3 Colo. Code Regs. § 720-1.4

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 3 CCR 720-1.4 - APPLICATIONS AND LICENSING

A. Applications for License Examinations or Registrations.

Note: Applications received after December 1, 2019 must pass the required examination before submitting application to the Board with the required experience and education.

1.Submission. All applications for license examinations or registrations shall be submitted to the Division of Professions and Occupations.

2.Incomplete Application. An application for a license by examination or endorsement or a registration submitted without all required fees and documentation will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will be retained for one year from the date originally received, after which applicants shall begin the process again including payment of the application fee.

3.Documentation for Plumbing License Examination. Any applicant for the residential, journeyman, or master plumber's license exam shall furnish evidence as to his or her training and experience to qualify for the examination by:

a. A record of employment and/or as an apprentice doing plumbing work, exact dates so employed, and, at time of application, submission of original documented written evidence, verified by the master license holder or registered plumbing contractor

b. If training and experience were obtained outside the State of Colorado, the applicant shall provide the Board with documented, written evidence verified by the employer of actual work performed.

c. If training and experiences were obtained all or in part from an accredited high school vocational technical training course, community college, or trade school program, a transcript from the accredited high school vocational technical training course, community college or trade school verifying completion of the program shall be submitted with the application. The program length shall be a minimum of two years. Such education may replace actual field experience under a licensed master as follows: one hour of classroom training equals one hour of on the job training up to a maximum of one year, with 2000 hours equaling one year.

d. If training and experiences were obtained all or in part from military training in plumbing work, detail and submit such for evaluation with the application. Such experience may replace actual field experience under a licensed master as follows: one month for every six months' training or experience up to a maximum of one year.

e. The hours of practical experience required to qualify for examinations are:

(1) Residential Plumber	3,400
(2) Journeyman Plumber	6,800
(3) Master Plumber	8,500

4.Expiration. An approved applicant for licensure by examination who does not take the examination within one year from the original approval date will be required to submit an updated application and any supplemental documentation.

5.Documentation for Water Conditioning Installer, Principal, or Contractor. Any applicant for registration shall furnish evidence upon request as to his or her training and experience to qualify for registration.

a. Water Conditioning Installer.

(1) Any applicant for a water conditioning installer registration shall possess the following qualifications and experience:

(a) Knowledge of water quality, water quality issues, and problems common to water sources.

(b) Knowledge of the analysis and treatment of water for impurities, water softening, drinking water options, reverse osmosis and water filtration.

(c) Knowledge of common water treatment system operations, including water softening, reverse osmosis, and water filtration.

(d) Knowledge of hydraulics fundamentals including plumbing distribution system operations, pressure loss and cross connections, effects on public safety, flow rates, and code requirements for safe drainage.

(e) Knowledge of recommended practices, including legal and ethical considerations in the water treatment industry.

(f) Knowledge of disinfection methods, including standard disinfectants and methods, water contamination problems, UV and chemical disinfection systems, disinfection of private water sources, and final barrier water treatment.

(g) Knowledge of water analysis fundamentals including selection of tests for analysis, reading and interpreting water analyses, and conducting and interpreting water tests.

(h) Experience with water conditioning installation.

(i) Knowledge of general installation principles including POE and POU water treatment systems, including related safety considerations.

(2) Any applicant for a water conditioning installer registration shall possess and maintain an active Certified Installer (CI) certification from the Water Quality Association or an equivalent certification as approved by the Plumbing Board.

b. Water Conditioning Principal.

(1) Any applicant for a water conditioning principal registration shall possess the following qualifications and experience:

(a) All items listed in the previous subsection 1.4(A)(5)(a)(1) of these Rules.

(b) Knowledge of common water problems including: nitrates, bacterial contamination, iron/manganese/hydrogen sulfide, and arsenic.

(c) Ability to design water treatment systems to address regional water issues such as Endocrine Disruptors and Pharmaceuticals, Radium/Barium/Radioactive Decay, and Tannins.

(d) Knowledge of methods to calculate pressure loss in distribution systems.

(2) Principal. Any applicant for a water conditioning principal registration shall possess and maintain an active Certified Installer (CI) certification and an active Certified Water Specialist (CWS) or Master Water Specialist (MWS) certification from the Water Quality Association or an equivalent certification or certifications as approved by the Plumbing Board.

c. Water Conditioning Contractor. Any applicant for a water conditioning contractor must be or employ full time a water conditioning principal.

d. Water Conditioning Contractor's Loss of Water Conditioning Principal. A water conditioning contractor that, for any reason, loses the services of the water conditioning principal will be allowed twenty days in which to hire another water conditioning principal. If another water conditioning principal has not been hired during that period, the water conditioning contractor registration will be placed into a "Need WC Principal Hire-Cannot Practice" status until such time as a principal has been hired, and the appropriate fee paid.

