Michigan Builders Continuing Competency Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Question's

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  Is your company approved by the state to teach pre-license courses that meet the requirements for Continuing Competency?

  We are approved by the State of Michigan under our school name CBT Development Corporation. Our education provider number is 384.

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  What Is Continuing Competency?

  Continuing competency, also known as continuing education, is a requirement for residential builders in Michigan to renew their license. These courses help to ensure that builders are aware of any changes in building codes and safety regulations.

  The Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Authority (LARA) is responsible for enforcing and regulating building and construction codes in the state. By requiring continuing competency courses, LARA can ensure that builders are up-to-date on critical rules and regulations that may have changed since they first obtained their license.

  Builders must complete these courses on time, as operating without a valid license can result in fines, penalties, and injunctions. It is also recommended that builders complete their continuing competency courses as early as possible.

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  Why Is Continuing Competency Required?

  One of the main reasons why continuing competency is required is to ensure that builders construct safe homes and buildings that meet all applicable building codes. For example, amendments to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or its Michigan equivalent can change the minimum hallway or doorway sizes for homes or the number of inches a stair can ""rise."" Builders who aren't aware of these changes could continue constructing non-conforming homes for the foreseeable future, increasing both the cost of code enforcement and the cost to the homeowner.

  Similarly, changes in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) or MIOSHA are nearly constant, and builders unaware of these changes may need to follow proper safety protocols on construction sites. This could lead to accidents and injuries, which can be costly in terms of human suffering and financial repercussions.

  Overall, continuing competency is required for Michigan builders to ensure the safety of the homes and buildings they construct while protecting the well-being of construction workers.

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  I have been licensed for 10 years, shouldn't I be grandfathered from having to take Michigan Continuing Competency?

  Regardless of how long you have been licensed, all contractors must complete a certain number of Michigan Continuing Competency hours to renew their license.

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  How many hours of Michigan Continuing Competency do I need to take to avoid losing my license?

  If you hold a Michigan builders license, you are required to complete continuing competency courses to renew your license.

  If you obtained your license before January 1st, 2009, you would only need to complete 3 hours of continuing education.

  If you were initially licensed after January 1, 2009, you are required to complete 21 hours every 3 years for the first 6 years of licensure.

  If you were originally licensed after January 1, 2009, and have been licensed for more than 6 years, you are required to complete 3 hours of continuing education.

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  Can I just take all my Michigan Continuing Competency at one time or do I have to take a certain number of hours per year?

  You must take at least 3 hours of Continuing Competency each license cycle. You also have to complete a total number of Continuing Competency hours based on the date you first received your license. If you have been licensed for more than 6 years, 3 hours per license cycle is required. If you have been licensed for less than 6 years, you will need 21 Continuing Competency hours to meet the total requirement.

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  How long do I have to maintain records of Continuing Competency I have completed?

  All licensees must maintain documentation for at least 5 years showing the completion of activities counted toward meeting the continuing competency requirement.

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  How do I prove to the state that I have completed my Continuing Competency requirements when I renew my license?

  After completing the required continuing competency course, Michigan builders will receive a certificate of completion from the course provider.

  At the time of license renewal, a licensee must state that he/she has fulfilled the continuing competency requirement.

  It will be requested if a licensee is selected for an audit.

  Michigan law also requires residential builders to state that they have a current copy of the Michigan Residential The 2015 Michigan Residential Code book is available to purchase from Michigan Builders License.

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  What’s Covered in the Continuing Competency Course?

  Michigan's building code is incredibly comprehensive and sometimes complex, from the number of exits a home must have to mixed-use and occupancy requirements to energy efficiency.

  Safety (OSHA and MIOSHA) - By focusing on safety measures related to the Fatal Four, builders can significantly reduce the risk that they (or anyone on their crew) will be injured or killed due to unsafe working conditions. Michigan's OSHA imposes additional and complementary requirements designed to ensure construction-site safety.

  Business Law Topics - With increasing specialization in the building industry, just about every residential construction project draws in subcontractors like drywallers, plumbers, electricians, and flooring installers. While this can make projects more efficient by assigning tasks to those who can quickly complete them, adding more people to the process can also add more complications.

  Because even the most straightforward residential construction project can complicate these issues, builders must be familiar with construction liens and other business principles.

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  Aside from the 1 hour in building codes and laws, 1 hour in safety, and 1 hour in changes in business and construction management law, what are the "other topics?" covered in the 21-Hour Continuing Competency Course?

  Courses and activities must be relevant to the licensed occupation and may include any of the following:

  • Business management, estimating, and job costing
  • Design and building science
  • Contracts, liability, and risk management
  • Marketing and sales
  • Project management and scheduling
  • Carpentry; concrete; swimming pool installation; waterproofing a basement; excavation; insulation work; masonry work; painting and decorating; roofing; siding and gutters; screen or storm sash insulation; tile and marble work; or house wrecking
  • Accounting and safekeeping for monies received from a customer, including the requirements of a building contract fund (MCL 570.151)
  • Accounting, finance, and taxes
  • Personnel management
  • Communication and customer service
  • Environmental or land use analysis
  • Life safety
  • "Green" building
  • Zoning and governance policies and procedures
  • Mold, lead, asbestos, or other hazardous material mitigation
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  Where can I take the Contractor Continuing Education Course?

  You should choose a LARA-approved sponsor, such as MichiganBuildersLicense.com. We have courses designed specifically for the number of Continuing Competency hours you need. Our courses help you complete your Continuing Competency in the shortest amount of time and at the lowest possible cost.

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  Can I complete my Continuing Competency online?

  Yes. For your convenience, we offer continuing competency classes online that meet the requirements for license renewal. Once you complete the class online, you will receive a certificate that proves you have met your continuing competency requirement.

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  Where can I get the most current dates and locations of the Contractor Continuing Education Courses?

  Click here for the current dates and locations of the Michigan Continuing Education Courses.