Becoming a licensed builder in Michigan is a fantastic achievement that can open doors to multiple rewarding opportunities in the construction industry. Your experience alone is not enough, and besides, your state expects you to hold a valid license so you can keep offering your services.
Not only that but clients are highly invested in seeing their projects succeed, so if it comes down to a licensed vs. unlicensed contractor, you can be sure they will pick the one with a license. This article has the information you need to help you become a licensed builder in Michigan.
Understanding the Types of Builders Licenses
In Michigan, you can choose between three types of builder’s licenses:
1. Michigan Residential Builders License
This is the most common type of builders license in Michigan. It’s what you will need if you’re interested in working on different types of residential projects such as home improvements, repairs, replacements, demolitions, and alterations. When choosing your course provider, however, make sure they are recognized by the state.
Taking your State of Michigan Builders License course from a state-accredited provider like RocketCert gives you the guarantee you’re taking the right courses, thus your application won’t get rejected.
2. Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractors License
Not quite as common as the Residential Builders License, but it’s still highly sought-after. It allows you to work on specialized trades like masonry, carpentry, roofing, and others. You’d typically want to acquire this one if you like the idea of focusing on specific aspects of building as opposed to full-scale construction projects.
3. Michigan Commercial Builders License
This is the license you want to acquire if you intend to work on commercial buildings such as schools, offices, and other non-residential structures. Before you can start working on acquiring your license, you will want to bear in mind that it will be governed by the municipality, not the state.
Steps for Acquiring Your License
There are not many steps you have to take to get your license. Here’s what you should do:
1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before jumping into the licensing process, make sure you meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be 18 years or older.
- Residency: You’re required to have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID.
- Education: You’ll be required to complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education for all three license categories.
Moral character: Demonstrate a good moral character (not fraudulent, dishonest, or deceitful)
2. Take Your Prelicense Course
Even if you believe you have the knowledge you need to pass the builders exam without taking the pre-licensure course, there won’t be such an option. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) mandates all applicants to complete 60 hours of pre-licensure courses. This course, contrary to what you may believe, isn’t just a regulatory box to check.
It offers all the information you need to pass your exam on the first try, in addition to equipping you with the latest knowledge in your field. Your course will cover a variety of topics including:
- Project management
- Contract management
- Business management and law
- Building codes and construction law
3. Submit Your Application
After completing your education, you can proceed to submit your application to LARA. The process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Filling out your application – this should be a straightforward process, requiring the submission of basic information such as your address and the details of your completed education.
Step 2: Submitting the required documentation – You will have to submit the following documentation along with the application:
- Your driver’s license copy
- Certificate from your course provider as proof of completing education
- Application fee ($195 for first-time applicants)
Step 3: Demonstrating moral character – To qualify for a Michigan builders license, you need to answer a couple of questions about your criminal history to prove that you meet the good character requirement mentioned above.
4. Pass the Licensing Exam
Once your application has been approved, you can move to the last step, which is taking your exam. The exam that residential builders take is administered by a company called PSI. It consists of two parts:
(i) Business & Law questions: This portion of your exam will cover legal aspects such as liens, business management, and contracts. It has 50 multiple-choice questions that have a passing score of 72%.
(ii) Trade questions: This section is meant to test your understanding of building codes, practices, and materials. It is made up of 110 multiple-choice questions and you’re required to attain a score of 73% and higher to pass.
The exam is closed books and you’ll need to schedule it at one of the approved testing centers in Michigan. After passing your exam, PSI notifies LARA so they can prepare and issue your builders license.
Pass Your Exam on the First Try!
Obtaining your builders license in Michigan is a detailed process, but one that is well worth the effort for the opportunities it provides in the construction industry. By ordering your builders license course and test prep from a highly-rated, LARA-approved provider like RocketCert, you will have the confidence you need to sit for your exams and pass the first time.
Check out RocketCert’s website to learn more or get started today.
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