Michigan builders know that timing is everything. With a short construction season and packed project schedules, delays caused by licensing issues can be costly. Continuing competency is a state-required education program that Michigan residential builders must complete to renew their license and remain legally eligible to work.
This guide explains Michigan’s continuing competency requirements, including how many hours are required, what subjects must be covered, and when courses must be completed. It also explains why staying current with the Michigan Residential Code, safety regulations, and construction laws is essential to avoid compliance issues, license lapses, and project delays during Michigan’s limited building season.
Michigan requires continuing competency to ensure that builders stay current with building codes, safety standards, and construction law throughout their licensing careers. Our very own Sid Woryn goes one step further and wants to make sure you know about the latest code updates, but it's all to help reduce your liability. Hear directly from Sid now.
What Is Continuing Competency?
Continuing competency is a licensing requirement for Michigan residential builders. It consists of a state-approved school that provides accurate courses designed to keep builders informed about changes in:
- Building codes and laws
- Workplace safety standards
- Construction business management practices
These courses ensure builders understand evolving regulations that impact design, construction quality, safety, and legal compliance. Completing continuing competency on time helps builders avoid license interruptions and ensures they are working under current standards when the construction season begins.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) enforces these requirements as part of the license renewal process.
Why Continuing Competency Is Required
Continuing competency exists to protect homeowners, workers, and builders by ensuring construction work meets current legal and safety standards.
Building codes and safety regulations change regularly. Without the required education, builders could unknowingly rely on outdated practices, which may result in:
- Code violations
- Failed inspections
- Costly rework or demolition
- Increased liability exposure
For example, updates to the Michigan Residential Code or energy efficiency standards can affect structural requirements, insulation values, or accessibility features. Safety rules under MIOSHA also evolve, especially in areas such as fall protection, trenching, and equipment use.
By requiring continuing competency, the State of Michigan helps ensure builders construct safe, compliant homes while reducing risks to workers and consumers.
Continuing Competency Requirements
Michigan differentiates requirements based on how long you’ve been licensed:
If Licensed Before Jan. 1, 2009
You must complete 3 hours of continuing competency every 3 years.
- This includes one hour each in:
- Building codes and laws
- Safety
- Changes in construction & business management laws
If Licensed On or After Jan. 1, 2009
First 6 years of licensure, you must complete a total of 21 hours every 3 years.
- This includes:
- One hour of building codes and laws
- One hour of safety
- One hour of changes in construction & business management laws
- Plus, 18 hours of other approved topics (e.g., business management, estimating, plan reading)
After 6 years licensed:
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- Requirement reverts to 3 hours every 3 years in the mandatory categories of codes, safety, and laws.
Note: Licenses renew every three years, typically by May 31 of the renewal year.
How to Complete Your Courses
Online Courses
- Self-paced and flexible
- Can be completed anywhere and anytime
- Ideal for builders managing active job sites
- Most providers offer instant certificate download upon completion
In-Person Courses
- Allow live interaction and questions
- Often preferred by builders who want discussion-based learning
- May be offered at scheduled locations and times
Both formats are acceptable as long as the course is state-approved.
Other Activities That Count
Activities like teaching approved courses, attending seminars, or publishing industry articles may also qualify for continuing competency hours.
How Continuing Competency Fits into License Renewal
Michigan builders must complete their required continuing competency before renewing their license online through the LARA licensing portal.
After completing an approved course:
- You will receive a certificate of completion from the course provider
- You do not submit the certificate to the state
- During renewal, you must affirm that you completed the required hours
Builders should retain their certificates for several years in case of a state audit.
Michigan Residential Code Book Requirement
Michigan law also requires residential builders to maintain a current copy of the Michigan Residential Code. This ensures builders have access to the most up-to-date construction standards governing residential work in the state.
Having an outdated code book can lead to misinterpretation of requirements and failed inspections, particularly when code updates affect structural, energy, or safety provisions.
What Topics Are Covered in Continuing Competency Courses?
While course formats vary, all state-approved continuing competency courses must address key subject areas.
Building Codes and Laws
- Michigan Residential Code updates
- Code interpretation and application
- Common compliance issues builders encounter in the field
Safety (MIOSHA)
- Jobsite safety requirements
- Fall protection and hazard prevention
- Michigan-specific safety rules enforced by MIOSHA
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, and updated safety training plays a major role in reducing accidents and injuries.
Construction Business and Legal Topics
- Contracts and change orders
- Construction liens
- Risk management and dispute prevention
Because residential projects often involve subcontractors and multiple parties, understanding business and legal responsibilities is critical to avoiding costly disputes.
Why Completing Continuing Competency Early Matters
Because Michigan’s construction season is short, many builders prefer to complete continuing competency well before renewal deadlines. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of:
- License lapses
- Missed project start dates
- Administrative delays during peak season
Completing your education early helps ensure your license is ready when work demand is highest.
What Courses are Available?
Michigan Builders License offers several high-quality online courses designed for Michigan Builders at every level, which you can explore here. Many of the Michigan Builders License’s continuing competency courses are offered in person and online. Plus, our courses are taught by Sid Woryn, the most experienced instructor in Michigan. We are also a Licensed Michigan Proprietary School.
Key Takeaways
- Continuing competency is required to renew a Michigan residential builder license
- Most builders complete 21 hours in their first 6 years, then 3 hours every renewal cycle
- Courses must include codes, safety, and construction or business law
- Builders must keep a current Michigan Residential Code book
- Certificates should be kept in case of an audit
Staying current with continuing competency requirements helps Michigan builders protect their license, their business, and the clients who rely on their expertise.
External Sources
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Residential Builder Continuing Competency Requirements
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/licensing/continuing-competency - Michigan Residential Builders Continuing Competency PDF – State of Michigan
https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bcc-media/Licensing/BldrContinuingCompetency.pdf - MIOSHA Construction Safety Overview – State of Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha
