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Michigan · General Contractors · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Michigan General Contractor License

Michigan general contractors must complete 21 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section rule on September 6, 2026.

CE hours
21 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Michigan general contractors holding a license in one of these classes: Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Continuing education. Requirements are set by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section. Hours differ by class — 21 hours for Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Continuing education; 3 hours for Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor.

When to renew

Michigan general contractors licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (Not all residential builder licenses renew the same year.)

The continuing education Michigan requires

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section requires 21 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • State building codes and laws relating to the licensed occupation — at least 1 hour
  • Safety — at least 3 hours
  • Legal issues / changes in construction and business management laws — at least 1 hour
  • Continuing competency electives in licensee's subject area
  • Approved continuing-competency electives (balance; min 3 hrs per calendar year in first 6 years)

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Michigan sets general contractors requirements by license class (Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Continuing education). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 21 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section requires 21 hours every 3 years, including State building codes and laws relating to the licensed occupation, Safety, Legal issues / changes in construction and business management laws, Continuing competency electives in licensee's subject area and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the Michigan general contractors course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In Michigan, you keep your certificate and attest to completion when you renew; the board may audit.

  5. 5

    Renew with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section

Online courses for Michigan general contractors

Michigan general contractor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Michigan general contractors need?
Michigan general contractors must complete 21 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section.
Which license types have different CE requirements in Michigan?
Requirements differ by license class in Michigan: 21 hours for Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Continuing education; 3 hours for Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor.
What topics are required for Michigan general contractors continuing education?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section requires coverage of: State building codes and laws relating to the licensed occupation (1 hour); Safety (3 hours); Legal issues / changes in construction and business management laws (1 hour); Continuing competency electives in licensee's subject area; Approved continuing-competency electives (balance; min 3 hrs per calendar year in first 6 years).
Can Michigan general contractors complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Michigan requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources