Colorado Licensure Frequently Asked Questions

On June 30, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed Colorado House Bill 21-1195. Beginning on July 1, 2022, Radon Measurement and Mitigation Professionals in Colorado must acquire a license to perform radon work in the State, under the Radon Measurement and Mitigation Licensing Act. 

Why was this law passed?

In 2021, the Colorado General Assembly found and declared that “the prevalence of Colorado homes with excessive levels of radon has created a market in which unqualified individuals are representing themselves and practicing as radon professionals. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, causing approximately twenty thousand deaths a year in the United States, including five hundred deaths in Colorado. Therefore, to protect the public, it is necessary to establish minimum qualifications for radon professionals and to require professionals who possess such qualifications to acquire a license before performing radon measurement or radon mitigation.”

Who must be licensed?

Those performing radon measurement or radon mitigation in Colorado must be licensed, unless they meet an exemption.  Only an individual who obtains a license may claim to be a radon measurement professional or radon mitigation professional or use the title “radon measurement professional” or “radon mitigation professional” or any other title suggesting that the individual is qualified to perform radon measurement or radon mitigation.

How is “radon measurement” defined?

“Radon measurement” means the practice of using a radon measurement device to test air, water, or soil for the presence of radon or radon progeny in the indoor environment of a premises. A radon measurement device means a device approved by a proficiency program and used for radon measurement.

How is “radon mitigation” defined?

“Radon mitigation” means the practice of installing, repairing, or modifying a radon mitigation system to reduce the concentration of radon or radon progeny in the indoor environment of a building.

Who is exempt?

• An individual performing radon measurement or radon mitigation on a single- family residence that the individual owns and occupies;
• An individual performing radon measurement who assists and is under the direct supervision of a licensed radon measurement professional;
• An individual performing radon mitigation who assists and is under the direct supervision of a licensed radon mitigation professional;
• An agent of a federal, state, or local government agency acting within the scope of the agent’s official capacity;
• An individual performing radon measurement or radon mitigation as part of radon training approved by a proficiency program; or
• An individual acting within the scope of practice for which the individual is licensed, registered, or certified.

What does “direct supervision” mean?

"Direct supervision” means supervision by an individual who is physically present during on-site activities and immediately available to direct, instruct, and oversee the activities of other individuals.

Who regulates state licensure?

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, Office of Radon Professionals, Radon Professional Program is responsible for enforcing statutes, rules and policies as implemented by the Radon Professionals Practice Act. Program staff oversee education, licensing, and enforcement of Radon Measurement Professionals and Radon Mitigation Professionals.

What’s the process of getting licensed?

• Submit to the Director a completed application for licensure and associated fee(s)
• Submit proof of certification from either the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board
• Attest that you have required professional liability insurance that is

a)    Issued by an insurance company authorized by the division of insurance to transact insurance business in this state;

b)    Is in effect at all times during the license period;

c)    Provides for general liability coverage in an amount of at least:

d)    $250,000 for radon measurement professionals; and

e)    $500,000 for radon mitigation professionals; and

f)     Lists the division of insurance as a certificate holder.

• Attest whether you have, in the last five years, has been convicted of or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere as set forth in section 12-165-108(2), C.R.S.

Visit https://dpo.colorado.gov/RadonProfessionals/Applications to apply

How much does licensure cost?

By law, the program must operate strictly with funds collected from the persons it regulates, with no support from the state's General Fund. The fees are evaluated and modified each year based on a budget set by the Colorado Legislature. Licensure fees are dependent on the number of enrollees in the program and many other factors. Fees may change annually.

How do I know if someone is licensed?

A searchable database of licensees is available here.

Who is subject to penalties?

An individual who conducts radon measurement or radon mitigation, claims to be a radon measurement professional or radon mitigation professional, or uses the title “radon measurement professional” or “radon mitigation professional” or any other title suggesting that the individual is qualified to perform radon measurement or radon mitigation without an active license issued under this article 165 is subject to penalties.

How do I file a complaint?

The Division of Professions and Occupations has a number of informational videos on their website, including videos on filing a complaint and creating an account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DrdzKklkzM&t=2s. Also view guidance here. 

What certifications are required?

Proof of certification from either the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board is required for State licensure.

How can I get more information?

Zen Mayhugh, Program Director, Colorado Office of Radon Professionals

1560 Broadway, Suite 1350

Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-894-7800

Fax: 303-894-7693

Email: dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us

Rocky Mountain IEA

E-mail: info@rockymtnaarst.org

Office Telephone: (303) 916-2576