How to Get Your Colorado Electrician Hours Signed Off

Key Takeaways

• Accurate record-keeping is needed for hour verification
• DORA does not limit the number of hours per year to be counted
• Use the Affidavit of Experience form for each employer
• Contact DORA if you encounter challenges in the verification process
• Stay current with continuing education requirements

Getting your hours verified by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is a required step in advancing your electrician career in Colorado. This guide walks you through the entire hours verification process in clear, straightforward terms, from tracking your hours to submitting your documentation.

Understanding DORA Hour Requirements

DORA sets these work experience standards:

DORA does not limit how many hours you log toward verification each year.

Tracking Your Hours

Accurate record-keeping is necessary for the hours verification process. Here are some tips:

• Maintain detailed logs of your work hours
• Keep pay stubs and employment records
• Request letters from employers verifying your hours
• Use the DORA Affidavit of Experience form for each employer

Understanding the Affidavit of Experience Form

The Affidavit of Experience form requires detailed information about your work history, including:

• Your personal information and apprentice number (if applicable)
• Employer's information, including their electrical contractor license number
• Dates of employment
• Total hours worked
• Types of electrical work performed

Getting Your Hours Signed Off

To get your hours signed off, follow these steps:

Identify Qualified Supervisors: Licensed electrical contractors must verify your hours.

Contact Previous Employers: Reach out to your past supervisors to sign off on your hours. If direct contact isn't possible, try:

• Contacting the current management of the electrical contractor
• Using the DORA license search tool to find contact information

Complete the Affidavit of Experience Form:

• Fill out the form accurately with your personal information and work details
• Make sure your supervisor signs the form

Submit Documentation to DORA:

• Compile all completed Affidavit of Experience forms
• Include any additional required documentation
• Submit via mail or online through the DORA portal

Common Challenges and Solutions

Incomplete Records

If you're missing records, try:

• Reconstructing your work history using tax returns and old calendars
• Requesting records from previous employers' HR departments

Unavailable Supervisors

If a former supervisor is unavailable:

• Contact the company's current management
• Reach out to DORA for guidance on alternative verification methods

Hour Calculation Discrepancies

To avoid mistakes:

• Keep detailed personal records of your work hours
• Regularly verify your hours with your supervisor

Next Steps After Hours Verification

Once your hours are verified:

Apply for the Appropriate License:

• Submit a completed license application form
• Pay the required fee ($100 for Residential Wireman and Journeyman, $140 for Master)

Prepare for the Licensing Exam:

• Study the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Review Colorado Electrician Law and Administrative Rules
• Consider exam prep courses or materials

Complete Continuing Education:

• All license types require 24 hours of continuing education every three years
• A minimum of 4 hours must focus on NEC changes
• Licenses expire on September 30th every three years (next renewal: September 30, 2026)
• Apprentices may enroll in a registered apprenticeship training course instead

Downloadable Resources

You can download the DORA Affidavit of Experience form on the Colorado State Electrical Board website.

Logging your hours is a necessary step in being a qualified electrician in Colorado. It is a process that makes sure every licensed electrician in Colorado has the experience they need to do the job right. It takes time and patience. Stay persistent and keep detailed records. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact DORA. Every master electrician in Colorado started out as an apprentice, logging their hard-working hours. If you stay diligent, you will also reach your goal of progressing your electrician career.