Quick Reference Table
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
License Type | Mechanical Contractor (Multiple Classifications: see below) |
Regulating Agency | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes – Mechanical Licensing Section |
Experience | Minimum 3 years per classification (under licensed contractor, or equivalent military or education + 2 years experience) |
Exam Requirement | Yes, per classification – Business/Law and Trade; administered by PSI Services LLC |
Renewal Cycle | Every 3 years, by August 31 |
Continuing Education | None required for renewal |
Fees | Initial application/licensing: $300 per classification (as of 2026 – verify at LARA BCC) |
Official Links | Board homepage |
Who Needs a License in Michigan?
Anyone performing installation, alteration, or servicing of mechanical systems in Michigan, including HVAC and ductwork, must comply with HVAC license requirements in Michigan. There is no minimum job value threshold, licensing is about the type of work rather than project size.
If you contract for or directly perform mechanical system work, including heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydronic (water-based) heating and cooling, process piping, fire suppression, and fuel gas piping, you must have the relevant license classification. This applies for both residential and commercial work. Homeowners who live in a single-family home may perform mechanical work on their own residence without a license, but must secure the proper local mechanical permit before starting any work.
Employees of a licensed mechanical contractor may perform mechanical tasks under the company’s license. However, subcontractors must hold their own Michigan HVAC licenses; a general contractor cannot perform mechanical work unless they also hold the applicable classification. Minor repairs involving items such as room air conditioners or portable appliances are usually exempt from licensing and permitting, but you should verify any exemption details with your local building department. For complete scope definitions, consult the official mechanical permit information.
HVAC License Types
Michigan’s mechanical contractor license covers multiple HVAC license requirements in Michigan, organized by detailed classifications. Each covers a specific scope of mechanical work, and you may apply for multiple classifications at once by passing the corresponding exams.
Hydronic Heating and Cooling and Process Piping: Authorizes installation and service of hydronic heating systems (hot water/steam) and process piping for industrial and HVAC systems.
HVAC Equipment: Covers installation, maintenance, and service of forced-air heating, air conditioning, general ventilation, gas piping, appliances, and in some cases ductless HVAC systems.
Ductwork: Permits all duct system installation, modification, and repair for both air distribution and exhaust.
Refrigeration: Applies to the installation and service of refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Limited Heating Service: Restricts you to maintenance and service activities on certain heating appliances as defined by statute.
Unlimited Heating Service: Authorizes maintenance/service for all categories of heating systems.
Limited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service: Maintenance/service on select refrigeration/AC equipment, with restrictions based on equipment size or refrigerant type.
Unlimited Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service: Maintenance/service for any refrigeration or air conditioning system regardless of size, refrigerant, or application.
Fire Suppression: Authorizes installation and servicing of fire suppression systems, such as wet or dry sprinkler systems in HVAC or broader mechanical settings.
Specialty Classifications:
Solar Heating and Cooling
Solid Fuel and Vented Decorative Gas Appliances
LP Distribution Piping
Fuel Gas Piping
Fuel Gas Piping and Venting
You may combine several HVAC license requirements in Michigan in the same application by listing each classification you qualify for on the form and preparing to pass every corresponding exam. For instance, many contractors hold both "HVAC Equipment" and "Ductwork" classifications together. Each classification requires three years of experience in that trade area or an approved equivalent.
How to Get Licensed in Michigan
To meet HVAC license requirements in Michigan, you must complete each required step for your target classifications. Applications are overseen by LARA’s Mechanical Licensing Section.
Verify your eligibility. Ensure you meet the minimum of three years’ experience per classification, or have equivalent military duty or an accredited HVAC program diploma plus two years of field work.
Gather experience documentation. Collect notarized statements or affidavits from current or former licensed employers describing your specific duties, classification experience, and dates.
Fill out the mechanical contractor application (form BCC-11). Be sure to list each classification you seek, and sign the good moral character attestation. Attach experience sheets and employer statements as required.
Submit the application and pay the nonrefundable fee ($300 per classification as of 2026). You can submit by mail or use Michigan Accela online. Veterans may request a fee waiver for the initial application with DD214 documentation.
Wait for application review. The Bureau typically takes 3 to 5 weeks to process and verify all requirements.
Schedule and take your exams. Once application is approved, PSI Services LLC will contact you for test scheduling. Pay the separate exam fee to PSI at this stage. You must pass both Business/Law and classification-specific trade exams for each requested license.
Receive license upon passing exams and Board approval. Your license will list the exact classifications earned.
Maintain your license by renewing every three years before August 31.
Tips for Documentation
Experience documentation must be thorough. Include employment verification, classification (e.g., "HVAC equipment work from May 2020 to May 2023, 40 hrs/wk"), and signed employer affidavits. Refer to the official forms site for required templates. In addition, be prepared to show pay stubs or W-2 forms if requested.
Application Submission
Michigan allows both mail-in and online submissions via Accela Citizen Access. Applications must be signed and dated, and all supporting documents should be clearly labeled. Application processing starts only when all materials and full payment are received. The license fee is nonrefundable.
