Construction / HVAC License / Michigan
- Michigan
- HVAC License
- HVACR Equipment
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Michigan HVAC License
Michigan licenses HVAC installers as Mechanical Contractors with an HVACR Equipment classification. Here’s what you need to qualify, apply, pass the PSI exam and stay licensed.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requirements
Application fee
$300
Initial license fee, paid with application; plus $100 exam
Exam time
3 hrs
HVAC Equipment exam, open book
Time to get license
~3 yrs
3 years or 6,000 hours of HVAC experience
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE needed to renew
Overview
Do you need a Michigan HVAC license?
Yes, if you install HVACR systems in Michigan. That work requires a Mechanical Contractor license with the HVACR Equipment classification, issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The classification covers installation only, not service.
License required when
- You install forced-air heating and cooling systems in homes or commercial buildings
- You install heat pumps, mini splits, geothermal systems or rooftop units from 2–25 tons
- You install duct systems, commercial kitchen exhaust (Type 1 and Type 2) or special venting
- You lay out and install gas piping for natural gas, propane or fuel oil, including CSST
Common exceptions
- Servicing or repairing existing HVAC equipment isn’t covered by this classification. That work needs a Limited or Unlimited Service classification instead.
- Other exemptions aren’t listed in our notes. Check the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Public Act 407 of 2016) or ask LARA.
Penalties for unlicensed work
Michigan regulates mechanical contractors under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act. Working without the right license or classification can lead to state enforcement action, and LARA can deny, discipline or refuse to renew a license. Ask LARA for the current penalties.
Your fast-track Michigan HVAC license checklist
The Michigan application, one page
- 3 years or 6,000 hours of HVAC/R experience
- Mechanical Contractor application with supporting documents
- LARA approval to take the exam
- Clean, unmarked copies of the approved references
- Passing score on the HVAC Equipment exam
Types
Michigan HVAC license types and classifications
HVAC installers get a Mechanical Contractor license with the HVACR Equipment classification. If you service or repair systems, you need a separate service classification.
HVACR
This page
HVACR Equipment
Installs forced-air heating and cooling, heat pumps, mini splits, rooftop units from 2–25 tons, geothermal, duct systems, kitchen exhaust, Type B vents and gas piping. Does not include service.
Exam
HVAC Equipment exam
Limit
Not stated
SVC
For repair work
Limited or Unlimited Service
Needed if you service or repair existing heating, air-conditioning or refrigeration systems.
Exam
Not stated
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Michigan HVAC license requirements, class by class
Here’s what the HVACR Equipment classification asks for. Anything our notes don’t cover is marked “Not stated,” so confirm it with LARA.
| Requirement | HVACR Equipment |
|---|---|
| Experience | 3 years or 6,000 hours in HVAC/R |
| Application | Mechanical Contractor application with supporting documents |
| Exam approval | Required before you can schedule |
| Exam | HVAC Equipment, 150 questions, 70% to pass |
| Insurance or bond | Not stated |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Michigan HVAC license, step by step
- Build your experience~3 years
Get at least 3 years or 6,000 hours of qualifying experience in the HVAC/R industry before you apply. - Apply to LARABefore the exam
Submit the Michigan Mechanical Contractor license application and supporting documents to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Call 517-241-0199 with questions. - Get approved to testBefore you schedule
Once LARA approves your application, PSI contacts you with instructions to pay for and schedule the exam. - Pass the HVAC Equipment examExam day
Schedule through PSI or at 855-579-4635. It’s 150 questions in 3 hours, open book, and you need 70% to pass. - Receive your licenseAfter you pass
Finish the licensing process with LARA and you’ll receive your Mechanical Contractor license with the HVACR Equipment classification.
Exam
What to expect on the Michigan HVAC exam
You take one trade exam, the HVAC Equipment exam, through PSI. It’s open book, but your books must be clean: no highlighting and no tabs.
