A guide to General Building Contractor and Residential & Small Commercial Contractor licenses in Utah

In Utah it is possible for contractors to hold a license in a specific trade, but also in broader categories such as building, engineering, residential or commercial construction. The licenses allow these types of contractors to become involved in specific types of construction projects. But, for these licenses to be granted, applicants must pass not just the trade exam, but the Business and Law exam as well. 

What type of work can be done?

• General Building Contractor License (R100)
  To either perform or assume the role as a superintendent on the construction of structures for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind or any of the components of that construction a General Building Contractor License is required. This excludes plumbing, electrical work, mechanical work, work related to the operating integrity of an elevator, and manufactured housing installation.

• Residential & Small Commercial Contractor License (B100)
  For the construction of single-family residences, multifamily residences – of up to four units, and commercial construction of no more than three stories aboveground and not more than 20,000 square feet, or any of the components of that construction, a Residential & Small Commercial Contractor license is required. This excludes plumbing, electrical work, mechanical work, and manufactured housing installation. The B100 includes the scope of the E100 classification and the E100 includes the scope B100 classification.

*To legally be able to perform other tasks that are not covered within these two licenses, a separate license such as the Utah Electrical License needs to be obtained.

What are the requirements?

Experience requirement:

To satisfy the experience requirement, applicants must satisfy at least one of these requirements to be eligible for licensure:

• Obtain at least 4,000 hours (or 2 years) of paid work experience at any time in your life in the construction industry. You must self-certify that you have this experience.
• Qualifier on current or previous Utah Contractor License for at least 2 years
• Construction Management Degree (2 or 4 year Degree)
• Licensed Utah Professional Engineer
• Passed NASCLA Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors
• One (1) year of licensed experience working in another State, District or Territory of the U.S. in the similar scope of practice sought in Utah if the license is currently active and in good standing.

Residential & Small Commercial Contractor License (B100)

To satisfy the exam requirement, applicants must satisfy at least one of these requirements to be eligible for licensure:

• Obtain a passing score on the Utah Business & Law Exam
• Obtain One (1) year of licensed experience working in another State, District or Territory of the U.S. in the similar scope of practice sought in Utah if the license is currently active and in good standing.
• Qualifier on Utah Contractor License prior to May 9, 2017

About the Business & Law exam

• Total Questions: 60
• Passing Score: 42 correct
• Time: 120 minutes
• Open Book (Tabbing permitted)

Topics include: Business Organizations; Licensing; Estimating and Bidding; Contract Management; Project Management; Labor Laws; Lien Laws; Financial Management; Risk Management; Tax Laws; Safety

NASCLA Commercial Contractor Exam

If you have passed the NASCLA Commercial Contractor exam, you will not need to obtain the required experience. However, the Business and Law exam must still be passed.

How do I pass the exam?

The Utah exams are open book. The references below are permitted to be tabbed, highlighted, and used during your test! Unfortunately, Rockert Cert’s online course is not permitted to be accessed during the State exam.

The exam prep includes math, plan reading, highlighting guides covering the topics your exam is based on, practice questions for each reference, and unlimited attempts on Rockert Cert’s “test simulation”.

To pass your exam and ensure that you get the correct license, make sure that your learning provider offers an education support team, has a No Pass No Pay Policy, provides test simulations, provides a guide to tabbing and maths quizzes.