How to Renew Your Michigan Builders License

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist

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Renewing your Michigan contractor’s license can feel like a moment of torture, especially if this is your first time and you don’t understand the requirements and process. However, it doesn’t have to feel this way. As long as you understand what’s required of you and prepare adequately, the process will be straightforward and manageable.

Most importantly, don’t think of this as a formal or regulatory process, but rather as a chance to sharpen your skills and boost your career.

What You Should Know Before Starting the Process

One of the most common mistakes professionals make is starting the renewal process without first fully understanding what it entails. Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) contractors are supposed to renew their licenses every three years by May 31 as mandated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). If you don’t know the next renewal year, the easiest way to find it is to check the expiration date on your current license.

What Do You Need For a Successful Renewal? 

You must ensure you have the following before submitting your renewal application:

1. Complete the Required Continuing Competency Course

One of the first requirements you should take care of is your continuing education. How long your continuing education should be will depend on how long you’ve held your license. If you’ve been licensed for more than six years, you will need just three hours. On the other hand, you’ll have to spend at least 21 hours if you’ve held your license for less than six years.

Regardless of how long you’ve been licensed, it’s mandatory to study for at least one hour in each of the following topics:

• Construction Business & Law
• Building Codes
• Construction Safety

Always make sure to take a highly rated Michigan builders license renewal course from an approved provider like RocketCert. This not only ensures that your course has the right content but also that it’s updated to align with any recent changes or requirements. It’s also a good idea to take online courses since these are a more flexible and convenient option.

2. Proof of Michigan Residential Code Book

As part of your renewal, you are also required to affirm that you have a current copy of the Michigan Residential Code book. You are to keep this documentation until further notice.

3. Account for Online Renewal

All license renewals for builders now happen via LARA’s online portal. You, therefore, will have to sign up for an Accela account to submit your renewal application successfully. After creating your account, you must also link it to your licence to be able to complete the renewal process.

So, What Are the Steps for a Successful Renewal?

Here’s a simplified summary of the steps you will take to renew your license:

• Step 1: Complete your continuing education program. It’s recommended to start this process as early as possible.
• Step 2: Sign up/log in to your Accela account, and link your license where applicable.
• Step 3: Access your account and use the “Renew Application” function to complete the application process. This is also when you will pay the license renewal fee.

Start Your CE Course Now to Avoid Delays

At first, the builder’s license renewal process may seem quite complicated, but the reality is that it’s not. You just need to start your continuing competency course early enough. Make sure it’s from a LARA-approved provider and that it’s also the required length.

If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend that you check out rocketcert.com today. With their expertly written and fully narrated courses, you should have a very easy time meeting your CE requirements.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.