Format
Open book, computer
Questions
150
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 150 questions, 3 hours, 70% to pass
- Topics: heating and cooling principles, HVAC equipment installation, ductwork, gas piping, venting, codes and standards
- References include the Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Residential Code, International Fuel Gas Code, ACCA manuals and SMACNA standards
- Books can’t be highlighted or tabbed
- The Skilled Trades Regulation Act and State Construction Code Act aren’t allowed in the exam
Retake policy
- Waiting period: Not stated
- Retake fee: Not stated
- Contact PSI at 855-579-4635 to reschedule or retest
- Check the PSI Mechanical Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin for current rules
Exam references · Open book
The Michigan Mechanical HVAC Equipment exam is open book, and you can only bring approved references into the testing center. Books used in the exam can’t be highlighted or tabbed, and permitted references are listed in the PSI Mechanical Contractor candidate bulletin.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Residential Code | 2015 | Allowed in exam |
| Michigan Mechanical Code | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual D: Residential Duct Systems | 3rd edition | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual J: Residential Load Calculation | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
| SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible | 4th edition | Allowed in exam |
| SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407) | Not stated | Study only |
| Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (1972 PA 230) | Not stated | Study only |
The two state acts are on the study list but aren’t allowed to be used during the exam.
Prep
Best Michigan HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for the Michigan HVAC Equipment exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Michigan HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $300 |
| HVAC Equipment exam (PSI) | Fixed | $100 |
| Approved reference books | Variable | Varies |
| License issuance | Fixed | Included in $300 fee |
| State fees and exam | Initial license fee plus PSI exam; excludes reference books | $400 |
Fees from the LARA Mechanical Contractor application and the PSI candidate bulletin, checked October 2026. PSI sends exam payment instructions after LARA approves your application.
Reciprocity
Does Michigan accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Michigan has only limited reciprocity arrangements, so plan on applying as a new applicant unless LARA confirms otherwise.
Other states — limited arrangements
Check with LARA for the current list before you apply. If your state isn’t covered, apply as a new applicant and take the HVAC Equipment exam.
Local
Do Michigan cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
Your Mechanical Contractor license comes from the state, but the work itself still runs through local permits and inspections.
State handles
- Mechanical Contractor licenses and classifications
- Exam approval and scheduling through PSI
- Renewals and discipline
City & county handle
- Mechanical permits and inspections
- Local business registration, where required
Governance
Who regulates HVAC contractors in Michigan
Licensing authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
517-241-0199
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues Mechanical Contractor licenses and classifications
- Reviews applications and approves candidates for the PSI exam
- Enforces the Skilled Trades Regulation Act
- Handles renewals
Maintenance
How to renew your Michigan HVAC license and keep it active
No continuing education is required to renew a Michigan Mechanical Contractor license. Licenses expire August 31 every third year and are renewed by October 31.
Renewal cycle
3 years (Aug 31)
CE hours
None required
Renewal fee
$100 per year of the cycle
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
Michigan HVAC license FAQs
What license do I need to install HVAC in Michigan?
A Mechanical Contractor license with the HVACR Equipment classification, issued by LARA.
Can I service or repair HVAC systems with the HVACR Equipment classification?
No. It covers installation only. Service and repair work needs a Limited or Unlimited Service classification.
How much experience do I need?
At least 3 years or 6,000 hours of qualifying HVAC experience before you apply for the exam.
Is the Michigan HVAC Equipment exam open book?
Yes, but only approved references are allowed, and they can’t be highlighted or tabbed.
How many questions are on the exam?
150 questions in 3 hours. You need 70% to pass.
Who gives the exam?
PSI. After LARA approves your application, PSI contacts you with instructions to pay and schedule.
Is continuing education required to renew?
No. Michigan doesn’t require CE to renew a Mechanical Contractor license.
Does Michigan have HVAC reciprocity?
Only limited arrangements. Check with LARA for the current list before you apply.
Sources
Official sources for the Michigan HVAC license
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- PSI, Michigan Mechanical exam scheduling
- PSI, Mechanical Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin
- Public Act 407 of 2016, Skilled Trades Regulation Act
- Public Act 230 of 1972, State Construction Code Act
- LARA Application for Mechanical Contractor Examination & Licensing (PDF)
- MCL 339.5813, mechanical contractor license fees
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.