Construction / Plumber Continuing Education / Michigan
- Michigan
- Plumber CE
- Plumber & Contractor
- Updated Oct 2026
Michigan Plumber Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Michigan plumbing licensees must complete a LARA-approved code update course (at least 3 hours) on the current Michigan Plumbing Code within 12 months of a new code adoption, and licenses expire on April 30.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes requirements
Hours per cycle
3 hrs (code update)
Code update course on the current Michigan Plumbing Code
Cycle
1 or 3 years
Journey: 1 year; Master & Contractor: 3 years
Deadline
April 30
Licenses expire April 30; code update due within 12 months of code adoption
Online allowed?
Yes
LARA-approved online code update courses count
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Michigan plumber license?
Under the Michigan Skilled Trades Regulation Act (MCL 339.6113 and 339.6117), Michigan plumbing licensees must complete a state-approved code update course whenever a new Michigan Plumbing Code is adopted. Renewal is handled by the state through LARA’s Bureau of Construction Codes.
CE applies to
- Journey Plumbers (annual renewal by April 30)
- Master Plumbers (triennial renewal by April 30)
- Plumbing Contractors (triennial renewal by April 30)
Exemptions
- Apprentice plumbers renew annually ($15) without a code update CE requirement
Code update clock
Licensees must complete their approved Michigan Plumbing Code update course within 12 months after the state adopts a new plumbing code edition.
Michigan plumber CE at a glance
Michigan plumber renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes |
| CE required? | Yes, code update course required upon adoption of a new code |
| Hours per cycle | 3 hrs (code update course) |
| Cycle | 1 year (Journey Plumber); 3 years (Master Plumber & Plumbing Contractor) |
| Required topics | Michigan Plumbing Code update |
| Online allowed? | Yes, state-approved courses |
| Deadline | April 30 (annual for Journey; every 3 years for Master & Contractor) |
| Who reports | Tracked via CE Broker / approved provider |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | 60-day late renewal window after April 30 (with late fee) |
| Renewal fee | $40/yr (Journey); $300/3 yrs (Master or Contractor); $15/yr (Apprentice) |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Michigan plumber license need?
Plumbing licensees need a state-approved code update course of at least 3 hours (up to 5 hours depending on the code update cycle) covering the current Michigan Plumbing Code.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Plumber | 3 hrs per code cycle | Current Michigan Plumbing Code update | None | LARA-approved online courses count |
| Master Plumber | 3 hrs per code cycle | Current Michigan Plumbing Code update | None | LARA-approved online courses count |
| Plumbing Contractor | 3 hrs per code cycle | Current Michigan Plumbing Code update | None | Due within 12 months of new code adoption |
Michigan updates its plumbing code approximately every 3 years. When a new code takes effect, licensees have 12 months to complete an approved code update course.
Deadline
When is the Michigan plumber license renewal deadline?
All Michigan plumbing licenses expire on April 30: every year for Journey Plumbers and Apprentices, and every three years for Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors. Renewals open up to 90 days before April 30.
| Deadline rule | April 30 (annually for Journey; every 3 years for Master & Contractor) |
| Cycle | 1 year (Journey & Apprentice); 3 years (Master & Contractor) |
| Grace period | 60 days after April 30 with a late renewal fee |
| Late penalty | +$50 (Journey Plumber), +$100 (Master / Contractor), +$20 (Apprentice) under MCL 339.6121 |
| CE completion deadline | Within 12 months of new code adoption and before license renewal |
Steps
How to renew a Michigan plumber license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore April 30
Complete a state-approved Michigan Plumbing Code update course (at least 3 hours) within 12 months of code adoption. - Get your certificateSame day
Save the certificate of completion your provider gives you. - Confirm it’s reportedBefore you renew
Code update completions are tracked through CE Broker and LARA. Confirm your course is recorded before you renew. - Pay the renewal fee$40 or $300
Submit your online renewal and fee ($40/year for Journey Plumbers; $300/3 years for Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors) to LARA before April 30. - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Look up your license with LARA to confirm the new April 30 expiration date.
Providers
Approved Michigan plumber license CE providers
We haven’t compared CE providers for this license yet. Use the board’s approved provider list to confirm a course counts before you pay.
Approval
How to check a Michigan plumber CE course is approved
Only state-approved code update courses count toward Michigan plumbing CE. Courses must cover the Michigan Plumbing Code edition currently in effect.
- Confirm the course is approved by LARA (and listed in CE Broker) before you pay.
- Check that it covers the current Michigan Plumbing Code.
- Complete the course within 12 months of a new code adoption.
Reporting
How Michigan plumber CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
Michigan LARA partners with CE Broker to track code update course completions. Confirm with your provider whether they report directly to CE Broker or if you should upload your certificate.
- Print or save your certificate of completion.
- Verify your code update credit appears in CE Broker / LARA before you renew.
- Keep your certificates in case you’re audited.
Cost
How much does Michigan plumber license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Plumber annual renewal | $40 | LARA |
| Master Plumber or Plumbing Contractor 3-year renewal | $300 | LARA |
| Apprentice Plumber annual renewal | $15 | LARA |
| Late / relicensure fee (within 60 days after April 30) | +$50 (Journey), +$100 (Master/Contractor), +$20 (Apprentice) | LARA |
| CE course | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from the Michigan Skilled Trades Regulation Act (MCL 339.6121), checked October 2026.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Michigan plumber license
Under MCL 339.6121, Michigan plumbing licenses expire on April 30. Licensees have a 60-day late renewal window after April 30 by paying the renewal fee plus a late/relicensure fee.
60-day late renewal window
If you miss April 30, you can renew within 60 days by paying the standard renewal fee plus a late fee ($50 for Journey Plumbers, $100 for Master Plumbers and Contractors, $20 for Apprentices).
Lapsed over 60 days or 3 years
Missing the 60-day window requires a formal relicensure application. Letting a license lapse for more than 3 consecutive years requires re-examination.
Makeup CE
You must complete the required Michigan Plumbing Code update course before your license can be renewed.
Who controls
Who controls Michigan plumber license renewal?
Renewal authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
611 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 241-9316
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Michigan plumbing licenses under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Act 407 of 2016)
- Adopts the Michigan Plumbing Code
- Enforces the code update course requirement
Getting licensed
Getting a Michigan plumber license
Need the license first? Our Michigan guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Michigan plumber license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Michigan plumber need?
You must complete a LARA-approved Michigan Plumbing Code update course (at least 3 hours) within 12 months of the state adopting a new plumbing code.
When is the renewal deadline and what is the cycle?
All Michigan plumbing licenses expire on April 30. Journey Plumbers and Apprentices renew every year; Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors renew every 3 years.
How much does renewal cost?
Under MCL 339.6121, renewal is $40 per year for Journey Plumbers, $300 every 3 years for Master Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors, and $15 per year for Apprentices. If you hold both a Master Plumber and Plumbing Contractor license, you can renew both under your contractor license.
Can I take CE online?
Yes. LARA-approved online code update courses count.
Who reports my hours?
LARA uses CE Broker to track continuing education. Confirm your provider reports your completion or upload your certificate to CE Broker before renewing.
What happens if I miss the April 30 deadline?
You have 60 days after April 30 to renew by paying a late fee ($50 for Journey Plumbers, $100 for Master Plumbers and Contractors). After 60 days, you must apply for relicensure.
Sources
Official sources for Michigan plumber CE rules
- Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes (Plumbing)
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 339.6121 (Plumbing Fees)
Last updated October 28, 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 (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes.