Construction / Code Official License / Colorado
- Colorado
- Code Official
- Code Enforcement
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Colorado Code Official License
How Colorado code officials get certified: the Basic and Advanced courses, the experience you need and the final exam, based on the Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials’ program.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Ask CACEO
Exam time
1 hr
Final exam, 60 minutes
Time to get license
~1 yr
1 year of code enforcement experience
Continuing ed
Not stated
Check with CACEO before renewal
Overview
Do you need a Colorado code official license?
In Colorado, code official certification runs through the Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO). You complete two courses, build a year of experience and pass a final exam.
License required when
- You want certification as a Colorado code official
- You enforce codes and want a credential that shows it
- Your employer asks for CACEO certification
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions or waivers
- Hiring rules vary by city and county, so check with your agency
Working without certification
Our sources don’t list penalties. Whether certification is a condition of the job is usually set by the city or county that hires you.
Your fast-track Colorado code official license checklist
The Colorado application, one page
- Basic Certification Course completed
- 1 year of code enforcement experience
- Advanced Certification Course completed
- Final exam passed with 70% or better
- Certification requested from CACEO
Types
Colorado code official license types and classifications
Our sources describe one certification with two courses on the way to it.
CEO
CACEO certification
Colorado Code Official
Complete the Basic and Advanced Certification Courses, build one year of code enforcement experience and pass the final exam.
Exam
Final exam (50 questions)
Limit
Colorado
Requirements
Colorado code official license requirements, class by class
Finish the Basic course first. The one year of experience is counted alongside Basic course completion.
| Requirement | Colorado Code Official |
|---|---|
| Basic course | CACEO Basic Certification Course |
| Advanced course | CACEO Advanced Certification Course |
| Experience | 1 year of code enforcement |
| Exam | Final exam, 50 questions |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Colorado code official license, step by step
- Complete the Basic courseStep one
Take CACEO’s Basic Certification Course. - Build a year of experience1 year
You need Basic course completion plus one year of code enforcement experience. - Complete the Advanced courseAfter Basic
Take CACEO’s Advanced Certification Course. - Pass the final examExam day
50 questions in 60 minutes, open book. You need 70% to pass. - Apply for certificationAfter you pass
Contact CACEO at 303-814-4353 or through caceo.org to complete your certification.
Exam
What to expect on the Colorado code official exam
The final exam is short and open book: 50 questions in an hour.
Format
Open book
Questions
50
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
CACEO
Scoring & content
- 50 questions, 60 minutes
- 70% to pass
- Open book
- Taken after the Basic and Advanced courses
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Retake fees aren’t stated
- Ask CACEO before you retake
Exam references · Open book
The Colorado Code Official exam is open book and is based on the 2018 International codes listed below. Our sources don’t spell out which editions you can bring into the room, so check the candidate bulletin before you buy books.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2018 | Not stated |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2018 | Not stated |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2018 | Not stated |
| International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) | 2018 | Not stated |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | 2018 | Not stated |
Prep
Best Colorado code official exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Colorado code official license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Certification Course | Fixed | Not stated |
| Advanced Certification Course | Fixed | Not stated |
| Final exam | Fixed | Not stated |
| Courses and exam | Fees aren’t listed in our sources | Not stated |
Ask CACEO for current course and exam fees.
Reciprocity
Does Colorado accept out-of-state code official licenses?
Our sources don’t describe any reciprocity for Colorado code official certification.
No reciprocity agreements
None are listed in our sources. Plan to complete the courses, experience and final exam as a new applicant.
Local
Do Colorado cities and counties have their own code official licensing rules?
CACEO certifies code officials, but the job itself and its requirements come from the city or county you work for.
State handles
- CACEO Basic and Advanced courses
- The final certification exam
- Issuing certification
City & county handle
- Hiring code enforcement staff
- Local ordinances you enforce
- Whether certification is a job requirement
Governance
Who certifies code officials in Colorado
Oversight responsibilities
- Runs the Basic and Advanced Certification Courses
- Administers the final exam
- Issues code official certification
Maintenance
How to renew your Colorado code official license and keep it active
Our sources don’t cover renewal or continuing education for Colorado code official certification. Check with CACEO before your certification expires.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
Colorado code official license FAQs
Who certifies code officials in Colorado?
The Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials (CACEO). Reach it at 303-814-4353 or caceo.org.
What courses do I need?
CACEO’s Basic Certification Course and Advanced Certification Course.
How much experience do I need?
One year of code enforcement experience, along with completing the Basic course.
What’s on the final exam?
50 open-book questions in 60 minutes. You need 70% to pass.
Is the Colorado exam open book?
Yes, the final exam is open book.
Sources
Official sources for the Colorado code official license
- Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials
- CACEO Basic and Advanced Certification Course requirements
Last updated October 28, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials.