State · MI
Michigan trade licensing
Michigan is an Office of Apprenticeship (OA) state; registered apprenticeships flow through U.S. DOL. Licensing for electricians, plumbers, and mechanical (HVAC) contractors is handled statewide by LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC). Electrical licenses run on Michigan Electrical Code Rules Part 8 plus the 2023 NEC; plumbing and mechanical licenses are issued per classification, with mechanical requiring a separate exam for each work classification (hydronics, HVAC equipment, ductwork, refrigeration, etc.).
Primary regulator
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes
www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc →517-241-9316
Licensing boards by trade
electrician
LARA BCC — Electrical Licensing
www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/exam-lic/electrical-examination-licensing-registration-application-information →plumber
LARA BCC — Plumbing Licensing
www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/exam-lic/plumbing-examination-licensing-registration-application-information →Pick a trade in Michigan
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)
Services and inspects airframes and powerplants on aircraft: general aviation, airline, military.
Auto Body Technician
Repairs collision damage: panel replacement, frame straightening, refinishing.
Automotive Service Technician
Diagnoses, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks: gasoline, diesel, and electric.
Boilermaker
Builds, installs, and repairs boilers, pressure vessels, and large tanks.
Carpenter
Frames, finishes, and builds structures from wood, steel, and composite materials.
Diesel Mechanic
Services and repairs diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Electrician
Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites.
Elevator Constructor
Installs, modernizes, and services elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
Glazier
Cuts, installs, and replaces glass in windows, storefronts, curtain walls, and skylights.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Services construction, mining, agricultural, and material-handling machinery.
HVAC Technician
Installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keeps manufacturing equipment running: mechanical, electrical, and control system upkeep.
Ironworker
Erects structural steel, reinforces concrete with rebar, and installs metal decking and ornamental iron.
Machinist
Makes precision metal parts using manual and CNC machine tools.
Mason
Lays brick, block, and stone for walls, foundations, chimneys, and veneers.
Millwright
Installs, aligns, dismantles, and repairs heavy industrial machinery.
Operating Engineer
Operates heavy construction equipment: cranes, excavators, dozers, graders, loaders.
Plumber
Installs and repairs water, waste, gas, and drainage systems in buildings.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricates and installs ductwork, roofing, cladding, and architectural sheet metal.
Welder
Joins and cuts metal using arc, MIG, TIG, stick, and oxy-fuel processes.