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How to get an HVAC license in Michigan

Hours, exam, fees and renewal for HVAC work in Michigan. Taken from official MI pages and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical
  • State journeyman license: No (Michigan does not issue a separate statewide HVAC journeyman card. LARA licenses mechanical contractors with classifications such as HVAC equipment, ductwork, and refrigeration service.)
  • Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment: At least 3 years or 6,000 hours in the HVAC equipment classification (or equivalent the Board accepts), documented by a signed statement from each present/former mechanical contractor employer describing the work. A qualifying 2-year HVAC school or DOL-approved training program can credit up to 1 year / 2,000 hours. Military experience with DD214/DD215 under honorable conditions can count.
  • Exam: see below, via PSI (after LARA approval)
  • Code edition: After LARA approves your application, PSI notifies you to schedule. Exam fee is paid to PSI. Pass the exam for each classification you applied for.

Requirements by license

Mechanical Contractor — HVAC Equipment

ExperienceAt least 3 years or 6,000 hours in the HVAC equipment classification (or equivalent the Board accepts), documented by a signed statement from each present/former mechanical contractor employer describing the work. A qualifying 2-year HVAC school or DOL-approved training program can credit up to 1 year / 2,000 hours. Military experience with DD214/DD215 under honorable conditions can count.Source: legislature.mi.gov · as of
ExamPSI (after LARA approval). Submit BCC-11 application + license fee first. PSI emails scheduling instructions. License fee is due with the application and is nonrefundable.Source: michigan.gov · as of
Fees
  • Initial mechanical contractor license: $300
  • Renewal (every 3 years): $300
  • Late renewal: $100
Source: michigan.gov · as of · Exam seat fee paid separately to PSI. Veterans/active duty may be exempt from the initial license fee (see application).
RenewalEvery 3 years. Renew by August 31 of your cycle year (not every license shares the same year). Start 90 days early via Accela / Express Pay. Expired more than 3 years → reapply and retest.Source: michigan.gov · as of
CE to renewLARA renewal page: you are not required to take code-update courses for mechanical contractor renewal. (Separate rules can require a code-update course only when the state construction code itself updates — confirm if a new code cycle hits during your license.)Source: michigan.gov · as of

License types in Michigan

  • No statewide HVAC journeyman license
  • Mechanical contractor — HVAC equipment
  • Mechanical contractor — ductwork / refrigeration / heating service classifications
  • Specialty mechanical classifications (solar, solid fuel, fuel gas piping, etc.)
Source: legislature.mi.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Michigan’s mechanical path is examination after meeting MCL 339.5807 experience. Ask BCC whether another state’s mechanical card shortens paperwork — it is not a simple swap on the statute page.Not confirmedSource: michigan.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Michigan HVAC license?

LARA mechanical contractor with an HVAC equipment classification — not a separate statewide journeyman card.

Experience?

3 years or 6,000 hours in that classification (up to 2,000 hours credit for a qualifying 2-year HVAC program).

Already licensed? See Michigan HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.