HVAC Technician License Requirements in Michigan
| Licensing Authority | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division (LARA/BCC) |
| License Type | Mechanical Contractor |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 years of work experience under a licensed mechanical contractor. An associate degree can substitute for 1 year of experience. Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. |
| Education Substitute | Associate degree can count for 1 year of the 3-year experience requirement |
| Exam Required | Yes — HVAC Equipment Exam + Other Classification Exams (Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, etc.) + Contractor Law, Construction Code Law & Safety Rules |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Exam Fee | $25 |
| Est. Initial Total | $325 |
Exam Requirements
HVAC Equipment Exam
Other Classification Exams (Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, etc.)
Contractor Law, Construction Code Law & Safety Rules
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in Michigan
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Michigan. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Mechanical Contractor (single classification)
3 years under a licensed contractor
Exam: Required
Mechanical Contractor (multiple classifications)
3 years under a licensed contractor; must pass separate exam for each classification
Exam: Required
Notes
- 10 classification types: Hydronic Heating/Cooling, HVAC Equipment, Ductwork, Refrigeration, Limited Heating Service, Unlimited Heating Service, Limited Refrigeration & AC Service, Unlimited Refrigeration & AC Service, Fire Suppression, Specialty
- Must pass a separate exam for each classification sought
- EPA Section 608 certification is federally required for anyone handling refrigerants
- $25 exam fee is per classification exam
You're licensed in Michigan as an HVAC technician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division issues the Mechanical Contractor; the business that invoices Michigan customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Michigan does not require a surety bond for this license — No state-level surety bond required. Very few local jurisdictions (St. Clair Shores, Oakland County) require contractor bonds.
Carry general liability insurance.
Michigan does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. No state-mandated GL minimum for mechanical contractors, but general liability insurance is strongly recommended. Workers comp required if you have employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck HVAC technician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years.
Other licenses in Michigan
- General Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $312 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Electrician license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Plumber license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $140 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
- Roofing Contractor license in Michigan
Statewide license required · $302 in initial government fees · LARA/BCC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Michigan?
The estimated initial cost is $325, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Michigan?
Minimum 3 years of work experience under a licensed mechanical contractor. An associate degree can substitute for 1 year of experience. Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Education substitute: Associate degree can count for 1 year of the 3-year experience requirement
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Michigan?
You must pass the HVAC Equipment Exam and Other Classification Exams (Hydronic, Ductwork, Refrigeration, etc.) and Contractor Law, Construction Code Law & Safety Rules exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
How long does it take to get an hvac technician license in Michigan?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Michigan?
No, Michigan does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Michigan— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: LARA/BCC