The Department of Licensing and Regulation (LARA) in Michigan has three requirements to obtain a builders license in the state of Michigan. First you must complete an approved 60 hour pre-license course. Next you must complete your application and mail your pre-license course certificate to the department. Once the department reviews your application you receive an ‘authorization to test’ and you may now schedule your exam with the testing facility. Once you pass your exam you will receive your Michigan Builders license.
The process seems relatively straightforward and is not meant to be tricky but it is surprising how many applicants cause themselves unnecessary delays because they have overlooked a minor detail. Most commonly when there is a delay it is because one of these five common errors.
Take a look at these very common and simple mistakes to make sure you don’t cause yourself any unnecessary delays.
Mistake #1: Filling Out the Application Incorrectly
While the application is not meant to be complicated, it is a very detailed form with many opportunities to make an error. A rejection not only wastes money in application fees but puts your livelihood at risk. Make sure you proofread your application and if possible have someone else proofread it also to get another set of eyes on it. You could set yourself back 2-3 weeks or longer with a simple typo or omitted question. Waiting for a subsequent application to be approved wastes valuable time that you could use starting your business and working on projects.
Mistake #2: Scheduling Your Exam Too Soon
After you have taken your pre-license course and have submitted your documentation to the state, you may be so anxious to get started that you go ahead and schedule your exam right away. You will not be able to test until your application is approved and you have received your authorization to test document. Again, this is a critical error that can cause serious delays. The state needs time to properly process your paperwork before you take the exam. Schedule it too soon and your efforts will go to waste.
Mistake #3: Choosing an Inferior Course Provider
When you are getting your builders license there is a lot at stake. This is your livelihood and likely source of future income. Don’t trust just anyone. Make sure you get this critical education from an established company who has helped thousands of builders obtain their license. Check and make sure that they provide online and live options for the pre-license course. Some online pre-licenses courses are only text based and outdated. Ask your provider the last time the course was updated. If it is a video based course ask when the video was shot. With the recent adoption of a new Michigan Residential Code there are major changes that have taken place, make sure our pre-license course reflects these changes. In short do your research. Look for a school with years of experience and a proven track record of success. Do not accept anything less than the best; after all, you are trusting them with your future.
Mistake #4: Believing the 60 Hour Pre-License Course Is All You Need to Start a Successful Construction Business
The pre-license course is just that – what you need to know before you get your license. Even if you have years of experience in construction, running a business is hard and there is a lot you need to know. Make sure you have a sound business plan to attract customers and have a pricing strategy that adequately compensates you for your time. Make sure you have an accounting plan – know your numbers. Know how much revenue you need to generate in a given period to pay your bills and produce a profit. Educate yourself – there are many programs, courses and books that will cover the fundamentals of running a business.
Mistake #5: Taking the Exam Without Proper Preparation
Like any test you took in school, in order to perform at your best on the builders exam, you need to be adequately prepared. First, make sure you read the candidate bulletin. So many builders fail to read the candidate bulletin and there is a ton of useful information on it. The candidate bulletin will tell you how many questions are on which subjects, explain the testing environment so you know what to expect when you are at the testing facility and even provides a few sample test questions. Next, many students do not take any sort of supplemental exam preparation. Again do your research and make sure you choose a good provider. Michigan Builders License & Continuing Competency works continually to provide current and accurate information along with a study plan to ensure that you are completely prepared to take the exam with confidence. Our practice test ensures that you are properly prepared for the big day when you take your builders exam.
Bonus: Not Knowing How to Answer Credit and Criminal Background Questions
First and foremost, be truthful. Also, make sure you submit all necessary documentation regarding your credit and criminal background. If you are unsure how to answer or what does or does not affect your application give one of our educational specialists a call at 1-800-456-4020. We have helped thousands of Michigan Builders navigate the license process and would love to do the same for you.
If you have questions or need assistance with obtaining a pre-license or exam preparation course,
call Michigan Builders License at 1-800-456-4020 to speak with an educational specialist.
