Licensing Guides
Utah Electrical License: How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Utah
Electrical, UT
May 26th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Utah?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Utah?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Utah?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Utah?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Utah.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 11,450 in Utah.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In Utah, that growth rate is projected at 42%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Utah in July 2025 totaled 143,100, an increase of 4,500 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 29,300 (26%) from February 2020. So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Utah
Is a license required for electricians in Utah? Yes.
To legally perform electrical work in the state of Utah, you must be licensed by the state. The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) within the Utah Department of Commerce licenses apprentice, journeyman, master, and residential electricians. It also licenses general electrical and residential electrical contractors.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Utah
Utah requires a license for all electrical work. Each license level has different requirements. To get an electrical license in Utah, follow these steps:
Be at least 16 to 18 years old (age depends on the apprenticeship program).
Apply for your apprenticeship license with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Complete your electrical apprenticeship.
Pass a journeyman electrical exam.
Apply for a journeyman license with DOPL.
Pay license fee.
For each progressive license, complete additional work experience, pass an exam, and apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in Utah
To become a licensed electrician in Utah, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the experience and/or educational requirements.
Pass an electrical exam.
Pay applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license.
APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Apprentice Electricians work to complete a four-year apprenticeship program consisting of 576 classroom hours and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit a paper application.
Pay fees: Pay the $116 application fee.
Limitations: Licensed Apprentice Electricians must be under the immediate supervision of a licensed Master, Journeyman, Residential Master, or Residential Journeyman Electrician. Beginning in the apprentice’s fourth year of training, they may work without supervision for up to eight hours in a 24-hour period.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: A Journeyman Electrician must complete a four-year electrical apprenticeship consisting of 576 classroom hours and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Or, the state accepts 16,000 hours (about eight years) of licensed, supervised electrical experience.
Pass exam: Pass the written Journeyman Electrician and practical electrician exam administered by Prov, Inc. The exams do not require preapproval. The written exam costs $85 and the practical exam costs $25 per section. DOPL provides exam information on its electrical exams page. Prov also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit an application form.
Pay fees: Pay the $116 application fee.
Increased authority: Journeyman Electricians may supervise apprentice electricians.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: A Master Electrician must have satisfied one of the following:
Completed 8,000 hours of experience (four years) as a licensed journeyman Electrician.
Earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from an electrical trade school and completed 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an electrical engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and completed at least 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice electrician.
Pass exam: Pass the Master Electrician law and rule exam and practical electrician exam administered by Prov, Inc. The exams do not require preappoval. You do not need to take the practical exam if you passed it for your journeyman’s license. The written exam costs $85 and the practical exam costs $25 per section. DOPL provides exam information on its electrical exams page. Prov also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit an application form.
Pay fees: Pay the $116 application fee.
Increased authority: Master electricians may supervise apprentice electricians.
RESIDENTIAL JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: A Residential Journeyman Electrician must complete a two-year (288 classroom hours) electrical apprenticeship education program and complete 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice electrician working under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Or you can complete 8,000 hours of licensed, supervised electrical experience.
Pass exam: Pass the Residential Journeyman Electrician written exam and the residential electrician practical exam administered by Prov Inc. The exams do not require preappoval. The written exam costs $85 and the practical exam costs $25 per section. DOPL provides exam information on its electrical exams page. Prov also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit an application form.
Pay fees: Pay the $116 application fee.
Increased authority: Residential Journeyman Electricians may supervise apprentice electricians.
RESIDENTIAL MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: A Residential Master Electrician must complete 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Residential Journeyman Electrician. Or the state accepts a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an electrical engineering program accredited by EAC/ABET and completion of 2,000 hours of work experience as a licensed apprentice electrician.
Pass exam: Pass the Residential Master Electrician law and rule exam and the practical electrician exam administered by Prov Inc. The exams do not require preappoval. You do not need to take the practical exam if you passed it for your journeyman’s license. The written exam costs $85, and the practical exam costs $25 per section. DOPL provides exam information on its electrical exams page. Prov also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit an application form.
Pay fees: Pay the $116 application fee.
Increased authority: Residential master electricians may supervise apprentice electricians.
GENERAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR OR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: Contractors must have satisfied one of the following:
Complete 4,000 hours (two years) of paid work experience in the construction industry.
Be a qualifier on a current or previous Utah contractor license for at least two years.
Earned a two-year or four-year construction management degree.
Hold a Utah professional engineer license.
Passed National Association of Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) exam for commercial general building contractors.
Pre-licensure course: Electrical Contractors must complete a 30-hour prelicensure course. DOPL provides a course information document.
Pass exam: An Electrical Contractor must employ a licensed master electrical qualifier. The qualifier must also pass a Utah contractor business and law exam administered by Prov Inc. The qualifier must pass this exam before the contractor applies for the license. The exam costs $78. DOPL provides exam information on its contractor exam page. Prov also provides a contracting examination handbook with detailed exam information.
The exam may be waived if the contractor has one year of licensed experience working in another state, or if they were a qualifier on a Utah contractor license before May 9, 2017.