B. Licenses and Registration Issuance.

1.Issuance. Residential, journeymen or master plumber licenses will be issued upon successful passing of the respective examination. Water conditioning registrations shall be issued upon application approval based on proper documentation as outlined in 1.4(A)(5) of these Rules.

a.By endorsement. Licensees from another state may be eligible for licensure by endorsement providing that the applicant meets the requirements of section 12-155-116, C.R.S., and all of the following conditions:

(1) Completion of a state or federally approved or registered apprenticeship program, or completion of the required years and type of experience for the comparable license.

(2) Successful completion of a comparable state plumbing examination based on the current or previous edition of the plumbing code adopted by the Board.

(3) Currently holds an active license by the endorsing state.

C. Disapproval

1.Reconsideration. An applicant requesting reconsideration of a Board action concerning a disapproval of an application or license by endorsement or requesting a personal interview before the Board, shall submit the request in writing, accompanied by additional information or documentation. This request shall be submitted within forty-five days of the date on which the Board made the decision. The Board may not consider requests filed thereafter.

D. [Repealed eff.06/14/2020]

E. Renewal and Reinstatement (Effective July 1, 2020)

1.Renewal.

a. A licensee or registrant shall have a sixty-day grace period after the expiration of the license or registration to renew such license or registration without having to submit a reinstatement application. During this grace period a delinquency fee will be charged for late renewals.

b. A licensee or registrant who does not renew his or her license or registration shall be ineligible to practice until such license or registration is reinstated. If the licensee or registrant practices with an expired license or registration, the Board may impose disciplinary actions.

2.Reinstatement. An expired license or registration may be reinstated by submitting a reinstatement application, paying the current reinstatement fee, and meet the appropriate requirements below.

a. Expired for More Than Sixty Days But Less Than Two bYears. If the license or registration has expired for more than sixty days but less than two years, the applicant must provide evidence of completion, since applicant's most recent licensing event (original; license, renewal, or reinstatement) preceding the application for reinstatement, of eight hours of continuing education, as defined in Board Rule 1.4(E)(3).

c. Expired for More Than Two Years. If the license has been expired for more than two years, pursuant to section 12-155-112(2)(b)(II), C.R.S. the applicant must demonstrate competency to practice by satisfactorily passing the State plumbing examination. In the case of Water Conditioning Installers and Water Conditioning Principals, registrants shall re-affirm that their certifications per board Rule 1.4(A)(5) are current and active.

3.Continuing Education Requirements

a. Statutory Basis. Pursuant to section 12-155-112(3)(b) C.R.S, the Board shall adopt rules establishing continuing education requirements and standards that a licensee shall demonstrate in order to renew a license on or after May 1, 2021. Such requirements and standards must include course work related to the code, including core competencies as determined by the board.

b. Basis of Requirements. As established by the Colorado General Assembly, the regulatory authority of the Board is to establish continuing education standards to renew, reinstate, or reactivate a license and the documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.

c. Definitions

(1) Core Competencies: Core Competencies are technical and professional subjects, related to the practice of plumbing work, which the Board deems necessary to safeguard the public.

(2) Inactive Status: A licensee is not required to comply with continuing education requirements to renew a license in inactive status. An individual whose license is in inactive status is prohibited by law from practicing as a licensed plumber.

(3) Code: Code for the safe installation of plumbing installation, plumbing materials, conservation, medical gas, sanitary drainage systems, and solar plumbing.

(4) Attesting Providers List: A publically available list containing continuing education providers that have attested their courses and instructors meet all the requirements of Board Rule 1.4 and 1.4 . Credit may be earned by a licensee by completing a course from a provider on this list. However, licensee are responsible for ensure the providers they choose, meet the requirements of the CE requirements in Board Rule 1.4(E)(3).

d. Requirements

(1) Each renewal cycle after May 2021, or upon the completion of the first renewal of a license thereafter, a licensee in active status shall complete eight hours of continuing education for every twelve months that have passed after the later of the last date of renewal or reinstatement in order to renew a license to perform plumbing work in Colorado. The continuing education hours must be selected from among the Core Competencies below in any combination, except that, within every twenty-four month period, a minimum of 4 continuing education hours must be related to codes as defined in Board Rule 1.2 and a maximum of 2 hours can be related to safety training:

(a) Cross connection and backflow prevention

(b) Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings

(c) Indirect/Special Waste

(d) Industry Product Training

(e) Non-potable Water Systems

(f) Plumbing Administration

(g) Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

(h) Sanitary Drainage

(i) Special Piping (Medical Gas)

(j) Storm Drainage

(k) System piping and components

(l) Traps, Interceptors and Separators

(m) Vents- DVM

(n) Water Heaters

(o) Water Supply and Distribution

(p) Safety related to the plumbing industry.

