If you install, service, inspect, or contract elevator work in Michigan, you're regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and its Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC). There isn't a single "elevator license," but five distinct tiers, each with its own experience path and exam. This guide breaks down the requirements for each classification to help you get licensed and stay in compliance.
Do you need an elevator license in Michigan?
Yes, a state license is required to perform elevator installation, service, repair, or inspection work in Michigan. The Bureau of Construction Codes, operating under authorities like the Elevator Safety Board rules and Act 333 of 1976, oversees the licensing and regulation of all elevator professionals to ensure public safety. The scope of work covered includes elevator construction, service, maintenance, and inspection.
What types of elevator licenses does Michigan issue?
Michigan issues five distinct credentials for elevator professionals: the Elevator Journeyperson's License, Elevator Contractor's License, Certificate of Competency for a General Elevator Inspector, Certificate of Competency for a Special Elevator Inspector, and the Commission for a Special Elevator Inspector.
Elevator Journeyperson's License
This license is for individuals who perform elevator construction, service, maintenance, or repair work under the supervision of a licensed Elevator Contractor.
Elevator Contractor's License
This license is for individuals or businesses that employ licensed Elevator Journeypersons and contract with the public to install, service, or repair elevators.
Certificate of Competency — General Elevator Inspector
This certificate is for individuals who inspect elevators for the state or a municipality. They perform routine and required safety inspections on behalf of the governing authority.
Certificate of Competency — Special Elevator Inspector
This certificate is the first of two required credentials for individuals who inspect elevators on behalf of an insurance company.
Commission — Special Elevator Inspector
This is the second credential required for a Special Elevator Inspector. Holding both the Certificate of Competency and the Commission authorizes an individual to perform inspections for an insurance provider.
What experience qualifies you for each tier?
The primary path to an elevator license in Michigan is through documented, hands-on experience, with the Elevator Journeyperson license requiring three years of continuous employment.
- Elevator Journeyperson: Requires "Three years of continuous employment as a supervisor of elevator construction or service, or as an elevator constructor, serviceman, maintenance man, or repairman."
- Elevator Contractor: Requires "Five years experience as an elevator constructor or journeyperson, or equivalent."
- Certificate of Competency (General Elevator Inspector): Requires "Three years of experience in elevator construction."
- Certificate of Competency (Special Elevator Inspector): Requires "Three years of experience in designing, installing, maintaining, or inspecting elevators."
Michigan also provides a path for Journeyperson applicants with formal education. Up to one year of credit toward the three-year experience requirement may be granted for a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering from a recognized college or university.
How do you take the Michigan elevator exam?
All required Michigan elevator licensing examinations are administered by a state-approved testing service, PSI. Applicants must first be approved by the Bureau of Construction Codes before they are eligible to schedule their exam. PSI conducts examinations at five testing centers throughout the state, six days a week. All examination fees are paid directly to PSI at the time an examination is scheduled.
Examination fees vary by license type:
- Elevator Journeyperson Examination: $103.00 (non-refundable)
- Elevator Contractor's Examination: $103.00 (non-refundable)
- Certificate of Competency Examination: $51.50 (non-refundable)
How much does a Michigan elevator license cost?
The most common entry-point cost is the Elevator Journeyperson examination fee of $103.00, followed by the license fee of $41.20. All fees are set by LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes and are subject to change.
The fee schedule effective through June 27, 2026, includes the following:
- Elevator Journeyperson Examination: $103.00 (non-refundable)
- Elevator Journeyperson License and Renewal: $41.20 (non-refundable)
- Elevator Contractor's Examination: $103.00 (non-refundable)
- Elevator Contractor's License and Renewal: $103.00 (non-refundable)
- Certificate of Competency Examination: $51.50 (non-refundable)
- Commission: $51.50
- Commission Renewal: $51.50
- Elevator Contractor's Reinstatement Fee: $103.00
- Elevator Contractor's Late Renewal Fee: $20.60
How do you renew a Michigan elevator license?
An Elevator Journeyperson's license expires 1 year after the date it was issued. If it isn't renewed within 60 days after expiration, it is revoked and the holder must reapply.
The Commission for Special Elevator Inspectors expires annually on December 31. To renew, an inspector must submit the renewal fee, the expired card, and the commission renewal form to the Bureau.
For the Elevator Contractor's License, the renewal fee is set by the official fee schedule, but the specific license term is not specified in the sources reviewed; confirm the current term with the Bureau of Construction Codes when renewing.
No state-level continuing education requirement was identified in the cited sources.
Does Michigan offer reciprocity or license endorsement for elevator work?
Reciprocity or endorsement for out-of-state elevator licenses is not specified in the state's licensing rules or statutes. Applicants from other states should plan to meet Michigan's full experience and examination requirements. For specific questions about your circumstances, contact the Bureau of Construction Codes' Licensing Section.
How to apply for a Michigan elevator license (step-by-step)
- Determine Your Tier: Review the license descriptions to identify the specific license or certificate that matches your intended scope of work.
- Document Your Experience: Gather proof of your qualifying work experience. This may include letters from employers on company letterhead detailing your duties and dates of employment, W-2s, or other documentation. If you are using an engineering degree for credit, obtain official transcripts.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the appropriate application form from LARA's Licensing Section. Submit it with all required documentation and the application fee to the Bureau of Construction Codes for review.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once your application is approved, you will receive an eligibility notice. Use this notice to schedule your examination directly with the testing service, PSI, and pay the exam fee.
- Receive Your License: After passing the exam, LARA will issue your license, certificate, or commission. You must carry your license while on a job site and be prepared to present it upon request.