Here's the first thing to know about licensing HVAC in Michigan: the state doesn't hand out a single "HVAC license." Instead, the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) at LARA issues a Mechanical Contractor license built from the specific work classifications you qualify for. This guide covers how those classifications, the experience and exam requirements, fees, and renewal actually work — drawn from the BCC's official application and renewal pages.
Do You Need a Mechanical Contractor License in Michigan?
If you or your business contract with the public to install, alter, or service mechanical systems, you must hold a Mechanical Contractor license. A technician working under a licensed mechanical contractor may not need their own state license, but the individual or business responsible for the contract must be licensed.
Michigan Mechanical Contractor Work Classifications
Michigan does not issue a single "HVAC" license. Instead, you qualify for one or more work classifications, and you must take and pass an examination for each classification you want. The HVAC-related classifications include:
- HVAC equipment
- Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
- Ductwork
- Refrigeration
- Limited and Unlimited heating service
- Limited and Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service
The BCC's full mechanical classification list also includes Fire Suppression, Specialty License, Solar Heating and Cooling, Solid Fuel and Vented Decorative Gas Appliances, LP Distribution Piping, Fuel Gas Piping, and Fuel Gas Piping and Venting.
Michigan Mechanical Contractor Requirements
Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in each work classification applied for, per the BCC's mechanical examination/licensing application information.
Federal EPA Section 608 certification
Any contractor or technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants must hold an EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. This is a federal requirement separate from state licensing, it must be obtained through an EPA-approved certifying organization, and the credential does not expire.
- Type I: small appliances. Type II: high-pressure appliances. Type III: low-pressure appliances. Universal: all three.
The Application Process
Submit the BCC's mechanical contractor application with your experience documentation. Once the BCC approves your application, PSI contacts you to schedule your examination.
Michigan Mechanical Contractor Exam (PSI)
The mechanical examinations are conducted by PSI. After the BCC approves your application, PSI contacts you to schedule your exam at one of five PSI testing centers, and you pay the exam fee to PSI when you schedule. You must pass an exam for each work classification you want on your license.
Use the Candidate Information Bulletin from PSI for the approved reference materials and exam details for your classification.
Fees
- Exam fees: paid to PSI at the time you schedule.
- Renewal: $300 to renew the mechanical contractor license, plus a $100 late fee if you do not renew before expiration.
- Initial application and license issuance fees: confirm the current amounts on the BCC mechanical application page.
Insurance and Bonding
The BCC pages reviewed for this guide do not establish a state surety bond, general-liability minimum, or workers' compensation rule for the license itself. As a practical matter, many municipalities and project owners require bonds and insurance, so confirm the requirements for each jurisdiction and project before you begin work.
Renewing Your Michigan Mechanical Contractor License
- Renewal cycle: Mechanical Contractor licenses renew every 3 years, by August 31. Not all licenses expire in the same year.
- Continuing education: not required. The BCC states that mechanical contractors are not required to take code-update courses for the mechanical contractor license.
Verifying a Michigan Mechanical Contractor License
You can confirm the status of any Mechanical Contractor license through LARA's online license search.
Penalties for Unlicensed Mechanical Contracting
Contracting with the public for mechanical work without the required state license can expose you to enforcement action. Confirm the specific penalties that apply to your situation with LARA before relying on them.