(2) Colorado Plumbing Code. In addition to the requirements of 1.4(E)(3)(d)(1), licensees must make attestation upon renewal that they have read the current Colorado Plumbing Code in Board Rule 1.2.

(3) Continuing education credits will only apply to each twelve month period after the later of the last date of renewal or reinstatement

(4) Licensees shall cooperate with the Board to determine compliance with continuing education requirements.

(5) The requirements stated in Board Rule 1.4(E)(3) shall apply to:

(a) All original plumbing licenses granted after July 1, 2021;

(b) All plumbing licenses upon completion of the 2021 renewal; and,

(c) All plumbers are subject to Board Rule Pursuant to section 12-155-112(2)(c), C.R.S. continuing education requirements within section 12-155-112(3)(a), C.R.S. do not apply to water conditioning installers or water conditioning principles,

e. Attesting Providers. Continuing education providers must be listed with the Board and attest that their courses and instructors meet the continuing education requirements of Board Rule sections 1.4 , The list of Attesting Providers with expire on December 31st of the final year of the current code cycle.

(1) The Board has sole discretion to accept providers that have attested.

(2) Providers. Providers may attest that they meet the CE requirements if their courses and instructors meet all the requirements of Board Rule 1.4(E)(3)(e)(4).

(a) As proof of course completion, the Board will accept a certificate of completion from the course provider.

(b) Certificates of completion shall not be issued to attendees unless the course is successfully completed. Certificates of completion shall include all of the following elements:

(i) Name of attendee;

(ii) Attendee's Colorado plumber's license number;

(iii) Date of course;

(iv) Provider name and approval number;

(v) Course title;

(vi) Instructor name; and

(vii) Number hours of continuing education credit earned.

(3) Courses. Criteria for courses from Attesting Providers shall include the following:

(a) Each course shall cover a minimum of one core competency, as listed in Board Rule 1.4 . Course credit will apply to only one core competency per course.

(b) All online courses or webinars shall be interactive. Each course must have capabilities in place to ensure active participation and demonstrate comprehension a minimum of once per hour, and fast-forward must be disabled.

(4) Instructors. Courses must be taught by instructors with the following qualifications:

(a) Instructors must be sponsored by the Attesting Provider.

(b) Instructor's background and experience must meet at least one of the following criteria.

(i) Hold a minimum of a Colorado master plumber's license or journeyman plumber's license (or equivalent) plus a minimum of five years of journeyman plumber field experience;

(ii) Community college or vo-tech instructor as approved by the Board;

(iii) Plumbing continuing education instructor from other areas as approved by the Board; or,

(iv) Instructor shall provide documentation of background and experience as requested by the Board.

(5) Once attesting they meet the qualifications as an Attesting Provider, providers will be placed on an Attesting Provider list.

(6) The Board has sole discretion to accept or reject any continuing education credit earned by a licensee from a provider that is, or is not, on the list.

(7) The Board has discretion to remove providers from the list.

(8) It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure the continuing education obtained meets the requirements of this section 1.4(3)(E).

f. Recordkeeping

(1) The licensee shall track and document completed continuing education in a process approved by the Board.

(2) The licensee shall retain documentation for a minimum of six years.

g. Audits

(1) The Board may conduct audits of continuing education for verification of compliance with these requirements at any time. The Board may, at its discretion, disallow any continuing education course completed by a licensee that was offered by a provider on the Attesting Provider list.

(2) A licensee shall provide all documentation requested for audit within thirty days of the request.

h. Multiple Licenses. A licensee holding multiple licenses issued by the Board shall complete continuing education requirements for the most advanced license held. Completion of continuing education requirements for the most advanced license shall satisfy the requirements for all lesser licenses.

4.Inactive License Status and Reactivation

a. Inactive License. Pursuant to section 12-70-101, C.R.S., any licensee may apply to the Board to transfer his or her license to inactive status. Such application shall be in the form and manner designated by the Board. The holder of an inactive license shall not be required to comply with continuing education requirements for renewal so long the license remains inactive.

(1) Each holder of an inactive license shall renew once every two years with the Board in the same manner as active license holders and pay a fee pursuant to section 12-155-105(1)(d), C.R.S.

(2) During such time as a license remains in an inactive status, the licensee shall not perform any acts restricted to active licensed plumbers. Such practice may be grounds for revocation.

b. Reactivation of Inactive License. An inactive license may be reactivated by submitting the proper application, paying the current reactivation fee, and meeting the appropriate requirements below.

