Common questions about obtaining a contractor license in Utah


We have provided the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding a contractors license in Utah.



Q: Why does the State of Utah require that I obtain a contractor, electrical, plumbing or inspector license?

A: The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (D.O.P.L.) is the state agency that controls and regulates state licensing. D.O.P.L. requires licenses for contractors, electricians, plumbers, inspectors and all other licensed occupations to protect the general public from fraud, misrepresentation and safety issues.

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Q: Which contractor license classifications should I apply for?

A: There are over 50 contractor license classifications you may apply for. You need to decide which classification is right for you depending on what you have at least 2 years of W-2'ed experience in. Give us a call and, we can help you determine which license is best suited to your experience.

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Q: What are the experience requirements for each license? 


A: E100-General Engineering, B100-General Building, R100-Residential & Small Commercial Building:

    • A minimum of 4 years of full-time, related experience. Two years of which shall be in a supervisory or management position working for a licensed general contractor is required.


S220-Carpentry, S280-Roofing, S290-Masonry, S320-Steel Erection, S350-HVAC, S360-Refrigeration, S370-Fire Suppression Systems:

    • A minimum of four years of full-time experience is required.


The experience must be verified on the Affidavit of Experience form provided by D.O.P.L. with an employer's signature.

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Q: What testing is required to obtain a Utah Contractor's License?


A: All applicants applying for a Utah Contractor's License are required to take the Utah Business and Law exam. The Business and Law exam consists of 60 questions. The test covers state and federal laws, accounting procedures, construction trade licensing acts, taxes, mechanic lien laws, OSHA requirements, risk management and other general business law questions. All of this is covered in the Contractor's School, Inc., study material and exam prep.

Trade Exams

Most license classifications also require a trade exam. Trade exams range from 30 to 100 questions. The trade exams include questions on bidding, estimating, job scheduling, code questions and trade material. Contractor's School, Inc. has study material specific to each trade.

Click for a Complete List of License Classifications

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Three Step Licensing Process:




1. Exam Preparation and Testing

The contractor licensing process begins with passing the Utah Business Law Exam (every applicant must take this exam) and in most cases the Contractor Trade Exam. You must pass both exams with a score of 70% or better.

Contractor's School, Inc. provides on site test preparation material which you can study at your convenience until you feel ready to take your tests.

2. Business Set-Up
In order to apply for a contractor license, you must first form a business entity and name, and have a registered agent. Again, we help you with all of this. Our experts will consult with you to help determine the right business organization for you, and even serve as your registered agent. We make it easy and turn-key.

3. Application Processing
Once you have passed the required exams the real fun begins. All applicants must complete the required application to obtain a contractor license. The contractor application consists of numerous pages of information you must fill out completely and correctly or you will be denied a license. Contractor's School, Inc. knows more about the application process than anyone in town! We have made it our business to know exactly what the state licensing division requires so your application will be processed correctly the first time. Fast and mistake free. We take the guess work out of the equation. In one day we can accomplish more than the average applicant can in two weeks. Why? We have spent the last few years building relationships with the people that help get your application processed. We know how to expedite the process so you'll receive your license as quickly as possible.

Insurance

Before your application is submitted to the D.O.P.L. you must purchase the required public liability insurance. Liability insurance does not cover damages of the contractor's property. Public liability insurance protects contractors against claims or losses of third parties who are not employees. Liability insurance rates are based on what type of work you will be doing, not what license you hold. Contractor's School, Inc. has licensed insurance agents in our office to provide you with assistance in obtaining the required public liability insurance, so you don't have to run around town looking for the proper coverage.

Workers Compensation Insurance covers on the job injury to employees. Again, workers compensation rates are based on what type of work you will be doing and not what license you hold. As the owner of your company, you can choose to exempt yourself from workers compensation coverage. But, all employees must be covered at all times. Contractor's School, Inc. provides referrals for obtaining workers compensation insurance so you know just what you need and how much you will have to pay.

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Questions? Contact us at Info@BeAContractor.com or within Utah at 800.639.2677 or from outside of Utah at 866.467.9955

Answers to other questions people have about starting their own contractor business



How do I run payroll?
How do I keep my business in compliance with the various laws surrounding payroll taxes, fillings, unemployment and workers compensation claims, safety training and risk management, hiring and firing practices etc?
How do I market and promote my business?

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Questions? Contact us at Info@BeAContractor.com or within Utah at 800.639.2677 or from outside of Utah at 866.467.9955