In order to provide services as a Contractor in the State of Utah, individuals must obtain the proper license from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, which is one of seven agencies within the state Department of Commerce. The Division is tasked with all aspects of Contractor licensing, including the application process, establishing requirements for licensing and renewal, and handling licensee disciplinary matters. To receive a license as a Contractor from the Division, applicants must have a certain amount of experience and then pass two examinations. The Division has enacted regulations that exempt certain individuals from the licensing requirements if they provide designated “handyman” services.

Obtaining a license

General

The Division’s requirements for licensing as a Contractor in the State of Utah include educational training as well as examination requirements. After experience levels are reached and the examinations are passed, candidates must submit an application to the Division. While the testing regulations involving specific Contractor areas of focus vary, all applicants must pass the Utah Business and Law Examination.

Experience

Division regulations regarding Contractor licenses require applicant to meet certain minimum on-the job experience levels. During the 10 years prior to taking the required examinations and applying for a license, applicants must have:

• A minimum of four years full time contractor related experience, two of which shall be as a supervisor or manager if the candidate is applying in the areas of general engineering, general building, or residential and small commercial contractor.
• A minimum of four years full time contractor related experience if the candidate is applying for the Contractor classifications of carpentry, masonry, steel, HVAC, refrigeration or fire suppression.
• A minimum of two years full time contractor related experience for all other Contractor classifications.

The categories of electrical and plumbing Contractor fall under a separate licensing process.

Contractor examination

Depending on area of concentration, candidates for a Contractor license must pass an examination involving their trade. Those which must meet examination requirements include, but are not limited to:

• General engineering, painting, building, remodeling, drywall and concrete;
• Carpentry;
• Irrigation;
• Roofing;
• Landscaping; and,
• HVAC.

Those which are not required to take a trade specific examination, but still must pass the Utah Business and Law Examination include:

• Terrazzo, marble, granite, and laminate floors;
• Asphalt;
• Grouting;
• Rain gutter installation; and,
• Demolition.

A complete list is available through PSI, the third party agency tasked with examination administration.

Business and Law Examination

No matter what trade specific examination a candidate for a Contractor license falls under, all must still pass the State of Utah Business and Law Examination. The test involves 60 questions in multiple choice format over a two hour period, and candidates must attain a 70% passage score. Topics include business organizations, licensing, contract management, financial management and labor law.

Reciprocity

The Division accepts the examination results from certain states as a substitute for the Utah exam regarding specific trade classifications, though applicants must still pass the Business and Law examination. Reciprocity is accepted from the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• South Carolina

Maintaining a license

Renewal

In order to maintain a Contractor license in good standing, license holders must file a renewal application every two years, by November 30 of every odd numbered year. Filing fees for the renewal applicant are $113.

Continuing education requirements

The Division has established requirements for continuing education, which are required to be completed during every renewal cycle. Contractor license holders must complete six hours worth of Division approved continuing education in order to renew their license.

Disciplinary actions

All disciplinary matters involving Contractor licensees are handled by the Division, which has enacted regulations designating grounds for discipline. Violations of Division rules may result in a cease and desist order, license probation, suspension or revocation. The majority of violations involve individuals who are providing Contractor services without having obtained a license or properly renewed an existing license. Other disciplinary matters are related to unprofessional conduct.

Handyman exemption

Utah State law provides a Handyman exemption, enabling qualifying individuals to provide certain services without the need to first obtain a license as a Contractor. If remodeling or renovation work has a total value, inclusive of labor and materials, of $1,000 or less, the person providing the services and materials does not need a license. New construction and alarm systems must still be completed by a licensed Contractor. The exemption value may be increased to $3,000 if the individual proves to the Division that he or she maintains appropriate levels of liability and workers compensation insurance.