How do I get a Landscaping License in Utah?
First, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements set by the Utah Department of Commerce Division Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Who Must Hold an S330 License in Utah?
Anyone engaging in projects involving:
- Grading and Preparing land
- Transplanting trees, shrubs, gardening
- Architectural, horticultural or decorative treatments
- Decorative pools, tanks, fountains, and hot houses
- Green houses, fences, walks, garden lighting (under 50 voltz)
- Sprinkler systems
- Retaining walls and patio areas
- License does not include retaining walls for any other purpose than for landscaping. Electrical and gas lines are also not included.
There is only one classification associated with Landscaping in Utah:
- S330 License – General Landscaping Contractor
Utah S330 License Requirements
- 18 Years of age
- Valid Driver's License or USA Identification
- Social Security Number
- Completion of 25 Hour Pre-License Course
- Proof of General Liability Insurance – Contractors in Utah are required to hold a minimum of $300,000 in total coverage.
- Registered Business Entity – Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corporation, or Partnership (what is the difference?)
Utah Contractor Pre-License Course
Before you can take the Utah Contractor license exam you will need to complete a 25-hour pre-license course covering Utah Construction LAW.
The course covers the following topics:
- Construction Accounting Skills
- Business Management
- Labor LAW
- Safety
It is important to remember this is a LAW and business management-focused class, that will not teach you landscaping trade skills.
Where can I take the pre-license course?
The course is offered in the following locations by AGC (Associated General Contractors) and the UHBA (Utah Home Builders Association):
- Course Fee: $310.00
- Textbook Fee (Optional) $70.00 for NSCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Utah 3rd Edition.
- Cancellation fee is: $25.00
- “No-Show” fee is $50.00
- Three Days 8:30am – 5pm
Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC)
Phone: 801-894-9111
2207 South 1070 West Salt
Lake City, UT. 84119
Associated General Contractors (AGC) of South Utah Office
Phone: 435-628-1346
230 North 1680 East
Suite B-1
St. George, Utah 84790
Salt Lake Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
Southern Utah Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
Cache Valley Office of the Home Builders Association
Phone: 801-352-8266
Email: utahhba@outlook.com
9069 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
http://www.utahhomebuildersassociation.com/
How Do I Take the Landscaping License Exam?
Once you have completed your 25 Hour Pre-License Course. You are then required to pass the Utah LAW and Business Examination.
- 60 Questions
- Minimum passing score 70%
- 2 Hours to complete
- Test is open book and taken on a computer
The Utah Construction LAW exam will include questions on the following topics:
- Business Organizations
- Licensing
- Estimating and Bidding
- Contract Management
- Project Management
- Labor Laws
- Financial Management
- Risk Management
- Tax Laws
- Safety
- Subject Area
- Lien Laws
Licensing Costs
The Utah S330 license costs are:
$210.00 – Fee for 1st classification
$175.00 – Fee for each additional classification
$70.00 — Business registration fee (non-refundable) paid to the State of Utah Department of Commerce
All fees are non-refundable and should be paid in check to the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Applications and Fees can be hand-delivered to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby160 E 300 SSalt Lake City, UT 84111
or by mail
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Where can I take the course?
- The test is administered by a third party testing solutions company called PSI. You can apply here
- Remember to bring two forms of ID and show up to the exam (30 minutes early).
- Examination fee is $75.00
The testing sites are:
- North Salt Lake City
25 North 400 West, Suite 7
North Salt Lake City, UT 84054
- North Orem (Provo)
581 West 1600 North, Suite C
North Orem, UT 84057
- Hurricane (St. George)
473 N. Old Highway 91, Suite 6
Hurricane, UT 84737
- Grand Junction
743 Horizon Court, #203
Grand Junction, CO 81506
- Sunset (Ogden)
2465 N Main Street #11C
Sunset, UT 84015
Once your test is completed, you can send your license packet by mail to:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
P.O. Box 146741Salt Lake City,
Utah 84114-6741
Or by delivery:
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 East 300 South1st Floor, Main Lobby
Salt Lake City, Utah 84
Utah S330 License Application Guide
The Utah Landscaping License Application has multiple steps.
