates.

How can I request a code variance?
The Board is authorized to review and approve or disapprove requests for exceptions to the code in unique construction situations where a strict interpretation of the code would result in unreasonable operational conditions or unreasonable economic burdens as long as public safety is not compromised. You can request a variance to the code by completing the variance request form and returning it to our office no later than three weeks prior to the scheduled meeting.

CODE QUESTIONS

Where can a homeowner find general instructions to help wire their home?
Basic guidelines are available to download from our website.