If you’re working or interested in the construction field in Utah, you may be wondering how to become a contractor in the Beehive State.
To become a contractor in UT, you’ll need to pass a contractor’s exam and apply for a general or specialty contractor’s license through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
With plenty of specializations to choose from, let’s break down exactly how you can become a UT contractor, step by step.
Do You Need a Contractor’s License in Utah?
The Utah DOPL requires licenses for all contractors completing jobs worth over $3,000 or requiring building permits.
If your work does not require permits and is worth more than $1,000 but less than $3,000, you’ll need to register as a handyman with the state.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Utah
Utah offers specialty contractor and general contractor licenses. Each type of license has different classifications to choose from.
General Contractors in UT
General contractors (GCs) in Utah can choose from 7 classifications of licenses:
- General contractor
- Residential/small commercial contractor
- General engineering contractor
- General plumbing contractor
- Residential plumbing contractor
- General electrical contractor
- Residential electrical contractor
Specialty Contractors in UT
Specialty contracts include everything from sign installation contractors to HVAC contractors and tons in between. For a full list of the 15+ classifications and their work definitions, see here.
Utah Contractor License Requirements
Before applying for a license, all contractors will need to meet the following requirements:
- Complete a pre-licensure course from the ABC, UHBA, or AGC. Courses are 25 hours for specialty contractors and 30 hours for general contractors.
- Hold general liability insurance coverage
- $100,000 per incident
- $300,000 in total covers
- If applying as a corporation, LLC, LLP, or partnership, register your business with the UT Division of Corporations
- Obtain your Employer ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Have Worker’s Comp Insurance if you have any employees
- In this case, you will also need a state withholding tax registration and unemployment registration
- Must not have any unpaid judgments, liens, tax liens, or child support withstanding
General contractors will need to complete the previous list, plus the following:
- Have 2+ years of full-time experience in the construction industry. Alternative ways to satisfy this requirement include:
- Holding a previous Utah Contractor License for 2+ years
- Having a 2- or 4-year Construction Management degree
- Being a licensed UT engineer
- Passing the NASCLA Exam for contractors
- Having 1 year of licensed experience in another state
- Pass the Utah Business & Law Exam
Additional requirements are found for certain specialty contractors, described below.
- Plumbing and electrical contractors must be licensed masters in their field
- Elevator contractors need an active UT Elevator Mechanic License
- Fire suppression systems contractors need a General Building Contractor License OR one of the following:
- Complete an approved apprenticeship program or demonstrate appropriate experience under a licensee
- Pass the STAR Fire Sprinklerfitting Mastery exam or the equivalent
- Limited scope contractors must submit a detailed explanation of their requested scope of practice
Utah Contractor’s Exam
If you meet the prerequisites listed above, you may need to take your contractor’s exam before applying for a license.
All general contractor applicants will need to take the UT Contractors Business and Law Exam. This exam is given through Prov and can be scheduled without preapproval. Many exams are given at local colleges or universities throughout Utah. If you have the right systems, you may even take this exam at your home.
Once you schedule, pay for, take, and pass this exam, you can complete your state license application.
Applying for a Utah Contractor’s License
Both GCs and specialty contractors go through the same application process for licensure. You will need to fill out the application – there is only one for all classifications.
To fill out the application, you will need:
- Your business information, registration number, EIN, and DBA number, if applicable
- To fill out a background check questionnaire
- Disclose any previous charges, complaints, etc. held against you
- License, registration, or certification numbers, if applicable
- Copy of a valid government-issued ID
- Proof that you have completed the pre-licensing course or an approved substitution
- If applying for a general contractor license:
- Proof of your passed UT Contractors Business and Law Exam
- Proof of 2 years of paid, verifiable, and supervised experience in your field
- Proof of all required insurance (liability, Worker’s Comp, etc.)
- To pay the licensing application fee
- $50 per qualifier (licensees)
- $175 per classification
- $1 electronic surcharge fee
Once completed, mail your application to:
Division of Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Alternatively, you can submit it in person to:
Division of Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby
160 E 300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Once you receive your license, it’s important to keep all your information up to date. If you change your name, qualifying party, or address, notify the state immediately. This will ensure you always receive any notifications the DOPL sends you regarding your active license.
Additional Documents
If you plan to add or remove a qualifying party, add a classification, change your business’s owner, surrender your license, or perform any other change, use the additional forms page on the DOPL website.
Utah Contractor License Renewals
Licenses expire every two years, on November 30th of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025, etc.). You will receive a notice 2 months before your renewal date.
All licenses require 6 hours of approved Continuing Education (CE) to renew. You can find courses and keep track of your CE here.
To renew, you’ll need to complete the application online, show proof of an active general liability insurance certificate and Worker’s Compensation Insurance, and pay a $114 renewal fee.
Contractor Salaries in Utah
Contractors in Utah make around $51,076, which is close to the U.S. average. Those on the lower end make above $36,300 and high-end earners can make $71,000+.
Contractor salaries depend on the type of contract work you’re doing (GC, electrical, specialty, etc.), where you’re working, years of experience, and licensure and certification. Contractors also have the opportunity for ample overtime hours, which could increase your salary by a few thousand dollars every year.