The following is a brief explanation of each section and what kind of information you will need to provide.
Applicant Information – Basic information including your name, entity information, mailing address, and phone number for your business.
Affidavit and Release – This section certifies that you are qualified to perform electrical work. You will need to state that is not a threat to the public and that everything you write in the application is correct. You will also need to include your master electrician license number.
Business Organization – Here you will identify which type of business entity you have chosen to operate your construction company through. (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
Qualifying Questionnaire – Section covers a series of Yes or No questions about financial history and criminal background.
Financial Responsibility – This section includes submitting any information about judgments, liens, outstanding child support, and your Credit Report Authorization.
Qualifier Information and Classification – Qualifier for the business must provide:
- Legal name, mailing address, email, and phone number, as well as their
- Position (either owner of at least 20 % ownership stake, or W-2 Employee in Management Position)
- SSN, U.S. Driver License, and Date of Birth
Applicant information – Basic application information
Ownership and Employee Listing – If there are additional owners or employees, here you will provide their information
General Liability Insurance – In Utah, all contractors must hold general liability insurance, here you will provide information about your construction insurance policy.
Fees & Instructions – Fees must be paid to the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
How to start a Landscaping Business in Utah
A Utah state contractor's license can only be issued to legal business entities. You will have to form a legal entity through the: Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
You will choose a name and then select the type of entity you want.
Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor – License held through an individual
- Partnership – License held through a partnership
- LLC – License held through a company that exists as its own entity
- S-Corporation – License held through a corporate entity
For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for a contractor license, check out this free guide!
Utah State Business License Registration
Once you have set up your business entity, you must then register for a business license before you can begin doing business in the state of Utah.
The process is pretty simple, you can register here.
Within this process you will register with the following state agencies:
- Utah State Tax Commission
- Utah Department of Environmental Quality
- Utah Department of Commerce
- Utah Department of Commerce
- Utah Labor Commission
To search a current construction business operating in Utah, you can use the Utah Contractor License Lookup and Verification
Workers Compensation
Utah requires all employers to hold worker's compensation insurance.
If you are applying for a contractor license in Utah and have workers or employees, you will disclose this on your application.
You will need to include:
- Name of your provider
- Policy Number
- Expiration on your renewal form
Check out the Utah Insurance Department website, For a deeper look at Utah's Insurance and Workers Compensation requirements.
Contractor License Reciprocity In Utah
Contractor License reciprocity is an agreement between the Contractor licensing boards of two different states. Depending on your trade and your years of experience you may qualify to have the trade examination waived.
To see if your classification is eligible for reciprocity in Utah, check out this list.
This article will cover everything you need to know about California contractor license reciprocity!
Landscaper Apprenticeships in Utah
Whether you are looking to become a journeyman in Utah or begin a career as a contractor, you will want to begin by mastering the trade.
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation and position yourself as a professional landscaper t is by looking into an apprenticeship program or training course.
These types of schools can provide you with valuable training in a trade, covering everything from installing walks, transplanting trees, shrubs, soil preparation, draining system installation, and more.
If you are one day looking to get the Utah General Contractor license requirements, you will need to demonstrate a skill set beyond just construction.
If you are new to the construction industry and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Each state may have different requirements and standards for landscaping.
To learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Blueprint Reading Skills
For those looking to do pursue a career in construction or get the Utah General Contractor license, reading construction blueprints is fundamental.
Blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill especially for those looking to into engineering or obtain construction licensing.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
Utah OSHA Regulations
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average.
In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Safety is a huge part of engaging in roof repair or installation.
Whether it be installing retaining walls, transplanting trees, designing low voltage lighting or installing walks. Landscaping Contractors should know everything about safely engaging in landscaping work.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, it can place unnecessary risk to not only your personal safety but your bottom line as a business.
For employment with a licensed general contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Utah OSHA Safety Training.
Get Started!
Getting the S330 license in Utah can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for a company!
Landscaping is very lucrative. If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information about landscaping contractor licenses in California, Louisiana, and Arizona.
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.