MICHIGAN MAINTENANCE & ALTERATION
CONTRACTOR LICENSE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
MICHIGAN MAINTENANCE & ALTERATION CONTRACTOR LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
The Michigan Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) Contractor License examination is administered by PSI
Services LLC on behalf of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of
Construction Codes. The exam consists of two components: a Business and Law examination and a
trade-specific examination for each trade in which the applicant seeks licensure. The Business and Law
portion contains 50 multiple-choice questions, while trade exams range from 25 to 55 questions
depending on the specific trade. A passing score of 72% is required for all examination sections.
Candidates must complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education prior to testing, covering
topics including business management, Michigan Residential Code, and MIOSHA safety standards. This
practice exam covers the essential knowledge domains tested, including licensing requirements,
construction law, safety standards, and trade-specific competencies.
SECTION 1: LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Question 1
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An individual is seeking to become a licensed Maintenance & Alteration Contractor in Michigan. Which
of the following is a mandatory requirement before taking the licensing examination?
A) Obtain a bachelor's degree in construction management
B) Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education
C) Have at least 10 years of construction experience
D) Be a resident of Michigan for at least 5 years
Answer: B
Rationale: Michigan law requires all applicants for a Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration
Contractor license to complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education prior to taking the
examination. This coursework must include at least 6 hours in each of seven competency areas: business
management/estimating/job costing, design and building science, contracts/liability/risk management,
marketing and sales, project management and scheduling, Michigan Residential Code, and MIOSHA
Construction Safety Standards. The remaining 18 hours may come from other approved topics.
Experience requirements, educational degrees, and residency requirements are not prerequisites for
licensure in Michigan .
Question 2
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Under the Michigan Occupational Code, which entity has the authority to license Residential Builders
and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors?
A) Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
B) Bureau of Construction Codes within LARA
C) Michigan State Police
D) Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Answer: B
Rationale: The Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within the Michigan Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing, compliance, and disciplinary
actions for residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors. Article 24 of the
Occupational Code (Act 299 of 1980) contains the specific provisions governing this licensing authority.
The BCC handles all aspects of contractor licensing, from application review to examination
authorization to disciplinary proceedings .
Question 3
A Maintenance & Alteration Contractor in Michigan must maintain a place of business in the state.
Which of the following addresses is considered acceptable proof of a place of business?
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A) A private mailbox at a shipping store
B) A PO Box at the local post office
C) A physical street address where business records are kept
D) The contractor's residential address only if they work from a vehicle
Answer: C
Rationale: Michigan law requires licensed residential builders and maintenance and alteration
contractors to maintain a physical place of business within the state. The law specifically provides that a
post office box is not sufficient to satisfy this requirement. A physical street address where business
records are maintained and work activities are managed is required. If a contractor maintains more than
one location, a branch office license must be obtained for each additional location .
Question 4
What is the duration of a Michigan Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license before it must be
renewed?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years