How to Become a General Contractor in Michigan
In Michigan, a General Contractor license typically requires a state exam.
Bids and manages construction projects. Most states license contractors through a state board; requirements range from registration to a written exam (e.g. California CSLB). Requirements change — always confirm with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before paying.
Licensing steps in Michigan
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam vendor varies — check the official board site.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Fee schedule not published here — verify with the board.
- 5Stay current
Renewal cycle and CE requirements vary — check the board.
General Contractor requirements — Michigan at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | — |
| Questions (national/state) | — |
| Passing score | — |
| Exam fee | — |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | — |
| Reciprocity | No state general contractor license — general contractor licensing is local in Michigan (LARA licenses specified trades only) |
Official source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) ↗
Transferring a General Contractor license between states
NASCLA accredited examination. General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state.
Confirm your destination is still on NASCLA's participating agency list and check what else its board requires. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a General Contractor license in Michigan?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the General Contractor exam in Michigan?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by Michigan; check the state board.
What does the General Contractor license cost in Michigan?
Fees are not published here — check the official board site.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to Michigan?
NASCLA accredited examination: General contractors have no compact. What exists instead is the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors: passing it once satisfies the trade exam requirement in every participating state. For Michigan specifically, our dataset notes: No state general contractor license — general contractor licensing is local in Michigan (LARA licenses specified trades only).
Plan your General Contractor licensing in Michigan
Work the road in order — check what Michigan requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the General Contractor exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and Michigan reciprocity.
General Contractor tools for Michigan
Every step of the Michigan General Contractor road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (retrieved 2026-08-20).