Occupational licensing · Colorado · burden rank #5 of 51
Colorado Occupational Licensing Requirements
Colorado's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Colorado sits in the high-burden band (#5 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Illinois; Nevada; Arizona; Washington. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Open a named profession or a peer state before treating rank as a career verdict.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #5 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,465
- Avg initial fee
- $254
Colorado vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
34 Among the heaviest more restrictive than 90% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Illinois; Nevada; Arizona; Washington. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Colorado, Electrician lists 7,405 education hours with an exam and a $217 initial fee. Compare the same license in Illinois on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Colorado, Elevator Installer lists 7,405 education hours with an exam and a $305 initial fee. Compare the same license in Illinois on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Colorado's higher initial fees at $643 after 20 education hours. Open Nevada for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Colorado's higher initial fees at $441 after 5,703 education hours. Open Nevada for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Colorado against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Colorado already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
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Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Colorado: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#5 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Arizona · burden #6/51
- Nevada · burden #4/51
- Illinois · burden #3/51
- Washington · burden #7/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($254 here).
- Arizona · avg $252 initial fee
- Washington · avg $247 initial fee
- Nevada · avg $266 initial fee
- New Mexico · avg $237 initial fee
Agriculture in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Animal Care in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 5,703 | Yes | $441 | $355 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 2,351 | Yes | $220 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
Construction in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 7,405 | Yes | $217 | $174 | 1 yr | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 7,405 | Yes | $305 | $263 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $437 | $352 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 5,405 | Yes | $174 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 34 | Yes | $174 | $153 | 3 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 7,405 | Yes | $260 | $217 | 1 yr | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Cosmetology in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,426 | Yes | $141 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,511 | Yes | $163 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 890 | Yes | $144 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 900 | Yes | $176 | $90 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 618 | Yes | $127 | $63 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Design in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $352 | $267 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Education in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 102 | No | $174 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $218 | $133 | 5 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $261 | $175 | 5 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $218 | $133 | 5 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
Engineering in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $437 | $352 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Finance in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $433 | $348 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 71 | Yes | $216 | $173 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 20 | Yes | $643 | $430 | 1 yr | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
Food & Hospitality in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 14 | Yes | $64 | $43 | 3 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Healthcare in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 3,351 | Yes | $220 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 3,351 | Yes | $309 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 188 | Yes | $153 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,426 | Yes | $181 | $135 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,851 | Yes | $267 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 4,851 | Yes | $437 | $352 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,881 | Yes | $220 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 5,277 | Yes | $313 | $270 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,851 | Yes | $309 | $267 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 4,277 | Yes | $355 | $313 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,396 | Yes | $220 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $263 | $220 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 2,851 | Yes | $224 | $156 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 2,351 | Yes | $220 | $178 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 3,851 | Yes | $309 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Legal & Security in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 69 | No | $217 | $131 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 5,114 | Yes | $348 | $305 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Mental Health in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,851 | Yes | $224 | $181 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 3,351 | Yes | $222 | $179 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 3,351 | Yes | $267 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 6,703 | Yes | $441 | $355 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Miscellaneous in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Real Estate in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 176 | Yes | $348 | $263 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 159 | Yes | $260 | $213 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 239 | Yes | $348 | $284 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Transportation in Colorado
| CO profession | CO edu hrs | CO exam | CO initial $ | CO renew $ | CO cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 34 | Yes | $131 | $88 | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 296 | Yes | $173 | $88 | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 108 | Yes | $131 | $88 | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related for Colorado
NCSL and state-board extracts for Colorado. Burden peers on this ladder include Illinois, Nevada, Arizona, Washington; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the August 2026 PlainCredential state file aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Colorado render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.