Construction / Residential Contractor Continuing Education / Michigan
- Michigan
- Residential Contractor CE
- Residential Builder
- Updated Oct 2026
Michigan Residential Contractor Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Michigan residential builders need 21 hours of continuing competency every three years during their first six years of licensure, then 3 hours per three-year cycle after that, before the license expires on May 31.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requirements
Hours per cycle
21 or 3 hrs
21 in the first 6 years of licensure, 3 after
Cycle
3 years
Residential builder licenses renew every three years
Deadline
May 31
Every third year, when your license expires
Online allowed?
Yes
LARA-approved online courses count
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Michigan residential contractor license?
Every Michigan residential builder and maintenance & alteration (M&A) contractor licensee needs continuing competency to renew under MCL 339.2404b. How much depends on how long you’ve held your license. Renewal is handled by the state through LARA.
CE applies to
- Residential builders and M&A contractors licensed less than 6 years
- Residential builders and M&A contractors licensed 6 years or more
Exemptions
- None stated in our sources
Michigan residential contractor CE at a glance
Michigan residential builder renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| CE required? | Yes, for all residential builders and M&A contractors |
| Hours per cycle | 21 hrs (first 6 years) or 3 hrs (after 6 years) |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Required topics | 1 hr building codes & laws, 1 hr safety (MIOSHA), 1 hr construction & business law changes |
| Online allowed? | Yes |
| Deadline | May 31, every three years |
| Who reports | You attest at renewal (keep certificates for 5 years for audits) |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | 60-day late renewal window through July 30/31 (with $20 late fee) |
| Renewal fee | $150 ($50/year for 3 years) |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Michigan residential contractor license need?
In your first six years of licensure you need 21 hours every three years, with at least 3 hours each year. After six years, you need 3 hours per three-year cycle. All licensees must complete the same three core hours on codes, safety and law changes.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Builder, first 6 years | 21 hrs | 1 hr building codes and laws, 1 hr safety (MIOSHA), 1 hr changes in construction and business management laws | 18 hrs approved electives | At least 3 hrs each year; online allowed |
| Residential Builder, after 6 years | 3 hrs | 1 hr building codes and laws, 1 hr safety (MIOSHA), 1 hr changes in construction and business management laws | None | Online allowed |
Deadline
When is the Michigan residential contractor license renewal deadline?
Michigan residential builder licenses expire every three years on May 31. Finish your 21 or 3 hours before you submit your online renewal.
| Deadline rule | May 31 of the year your three-year license expires |
| Cycle | 3 years |
| Grace period | 60-day late renewal period after May 31 (with a $20 late fee) |
| Late penalty | $20 late fee within 60 days; $185 relicensure fee after 60 days (MCL 338.2239) |
| CE completion deadline | Before you renew; at least 3 hrs each year in your first 6 years |
Steps
How to renew a Michigan residential contractor license, step by step
- Take approved CEBefore May 31
Complete 21 hours (first six years) or 3 hours (after six years) of LARA-approved continuing competency, including 1 hour each on building codes, safety and business law changes. - Get your certificateSame day
Save the certificate of completion you get when you finish each course. You must retain it for 5 years. - Confirm it’s reportedAt renewal
You attest on your online renewal application that you completed your continuing competency and possess a current copy of the Michigan Residential Code book. - Pay the renewal fee$150
Submit your online renewal and $150 three-year renewal fee through LARA’s Accela portal before May 31. - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Look up your license with LARA to confirm your new three-year expiration date.
Providers
Approved Michigan residential contractor 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. Courses must be approved by LARA to count.
Approval
How to check a Michigan residential contractor CE course is approved
Only LARA-approved continuing competency courses count. Every licensee (both under and over 6 years) must cover the 3 mandatory hours on building codes and laws, MIOSHA safety, and construction/business law changes.
- Confirm the course is approved by LARA before you pay.
- Make sure your coursework includes the three mandatory 1-hour topics (codes, safety and law changes).
- Track your hours by year so you hit at least 3 hours each year during your first six years.
Reporting
How Michigan residential contractor CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
You do not mail your CE certificates to LARA when you renew. Instead, you attest to completing your required hours (and owning a current Michigan Residential Code book) on your online renewal, and you must keep your certificates for at least 5 years in case you are selected for a random audit.
- Print or save every certificate of completion for at least 5 years.
- Keep a yearly log of hours if you’re in your first six years of licensure.
- Provide copies to LARA if you are selected for a random audit.
Cost
How much does Michigan residential contractor license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| 3-year license renewal fee | $150 ($50/year) | LARA |
| Late renewal fee (within 60 days after May 31) | $20 ($170 total) | LARA |
| Relicensure fee (after 60-day late window) | $185 | LARA |
| CE courses | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from the Michigan State License Fee Act (MCL 338.2239), checked October 2026.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Michigan residential contractor license
If you miss the May 31 deadline, LARA allows late renewal for 60 days with a $20 late fee. After 60 days, your license lapses and you must apply for relicensure.
60-day late window
You can renew up to 60 days after May 31 by paying the $150 renewal fee plus a $20 late fee ($170 total).
Lapsed over 60 days
After the 60-day window closes, you must submit a relicensure application ($185 fee). If lapsed more than 3 years, re-examination is also required.
Makeup CE
You still need your full 21 or 3 continuing competency hours before you can renew or relicense.
Who controls
Who controls Michigan residential contractor 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 residential builder and M&A contractor licenses
- Approves continuing competency courses under MCL 339.2404b
- Audits licensees’ 5-year CE certificate records
Getting licensed
Getting a Michigan residential contractor license
Need the license first? Our Michigan guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Michigan residential contractor license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Michigan residential builder need?
21 hours every three years during your first six years of licensure (with at least 3 each year). After six years, 3 hours per three-year cycle.
When is the deadline?
Licenses expire every three years on May 31.
What topics are required?
Every licensee must take 1 hour on building codes and laws, 1 hour on safety (MIOSHA), and 1 hour on changes in construction and business management laws. Builders in their first six years add 18 hours of approved electives.
Who reports my hours, and how long do I keep certificates?
You attest to your hours during online renewal and must retain your completion certificates for at least 5 years in case of a LARA audit.
How much is the renewal fee and late fee?
The 3-year renewal fee is $150 under MCL 338.2239. Renewing during the 60-day late period after May 31 adds a $20 late fee ($170 total). After 60 days, relicensure costs $185.
Can I take CE online?
Yes. LARA-approved online courses count.
Sources
Official sources for Michigan residential contractor CE rules
- Michigan LARA — Residential Builders
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 338.2239 (Residential Builder Fees)
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 339.2404b (Continuing Competency)
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).