Frequently Asked Questions
Because similar questions surface in our day-to-day contact with the public, 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 || Permit Issuance || Board Meetings || Code
EXAMINATION AND LICENSING QUESTIONS
What
are the examination dates?
The examination is given several times each week in different
areas of the state. You will be given a schedule of times, days,
and contact information at the time that you are approved for
examination. You will choose the site convenient for you and make
your own arrangements.
Prior to taking the examination, you will need to submit a license application along with an application processing fee.The current fee is noted on the application form. Fees are non-refundable and are subject to change.
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.
What
qualifications do I have to meet to be approved for the examination?
This information is outlined in the Licensing
Requirements section
of this website.
Is
Colorado reciprocal with any state?
No, not at this time. If you would like information concerning the qualifications
in other states, please visit the Colorado
Contractor's License Reference Site.
What
is license by endorsement?
License by endorsement is explained in the Licensing
Information section of this website.
What
code is Colorado using for the examinations?
The 2009 International Plumbing Code.
Where
can I obtain a code book?
Code books are available for purchase at most college book stores. You
may also purchase them through the publisher, the International
Code Council (www.iccsafe.org).
How
quickly will I receive my exam results?
The examination results are received upon completion of the
examination at the testing site. When you successfully pass
the examination, you will immediately be issued your license. Excluding examinations taken as a requirement for reinstatement of a license.
When
will my license expire?
All newly-issued and currently renewed licenses will
expire August 31 of odd-numbered years. To verify the expiration date of your license,
you may search DORA's Automated
Licensing Information System Online (ALISON).
Where can I obtain a permit?
Plumbing Permits can now be obtained online. If you do not wish to use this option, you may download a permit form or contact our office for assistance.
Where can I find the current permit fees?
The current permit fees are listed on the permit form.
Do you accept credit cards for payment?
Yes,
through our online permit
system only.
Do
I have to be licensed to install plumbing in my own home?
No, however, the following is the homeowner clause which must
be signed when applying for your permit:
HOMEOWNER CLAUSE: The plumbing law provides you, as the homeowner, the opportunity to perform your own plumbing installation provided the following is 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 - §12-58-113(2), C.R.S.. (2) The plumbing will be inspected prior to covering, i.e., insulation, drywall, etc., and again upon completion of the system prior to occupancy. (3) All plumbing work will be done in accordance with the International Plumbing Code as amended and adopted by the Examining Board of Plumbers.
Do
you need to have a license to install gas piping?
No, not at this time. However, in the 26
counties where the state performs inspections, you are required
to obtain a permit and have the gas piping inspected by a state
inspector.
BOARD MEETINGS
When are the Board meetings held?
Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the fourth Wednesday
of every other month. Meetings dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please check
the website 10-14 days prior to the scheduled meeting. View
our meeting schedule for the current year.
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. Variance
requests are considered during a regularly scheduled
Board meeting.
Where
can a homeowner find general instructions to help install their
plumbing?
Basic guidelines are available to download from this website, as well as guidelines for mobile home installation.
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 inspection scheduling information click here.
*due to unforeseen delays, your inspector might not be able to complete his/her entire itinerary on any given day
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