(1) Inactive for Less Than Three Years. To reactivate a license that has been inactive for less than three years, the applicant must provide evidence of completion, within the three years immediately preceding the application for reinstatement, of twenty-four hours of continuing education, as defined in Board Rule 1.4(e)(3)

(2) Inactive for More Than Three Years. Pursuant to section 12-115-110(4)(c), C.R.S., a licensee whose license has been inactive for more than three years must demonstrate education to practice by any of the following:

(a) Satisfactorily pass the state plumbing examination.

(b) Provide verification of an active license with a state where a reciprocal agreement for an equivalent license exists.

(c) Provide verification of active licensure in a non-reciprocal state as follows:

(i) Verify an active residential plumber's license, journeyman plumber's license, or master plumber's license in non-reciprocal state, respective to the license you are reinstating;

(ii) Evidence of completing twenty-four continuing education hours pursuant to Board Rule 1.11 in the three years immediately preceding the application for reinstatement; and,

(iii) By other means approved by the Board.

(3) Practicing with an Inactive License. Practicing plumbing work with a license in inactive status shall constitute practice without an active license and, therefore, may be grounds for injunctive or disciplinary action, up to and including revocation.

5. Registered Plumbing and Water Conditioning Contractors with expired permits shall not have their contractor registrations renewed until such time as all expired permits are cleared or as otherwise allowed by the Board.

F. Pumping Equipment License

License required. Any individual licensed as a residential plumber, journeyman plumber, or master plumber under Title 12, Article 155 of the Colorado Revised Statutes who intends to install, alter, or repair "pumping equipment", as defined by section 37-91-102(13), C.R.S., shall first apply for and obtain licensure with the Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors Board prior to commencing any such activity. Failure to comply with the licensure requirements set forth herein shall be, if proven, a violation of sections 12-155-113(1)(b) and 12-20-404, C.R.S.

("Pumping equipment" means any pump or related equipment used or intended for use in withdrawing or obtaining groundwater, including, but not limited to, well seals, pitless adapters, and other safeguards to protect the groundwater from contamination and any waterlines up to and including the pressure tank and any coupling appurtenant thereto.)

G.Requirement to Carry Documentation. Any licensed water conditioning registrant working as a plumber, apprentice, or registered individual shall be required to carry on his or her person the appropriate license, temporary work permit, or registration.

H.Residential Plumber on Commercial Job. Residential Plumbers must maintain an apprentice registration when working on commercial jobs and be supervised accordingly.

I.Plumbing Contractor's Loss of Responsible Master. A plumbing contractor that, for any reason, loses the services of the responsible master plumber will be allowed twenty days in which to hire another master plumber. If another master plumber has not been hired during that period, the plumbing contractor registration will be placed into a "Need Master Hire-Cannot Practice" status until such time as a master has been hired, and the appropriate fee paid.

J.Termination or Separation of Apprentice. Plumbing contractors shall notify the Board within thirty days after the termination or separation of a plumbing apprentice.

K.Apprentice Information File. It shall be the responsibility of the apprentice to file and keep current contact information with the Board. Notification by any manner approved by the Board is acceptable but the online registration system is preferred.

L. Notice of Change of Address

1. A licensee or registrant shall inform the Board in a clear, explicit, and unambiguous written statement of any name, address, telephone, or email change within thirty days of the change. The Board will not change the licensee or registrant information without explicit written notification from the licensee or registrant. Notification by any manner approved by the Board is acceptable.

a. The Division of Professions and Occupations maintains one contact address for each licensee or registrant, regardless of the number of licenses or registrations the licensee or registrant may hold.

b. All communications will be sent to the address on record for each licensee or registrant. Address change requests to route specific communications (i.e., confidential communications) to a separate address are not accepted.

2. The Board requires one of the following forms of documentation to change the name or correct the social security number or individual taxpayer identification number of a licensee or registrant:

a. Marriage license;

b. Divorce decree;

c. Court order;

d. Documentation from the Internal Revenue Service verifying the licensee's valid individual taxpayer identification number; or

e. A driver's license or social security card with a second form of identification may be acceptable at the discretion of the Division of Professions and Occupations.

M.Advertising. Registered plumbing contractors or water conditioning contractors shall not advertise in any manner by any name, including DBA's, other than the registered company name on record with the Department of Regulatory Agencies.

3 CCR 720-1.4

43 CR 10, May 25, 2020, effective 6/14/2020

44 CR 15, August 10, 2021, effective 8/30/2021

44 CR 22, November 25, 2021, effective 12/15/2021

45 CR 22, November 25, 2022, effective 12/15/2022

46 CR 06, March 25, 2023, effective 4/14/2023