Veterans and Special Situations
If you are a veteran (honorably discharged), attach your DD214 or separation paperwork to request a waiver of the initial application fee. If you completed an accredited HVAC education program, you may use transcripts as part of your experience documentation but must still meet the total required practical experience (typically at least two years in the field post-graduation).
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet all HVAC license requirements in Michigan as detailed below. Be diligent in gathering all documentation and forms before applying.
Experience and Age
Each classification requires evidence of at least three years of relevant work done under a licensed mechanical contractor. Alternatively, document three years of equivalent military mechanical work. Another option is to present a certificate from an accredited HVAC program plus two years of field experience.
No explicit age or citizenship requirement is stated in the current licensing rules. However, you must sign a statement swearing to good moral character and compliance with law.
Proof of Experience
Provide detailed employer or contractor affidavits signed under penalty of perjury. Include dates worked, description of tasks, and total hours in the classification(s) you are applying for. The Michigan Bureau may also request pay records or additional verification if review finds gaps.
Bond and Insurance
There is no state-level surety bond required for HVAC license requirements in Michigan. General liability and workers’ compensation insurance is regulated at the business entity level, not during initial license issuance.
Background Check and Legal Attestation
No formal background check or fingerprinting is required, but you must sign a good moral character statement within the application. Any false statement is grounds for license denial or later revocation.
Federal Certifications (EPA 608)
To perform work that involves refrigerants, you must comply with EPA Section 608 certification under federal law. This is not regulated by the state licensing process, but it is compulsory for many HVAC contractors.
Exams
Fulfilling HVAC license requirements in Michigan always includes passing two exams per classification: a Business and Law exam and a trade-specific mechanical exam for each classification you pursue. Exams are managed by PSI Services LLC at designated test centers throughout the state, and you schedule them after your application is approved.
Exam Content and Scheduling
Once you have application approval, PSI will invite you to schedule your exams. You must pay the required testing fee directly to PSI at this stage (verify the exact exam fee at PSI’s official Michigan exam info). Exams are computer-based and administered at PSI sites statewide for your convenience.
Exam Structure and Passing Scores
Official Michigan government sources do not disclose the precise number of questions, time allowed, or passing scores. However, recent third-party summaries indicate the Business and Law exam typically consists of 50 questions with a 110-minute time limit, and the trade classification exams have 80 questions with a 240-minute limit. A passing score is generally 70%. Please verify all details at the time of registration, as exam formats may change periodically.
Retake Policy
If you fail one part of the exam, you may retake only the failed section within one year. Each attempt requires a new fee paid to PSI. For the most current policy, consult the Michigan examination page.
Fees for HVAC License Requirements in Michigan
HVAC license requirements in Michigan include several mandatory fees at application, for exam scheduling, and at each renewal period. Always review fee schedules for changes before applying.
Initial Application and License: $300 per classification (as of 2026 – verify at LARA). This fee is nonrefundable.
Adding Classifications: $300 in year one, $200 in year two, and $100 in year three after licensing (same source).
Renewal: $300 every three years (as of 2026 – LARA renewal page).
Late Renewal Fee: $100 if renewal is not completed before expiration date (as of 2026 – same source).
Veteran Waiver: Initial application and license fee waived with honorable discharge documentation (Application PDF).
Exam Fee: Paid directly to PSI Services LLC. The official state website does not specify the exam cost; verify current fees on PSI’s online portal linked via mechanical exam info.
Bond: No surety bond is required at the state level (verify at reference).
Because some fees periodically change, especially those charged by third-party exam providers, you should confirm all amounts before application.
Renewal and Continuing Education
To maintain your credential, you must renew every three years, before August 31. If you miss this deadline, a $100 late penalty is charged. If your license lapses more than three years, you must reapply and retest according to current HVAC license requirements in Michigan.
Renewal Process
License renewal is processed online through Accela Express Pay or your account portal at LARA’s website. Renewal costs $300 every three years (as of 2026 – LARA license renewals). Always ensure your renewal is completed before August 31 to avoid penalties.
Continuing Education
At this time, no continuing education or code update course is required for HVAC license renewal. Michigan does not mandate CE or code update hours for mechanical contractor license holders in 2026. You retain your credential by paying the renewal fee and confirming your information; however, you must comply with any new statutes or rules in effect at the time of renewal.
Lapse and Reinstatement
If your license is expired for less than three years, you may renew with penalty. If expired for more than three years, the license cannot be renewed; you must submit a new application and pass all current exams to regain licensure. Plan ahead to ensure continuity for your business and clients.
Reciprocity
No formal reciprocity agreements or streamlined out-of-state license endorsement is available for HVAC license requirements in Michigan. Regardless of prior licensure in another state, you must meet all Michigan eligibility, testing, and application criteria for each classification you seek.
There is no shortcut or reciprocal path for out-of-state HVAC contractors. Each applicant must submit proof of the required experience, pass all applicable Michigan trade and law exams, and meet every requirement. Consider this carefully when planning to transfer or expand your business into Michigan.
Official Links
For additional tools and guides on licensing or permit compliance, visit the HVAC licensing resources section at CloseCrew.
