Becoming a licensed electrician in Utah can be done in a few simple steps. Once you gain the appropriate experience, you’ll need to pass an exam, submit the required documents, complete an application, and pay a fee. After this, you can become an officially licensed electrician in the state.
This article will break down each step and lay out the requirements for getting your:
- Journeyman Electrician (JE) License
- Residential Journeyman Electrician (RJE) License
- Master Electrician (ME) License
- Residential Master Electrician (RME) License
Do You Need an Electrician’s License in Utah?
Utah allows you to perform electrical work without a license if it is within your primary residence. All other electrical work must be performed by an electrician with the appropriate license.
Types of Licenses for Electricians in Utah
Utah offers 4 types of electrician’s licenses, as well as an Electrical Contractor License. Each license allows you to complete a different kind of electrical work, and each has unique examination requirements, fees, and application documents.
- Journeyman Electrician (JE) License: allows you to install, repair, and wire electrical apparatus for heat, light, power, and other purposes.
- Residential Journeyman Electrician (RJE) License: This license is for journeyman electricians performing electrical work using nonmetallic sheath cable.
- Master Electrician (ME) License: allows you to properly plan, lay out, and supervise the wiring, repair, and installation of electrical apparatus and equipment.
- Residential Master Electrician (RME) License: This license is for master electricians who will only be working on residential projects.
- Electrical Contractor License: This license allows someone to fabricate, construct, and install generators, transformers, raceways, panels, conduits, wires, switchgear, appliances, or apparatus. There is also a Residential Electrical Contractor License which is limited to residential units.
Utah License Requirements for Electricians
Depending on which license you want to obtain, you’ll need to fulfill certain prerequisites related to your job experience and training. We’ve outlined the requirements for each license type below.
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To apply for the journeyman examination, you must have:
- Completed an approved apprenticeship program in which you completed 8,000 hours of experience over 4 years OR
- Completed at least 16,000 hours of experience over at least 8 years
- Your total work experience must include:
- At least 4,000 hours of experience in conduit, raceways, boxes & fittings, wire ways, cableways, other fittings, and non-metallic sheathed cable electrical work
- At least 800 hours’ experience in wire and cable, multi- and individual cable work
- At least 400 hours’ experience in the distribution and utilization of panel boards, transformers, switchboards, moto starters, control panels, disconnects, lighting fixtures, appliances, and other distribution equipment
- At least 400 hours in specialized work (etc. sound data, communication, alarms, etc.)
- A maximum of 2,000 hours will be credited per year of work completed
- All work experience must have been done and supervised legally
Once you meet the work experience requirements, you can sit for the official exam. This exam is split into three parts: the UT JE Code Exam, UT JE Theory Exam, and UT Electrician Practical Exam (6 projects).
Residential Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To take their licensing exam, residential journeyman electricians in Utah must have completed:
- At least 2 years of an approved apprenticeship program and at least 4,000 hours of work over at least 2 years OR
- At least 8,000 hours of work as an apprentice over at least 4 years
Once you meet the work experience requirements, you can sit for the official exam. This exam is also split into three parts: the UT RJE Code Exam, UT RJE Theory Exam, and UT Residential Electrician Practical Exam (4 projects).
Master Electrician License Requirements
To become a master electrician, you must sit for the exam by first having completed ONE of the following:
- 4 years of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician OR
- Graduated from an electrical trade school program with a 2-year AAS degree plus 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman OR
- Hold an accredited B.S. degree in electrical engineering plus one year of licensed experience
You will need official transcripts and Verification of Electrical Experience to prove your qualifications. Master electricians must take a 3-part exam: UT ME Code exam, UT ME Theory Exam, and UT Electrician Practical Exam (6 projects).
Residential Master Electrician License Requirements
Residential master electricians must have at least 4,000 hours of verifiable experience as a licensed residential journeyman electrician before sitting for the Residential Master Exam. This experience must have been collected over at least 2 years.
The Residential Master Electrician exam consists of the UT RME Code Exam, UT RME Theory Exam, and the UT Residential Electrician Practical Exam (4 projects).
How to Obtain an Electricians’ License in Utah
You will sign up for your exam under “self-registration”, selecting UT-Electrical and your exam name. Review the Candidate Bulletin before taking the exam to prepare. For more information check out the Exam page of the UT Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Once you have taken and passed the appropriate exam, you may apply for your electrician’s license in Utah. Your test results will automatically be sent to the Utah Licensing Board.
Fill in all required information, sign your application, and list any previously held or currently held license numbers. Your current and previous employers must fill out Verification of Electrical Experience forms (page 3 of the application) to verify your experience. Include the $110 non-refundable application fee with your documents.
Send your completed application to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
PO BOX 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Electrical Contractor License Requirements
Electrical contractors in Utah face a unique application process that is distinct from other electrician licenses. Requirements for licensure can be found here, as well as on page 5 of the official application.
Renewing Your Utah Electrician License
Electrician’s licenses expire on November 30th of even-numbered years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail two months before expiration. To renew, you must complete at least 16 hours of Continuing Education, of which 12 must be on the National Electrical Code (NEC). You can renew online.