Register business: Businesses must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, or partnerships, must register with the Utah Division of Corporations.
Obtain insurance: Obtain general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 for each incident and $300,000 total. Businesses must also meet state workers’ compensation insurance requirements, obtain a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission, and obtain unemployment registration from the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Apply for license: Apply online or download, complete, and submit a contractor license application form.
Pay fees: Pay the application fee based on your business classifications and qualifiers. Each qualifier costs $50, each classification costs $175, and each application has a $2 surcharge and processing fee.
Increased authority: Electrical Contractors may own their own businesses.
DOPL provides a FAQ page with answers to frequently asked electrical licensing questions.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Utah
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Utah? The state issues five types of electrician licenses and two types of electrical contractor licenses.
Apprentice Electrician License
An Apprentice Electrician is an individual who is learning the electrical trade under the immediate supervision of a Master Electrician, Residential Master Electrician, a Journeyman Electrician, or a Residential Journeyman Electrician.
Journeyman Electrician License
Journeyman electricians must complete a four-year electrical apprenticeship consisting of 576 classroom hours and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician. Or the state accepts 16,000 hours of licensed, supervised electrical experience. They must also pass an exam. Journeymen Electricians may wire, install, and repair electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes. They may also supervise apprentice electricians.
Master Electrician License
Master Electricians must have 8,000 hours of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician or completed a combination of work experience and education, listed above. They must also pass an exam. A Master Electrician may plan, lay out, and supervise the wiring, installation, and repair of electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes.
Residential Journeyman Electrician
A Residential Journeyman Electrician must complete a two-year (288 classroom hours) electrical apprenticeship education program and complete 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Apprentice Electrician. Or they may complete 8,000 hours of licensed, supervised electrical experience. They must also pass an exam. A Residential Journeyman Electrician may wire, install, and repair electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes on buildings using primarily nonmetallic sheath cable. They may also supervise apprentice electricians.
Residential Master Electrician
A Residential Master Electrician must complete 4,000 hours of work experience as a licensed Residential Journeyman Electrician. The state also accepts a combination of work experience and education, listed above. They must also pass an exam. A Residential Master Electrician may plan, lay out, and supervise the wiring, installation, and repair of electrical apparatus and equipment for light, heat, power, and other purposes on residential projects.
General Electrical Contractor License (E200)
A General Electrical Contractor is licensed to perform electrical work involving the installation, construction, alteration, change, repair, removal, or maintenance of facilities, buildings, or appendages or appurtenances. A General Electrical Contractor must have 4,000 hours (two years) of construction industry experience, completed a 30-hour prelicensure course, and employ a licensed master qualifier who has passed a contractor business and law exam.
Residential Electrical Contractor License (E201)
A Residential Electrical Contractor is licensed to perform the fabrication, construction, and installation of services, disconnecting means, grounding devices, panels, conductors, load centers, lighting and plug circuits, appliances, and fixtures in a residential unit. A residential project is defined as buildings primarily wired with nonmetallic sheathed cable and in which the voltage does not exceed 250 volts line to line and 125 volts to ground. A Residential Electrical Contractor must have 4,000 hours (two years) of construction industry experience, completed a 30-hour prelicensure course, and employ a licensed master qualifier who has passed a contractor business and law exam.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Utah
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Utah.
First and most importantly, Utah law requires anyone performing electrical work to obtain a state license.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Utah?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Utah is $65,290 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Utah those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,200
Senior (4-7 years): $74,600
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Utah?
DOPL provides a current fee schedule document for all state licenses. The cost of an electrician license in Utah is $116 for all license classifications, which includes the $110 license fee and $6 in surcharges. The electrician license renewal fee is $84 for the two-year license.
Electrical contractor licenses costs vary. Each qualifier costs $50, each classification costs $175, and each application has a $2 surcharge and processing fee. The contractor license renewal fee is $128 for the two-year license.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Utah?
The minimum amount of time it takes to get an electrical license in Utah depends on the type of license. The state requires journeyman electricians to complete four years of experience in an electrical apprenticeship consisting of 576 classroom hours and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
It takes less time to become a residential journeyman electrician. This license requires completion of a two-year (288 classroom hours) electrical apprenticeship education program and 4,000 hours of work experience.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you obtain a journeyman license. It increases again when you acquire your Master Electrician License. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Utah Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Utah. All state electrician licenses require work experience. However, for the Master Electrician license, the state may count an Associate of Applied Science degree from an electrical trade school or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an electrical engineering program toward part of the work experience requirement (listed in detail above).
Apprenticeship Utah connects apprentices with approved apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Other apprenticeship opportunities providing on-the-job training include:
In addition, many colleges offer an AAS in electrical technology or a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. These include:
Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City
Utah State University in Logan
Utah Tech University in St. George
Utah Valley University in Orem
Weber State University in Ogden
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. An in-state resident can expect to pay about $6,267 per year in tuition at a community college.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED high school equivalent degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Utah, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Utah: The Ultimate Guide.
