If you’re interested in becoming a contractor in Michigan, you’ll need to take contractor classes to show that you are prepared for the work. The state of Michigan requires contractors to take classes before they obtain their licenses as well as throughout the careers.
1. Michigan Offers Two Types of Contractor Licenses
Contractors who are licensed in Michigan can either work on new construction or focus on renovations and remodels.
Before you can find out which contractor classes you need in Michigan, you have to decide which type of contractor license you want. A residential builder constructs new residential or residential/commercial structures from the ground up, according to LARA. He or she must have a Michigan license to operate in the state or to accept work.
Maintenance and alteration (M&A) contractors conduct renovations, remodels, and other projects on existing structures. Every Michigan M&A contractor receives a license in one or more specific trades or crafts. That person cannot accept jobs that don’t fall under his or her license.
2. Prospective Contractors Need Prelicensure Courses
The contractor classes a professional takes prior to becoming licensed in Michigan are known as prelicensure courses. The state must approve the organizations that administer these courses, so it’s important to verify this information. The prelicensure courses involve 60 hours of training.
Your prelicensure courses will cover numerous subjects, from the Michigan Residential Code and the MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards to contracts, liability, and risk management. These courses cover both practical issues as well as legal and safety requirements.
3. Your Continuing Education Requirements Depend on Your Experience
Taking your continuing education classes ensures that your license remains in good standing.
Michigan changed the requirements for continuing education contractor classes in 2009. If you received your license prior to that year, you only need to take three hours of CE courses every three years. However, if you received your license after 2009, you’ll need to take 21 hours of CE courses every three years.
The state requires contractors to devote a minimum of three of their continuing education hours to contractor classes that cover Michigan building standards that concern safety as well as changes in Michigan laws relating to construction itself and to the lawful operation of a business.
4. You Can Take Your Continuing Education Contractor Classes Online
Contractors lead busy lives. They’re constantly moving between construction sites and the office, attending to small details as well as larger ones, such as project scope. Fitting 21 hours of continuing education contractor classes into your schedule might prove challenging.
If you run into scheduling issues, consider taking your CE classes online. You can register for them through approved administrators, complete the course work, pass your test, and receive your certificate without ever leaving your office chair. That way, you can fit in the course work when it fits your schedule. Plus, you don’t have to devote a long commute to the process or work at anyone else’s pace.
Michigan contractors must follow their state laws to maintain their licenses in good standing. Fortunately, PDH Contractor Academy makes it easy. Just visit our website and start your course now to get your CE classes out of the way.