Colorado electrician license renewal comes every 3 years, with 24 hours of continuing education (CE) due each license period. At least 4 hours must cover National Electrical Code (NEC) changes. Licenses expired September 30, 2026, and the State Electrical Board takes online renewals through November 30, 2026, with a late fee. The rule is Board Rule 1.13 (3 CCR 710-1).
| Quick facts | Colorado electrician CE |
|---|---|
| Hours | 24 each 3-year license period, for residential wiremen, journeymen and masters |
| Deadline | Licenses expire September 30 every 3 years. The 2026 renewal runs through November 30, 2026. |
| Required topics | At least 4 hours on NEC changes. No more than 4 hours of safety count. |
| Online allowed | Yes, if the course is interactive and checks your understanding at least once an hour |
| Approved providers | Only courses from the Board's 2026–2029 Attesting CE Providers List are sure to count |
| Reporting | You keep your own certificates for 7 years. Send them only if audited. |
| JCR approval | On the 2026–2029 list, for online/webinar and classroom courses |
How many CE hours for Colorado electrician license renewal?
Twenty-four each 3-year period, whether you hold a residential wireman, journeyman or master license. Hold more than one? Do the CE for your most advanced license and it covers the rest.
- First renewal off: if you passed the exam to get your license, you don't need CE until after your first renewal.
- No carryover: each hour counts toward one 3-year period only.
- Inactive licenses need no CE, but you can't work on one.
Need Colorado CE hours? JCR CE classes are $230 for 8 hours, in Raleigh, Asheville, Mooresville (Charlotte area) or live on Zoom, plus a bonus 8-hour online video course. JCR CE is approved in 20+ states, and JCR is on Colorado's 2026–2029 attesting provider list.
Add Colorado State Reporting ($25) and sign JCR's Colorado roster with your license number.
Colorado electrical continuing education: which topics count?
Every hour must fall in one of 5 core competencies, the subjects the Board says protect the public:
- Grounding and bonding
- NEC changes, meaning what's new in the latest code edition (at least 4 hours)
- Wiring methods
- Theory and calculations
- Safety related to the electrical industry (no more than 4 hours count)
So 8 safety hours earn only 4 hours of credit. Plan at least 20 of your 24 hours outside safety.
How do you renew a Colorado electrician license?
- Finish 24 hours from attesting providers during the license period.
- Renew online through DPO Online Services. Renewals open about 4 to 5 weeks before September 30.
- Keep certificates for 7 years. Each must show your Colorado license number. Audits happen after each license period.
The rule gives a 60-day grace period with a late fee. After that the license is expired and you can't work. Reinstating within 2 years takes 24 CE hours earned since your last licensing event. After 2 years you must show competency, such as by passing the state exam.
Can Colorado electrician CE be online?
Yes. Online courses and webinars count when they come from an attesting provider and meet the rule:
- The course is interactive.
- It checks that you understand at least once an hour.
- Fast-forward is turned off.
Colorado electrician CE questions
How many CE hours does a Colorado electrician need?
Twenty-four hours each 3-year license period, with at least 4 on NEC changes and no more than 4 counted for safety.
When do Colorado electrical licenses expire?
September 30 every 3 years. Licenses expired September 30, 2026, and can be renewed through November 30, 2026.
Do I send my Colorado CE certificates to the Board?
No. Keep them for 7 years and send them only if the Board audits you.
Do new Colorado electricians need CE?
Not for the first renewal of a license you got by passing the exam. CE starts after that renewal.
Colorado CE from JCR
JCR's Colorado page lists these approved courses and core competencies:
- Full-day CE class: 8 hours, in person or virtual
- Morning session: 4 hours of safety, in person or virtual
- Afternoon session: 4 hours of NEC, virtual
- Detailed NEC Workshop: Day 1, 8 hours of theory and calculations. Day 2, 8 hours of wiring methods and grounding and bonding.
Sources
- Colorado State Electrical Board
- Board CE page
- 3 CCR 710-1, Board rules (Rule 1.13)
- 2026–2029 Attesting CE Providers List
- Applications and renewal
- DPO Online Services
Last checked October 21, 2026, against the Board's CE page, Rule 1.13, provider list and renewal pages above.