Michigan requires a Mechanical Contractor License for HVAC contracting businesses, with 3 years of experience and a state-administered exam. Individual technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need personal state licensing.
Minimum 3 years of experience in each work classification applied for. Up to 1 year (2,000 hours) may be substituted by an accredited HVAC training program.
Yes — state-administered mechanical exam covering Michigan Mechanical Code, system design, and safety practices. 70% passing score.
5 hours of board-approved CE per 2-year renewal cycle
Limited — Michigan does not have broad reciprocity agreements with other states. Military veterans and their dependents have reciprocity eligibility under 2020 legislation.
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Michigan licenses the contracting entity, not individuals. Technicians working for licensed contractors do not need personal state licensure. This is an important distinction for technicians considering Michigan employment.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Michigan's state licensing rules, any technician who purchases, handles, or works with regulated refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. This is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act that no state law can waive. EPA 608 Universal (covering Type I, II, and III) is the most versatile credential for most HVAC roles.
Browse EPA 608 Universal jobs in MichiganMichigan's LARA Bureau of Construction Codes administers the state mechanical contractor exam, which covers the Michigan Mechanical Code, system design, and safety practices with a 70% passing score. The license is issued to the contracting entity — not individual technicians — so only business owners and qualifying parties need to pass. The exam draws from Michigan's adopted version of the International Mechanical Code with Michigan-specific amendments, and includes both technical HVAC content and Michigan contractor regulations. Up to one year (2,000 hours) of accredited HVAC training can substitute for a portion of the 3-year experience requirement.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: ~65% first-attempt pass rate based on LARA licensing data estimates