Utah Electrician Licensing Exam Details
All Utah electrical licenses, except for the apprentice license, require passing an exam. DOPL provides exam information on its electrical exam information page.
You must meet the minimum work experience requirements before taking an exam, but exams do not require preapproval from DOPL. The exams are administered by Prov. Prov provides an electrical candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information. Passing scores are 75% or higher. Practical examinations are scored on a pass/fail basis. If you fail an exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking the exam.
Journeymen exams
Journeyman Electricians and Residential Journeyman Electricians must pass a written theory and code exam and a practical exam. The written exam costs $85, and the practical exam costs $25 per section. The written exam for both licenses consists of 100 questions and has a 240-minute time limit.
The Journeyman Electrician practical exam has six tasks and a 110-minute time limit. Tasks include torque setting, transformer termination, conduit bending, and motor control. The Residential Journeyman Electrician practical exam has four tasks and has a 70-minute time limit. Tasks include torque setting, evaporative cooler motor wiring, four-way and three-way light switch wiring, and schematic reading and wiring.
Master electrician exam
The master electrician rule and law exam consists of 80 questions and has a 240-minute time limit. If an applicant has already passed the practical exam to obtain their journeyman license, they do not have to retake the practical exam.
Electrical contractor exams
The qualifier for electrical contractors must pass the Utah contractor business and law exam. DOPL provides a contractor exam information page, and Prov provides a contracting examination handbook with detailed exam information. The exam costs $78. It consists of 60 questions and has a two-hour time limit.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Utah?
Each license requires a specific amount of training before taking the exam. Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and knowledge to take the licensing exam.
Topics vary based on the exam, but generally include:
Conductors and cables
Current
Grounding and bonding
Motors and controllers
Overcurrent protection
Raceways and enclosures
Services, feeders and branch circuits
Special occupancies and equipment
State laws and rules
Voltage and voltage drop
Master exam subjects also include licensing rules, labor code, health and safety law, National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA) electrical safety, and Utah NEC amendments.
The contractor business and law exam includes the topics of estimating and bidding, contract management, project management, labor laws, lien laws, tax laws, and safety.
Prov provides an electrical candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information and a contracting examination handbook for those taking the contractor exam. This includes a list of approved references for each exam.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Utah?
The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) within the Utah Department of Commerce licenses apprentice, journeyman, master, and residential electricians. It also licenses general electrical and residential electrical contractors.
The mailing address for DOPL is P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741. DOPL may be contacted by phone at (801) 530-6628 or by email at dopl@utah.gov.
Does My Utah Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
No. Utah does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Whether a state accepts reciprocal licensing depends on the licensing requirements of that state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Utah?
Utah does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but allows electricians licensed in specific states to qualify for licensure by endorsement.
DOPL provides a Journeyman Electrician out-of-state applicant page with a map showing states with equivalent qualifications to the Utah journeyman license. DOPL also provides a Master Electrician out-of-state applicant page with a map showing states with equivalent qualifications to the Utah master license. Electricians must include a verification of license form with their application.
For contractors, DOPL provides a map showing states with similar licensing requirements to Utah. All license applicants must still meet Utah licensing requirements and apply for their Utah license.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Utah?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Utah. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade organizations, colleges, and universities. The state offers several scholarship and financial aid programs for students. The Technical Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing technical education in high-demand industries.
Other technical or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Utah?
Potential clients or employees can verify your electrical license through the DOPL license lookup and verification system. Search by:
Profession
Name
License number
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Utah?
A suspended electrician license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the reasons contractor licenses can be suspended or revoked in Utah include:
Acting beyond the scope of the license.
Hiring an unlicensed employee.
Willfully misrepresenting or omitting a material fact in an application to obtain or renew a license.
Deliberately disregarding or violating laws regarding construction, safety and labor, health, workers’ compensation insurance, or tax-related laws.
Performing willful, fraudulent, or deceitful acts that cause material injury to another.
Failing to obtain a building permit when required.
Failing to establish, maintain, or demonstrate financial responsibility.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to Utah laws and rules regulating electricians and contracting.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Utah?
Performing electrical work in Utah without a license is a class A misdemeanor. In addition, a first offense carries a fine of up to $1,000; a second offense carries a fine of up to $2,000; and subsequent offenses carry a fine of up to $2,000 each day.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to Utah laws and rules regulating electricians and contracting.
Continuing Education
Electrical licensees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years before renewing their licenses. Of those 16 hours, a minimum of 12 hours must cover the National Electrical Code. DOPL provides an approved continuing education course lookup page.
Electrical licenses expire on Nov. 30 of even-numbered years. DOPL provides an electrical license renewal page with more information. Electricians renew online or complete a renewal form. The electrical license renewal fee is $84.
Electrical contractor licenses expire on Nov. 30 of odd-numbered years. Before renewing, contractors must complete six continuing education hours, three of which must be taught live. Visit the DOPL contractor renewal page for a complete list of license renewal requirements. Contractors renew online or complete a renewal form. The renewal fee is $128.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
