How to get a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section sets the education you must complete before it will license you. Here is the exact requirement, by license class.
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing SectionRequired hours by license class
Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor · Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor · Maintenance & Alteration Contractor · Pre licensure
60 required hoursWho this applies to: Applicant for initial licensure or relicensure on or after 1 June 2008, unless exempt under MCL 339.2404b(1)(a)-(b)
An exam is required for one or more of these license classes — confirm which with the board.
Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section · verified 2026-09-06
Common questions
- How many hours of pre-license education does Michigan require for general contractors?
- 60 hours for Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Individual Residential Builder / Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, Pre licensure, as set by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Licensing Section.
- Is an exam required to get licensed in Michigan?
- Yes. In addition to the required education hours, Michigan requires a licensing exam for one or more license classes.
- Can I complete these hours online?
- Yes. Our pre-license courses are delivered entirely online and self-paced, with a certificate of completion issued as soon as you finish.
Already licensed? This page covers getting your first license. If you already hold one, Michigan general contractors renewal requires 21 hours of continuing education — see Michigan general contractors continuing education.