If you want to become a licensed residential builder in Michigan, you may already know that completing 60 hours of approved pre-license education is part of the process.
But what do those 60 hours actually look like?
As the video above explains, the course covers a wide range of topics because becoming a builder involves much more than knowing how to build. You also need exposure to the business side of construction, project management, contracts, safety, building codes, and other areas that come with working as a licensed residential builder.
That's why Michigan's 60-hour requirement is divided among several areas of study.
Let's take a closer look at what's included.
Is the 60-Hour Pre-License Course Required in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires applicants for a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license to complete 60 hours of approved pre-license education before taking the licensing examination or submitting a license application.
And those 60 hours aren't simply one broad construction course. Michigan specifies several subjects that must be included in your pre-license education.
What Does the Michigan 60-Hour Pre-License Course Cover?
Michigan divides the required education into seven core subject areas, with at least six hours devoted to each.
1. Business Management, Estimating, and Job Costing
Being a builder isn't only about construction. You also need to understand the business behind each project.
This portion of the course introduces topics related to managing a construction business, estimating projects, and understanding job costs.
2. Design and Building Science
Builders need a working understanding of how residential structures are designed and constructed.
This subject area introduces important concepts related to residential construction, building systems, materials, and the principles behind how the different parts of a structure work together.
3. Contracts, Liability, and Risk Management
Construction projects involve agreements, responsibilities, and potential risks.
This section helps future builders become familiar with contracts, liability, and risk management concepts that may affect residential construction projects and businesses.
4. Marketing and Sales
Finding customers and communicating the value of your services are important parts of running a successful construction business.
The required education includes marketing and sales concepts that future builders may use when working with potential customers and growing their businesses.
5. Project Management and Scheduling
A residential project can involve multiple trades, materials, deadlines, inspections, and customers.
Project management and scheduling training introduces concepts that can help builders understand how construction projects are organized and coordinated from beginning to completion.
6. Michigan Residential Code
Builders working in Michigan need to understand the codes that apply to residential construction.
The pre-license requirement includes at least six hours covering the current Michigan Residential Code.
This gives future builders exposure to the code requirements that play an important role in residential construction.
7. MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards
Safety is another required part of Michigan's pre-license education.
Applicants must receive at least six hours of education covering construction safety standards under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The training helps introduce future builders to important safety responsibilities and standards on construction sites.
What About the Other 18 Hours?
The seven required subjects account for 42 of the required 60 hours.
Michigan allows the remaining 18 hours to come from other approved subject matter included on the state's approved course list.
That means the complete requirement looks like this:
- Business Management, Estimating, and Job Costing: 6 hours
- Design and Building Science: 6 hours
- Contracts, Liability, and Risk Management: 6 hours
- Marketing and Sales: 6 hours
- Project Management and Scheduling: 6 hours
- Michigan Residential Code: 6 hours
- MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards: 6 hours
- Approved elective subject matter: 18 hours
Total: 60 hours
Can You Take the Michigan 60-Hour Pre-License Course Online?
Yes. Michigan allows approved pre-license education to be delivered online.
The state's current approved-course list identifies courses by delivery method, including online options.
For students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, an online course can provide greater flexibility than attending classes on a set schedule.
What Happens After You Complete the 60 Hours?
Completing your education is an important milestone, but it does not automatically give you a Michigan builders license.
After completing the required education, applicants must complete the remaining licensing requirements, including submitting the appropriate application and fee and successfully passing the required examination.
Michigan currently contracts with PSI to administer its Bureau of Construction Codes examinations. After an application is reviewed and the applicant is approved to test, the applicant's information is sent to PSI for exam scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to complete all 60 hours before taking the Michigan builders license exam?
Yes. LARA states that applicants must complete the required 60 hours of approved pre-license education before taking the examination or submitting a license application.
Does any 60-hour construction course count?
No. The pre-license education must be approved by the State of Michigan. LARA maintains a list of approved residential builder pre-license courses.
Is the 60-hour course the same as the builders license exam?
No. They are separate steps. The 60-hour course satisfies Michigan's pre-license education requirement. You must also meet the state's other licensing requirements and pass the appropriate licensing examination.
Can I complete my 60-hour pre-license training online?
Yes, provided you select a state-approved course offered through an approved online delivery method. Michigan's current approved-course list includes online 60-hour pre-license programs.
Does completing the course guarantee that I will pass the licensing exam?
No. Completing the 60-hour course satisfies the state's pre-license education requirement, but applicants must still successfully complete the required licensing examination.
Start Your Michigan Builders License Journey
If you're ready to work toward becoming a licensed Michigan residential builder, your 60-hour pre-license education is one of your first major steps.
Michigan Builders License offers a state-approved 60-Hour Residential Builders Pre-License Course designed to give future builders the required education while helping them build a strong foundation in the topics they'll encounter as Michigan construction professionals.
Our online training gives you the flexibility to work through the course around your schedule, with access to professionally recorded video instruction from your computer or other device.
The State of Michigan's current approved-course list includes our 60-HR Residential Builders Pre-licensure course as an approved 60-hour program with online delivery available.
Sources
Michigan LARA – Residential Builders Prelicensure Education Sponsor Information
