MICHIGAN MAINTENANCE & ALTERATION
CONTRACTOR LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
Comprehensive State Licensing Review 2026 Edition |
95 Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales
Core Domains Covered:
Domain I: Licensing Requirements & Regulations (15 questions)
• License application and eligibility requirements
• Prelicensure education requirements (60 hours)
• License duration, renewal, and continuing competency
• License classifications and scope of practice
Domain II: Contract Requirements & Law (15 questions)
• Required contract provisions under Michigan law
• Consumer protection and cancellation rights
• Construction liens and payment enforcement
• Exemptions from licensing requirements
Domain III: Business Management & Estimating (10 questions)
• Job costing and estimating practices
• Business management and recordkeeping
• Marketing and sales in contracting
Domain IV: Building Codes & Construction Science (15 questions)
• Michigan Residential Code requirements
• Design and building science principles
• Construction safety standards (MIOSHA)
Domain V: Project Management & Scheduling (10 questions)
, • Project planning and scheduling
• Subcontractor management
• Quality control and documentation
Domain VI: Trade-Specific Knowledge (15 questions)
• Carpentry, roofing, siding, and concrete
• Masonry, insulation, and excavation
• Swimming pools, waterproofing, and house wrecking
Domain VII: Liability, Risk Management & Insurance (10 questions)
• General liability and workers' compensation
• Risk management strategies
• Bonding requirements
Domain VIII: Ethics, Penalties & Disciplinary Actions (5 questions)
• Penalties for unlicensed contracting
• Disciplinary actions and grounds for license suspension/revocation
• Professional conduct and ethics
Domain I: Licensing Requirements & Regulations
1. Which of the following is required to be included in a residential construction
contract in Michigan?
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: All these items are legally required in a residential contract in
Michigan to protect both parties and ensure transparency. The contract must identify
the contractor by name and include their state license number. Start and completion
dates protect both parties, and the notice of cancellation rights is required by
Michigan law for residential contracts signed at the customer's home.
A. Estimated start and completion dates
B. License number of contractor
,C. A notice of cancellation rights
D. All of the above
2. How many days does a homeowner have to cancel a residential construction
contract in Michigan after signing?
Answer: A. 3 business days
Rationale: Michigan law provides a 3-business-day right of rescission for
residential contracts signed at the customer's home. This cooling-off period allows
homeowners to cancel without penalty.
A. 3 business days
B. 5 business days
C. 7 business days
D. 10 business days
3. A Maintenance & Alteration license allows a contractor to:
Answer: C. Perform specific trades such as siding or roofing
Rationale: The Maintenance & Alteration license is limited to specific
classifications selected by the applicant. It does not allow a contractor to build new
residential homes or perform all construction trades.
A. Build new residential homes
B. Work on all construction trades
C. Perform specific trades such as siding or roofing
D. Install HVAC systems without additional licensing
4. What is the penalty for contracting without a license in Michigan?
Answer: B. A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time
Rationale: It is a misdemeanor in Michigan to act as a contractor without proper
licensure, with possible fines and jail time. First offenses can result in fines of $5,000-
$25,000 and/or up to one year in prison.
, A. $100 fine only
B. A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time
C. Civil infraction only
D. No penalty
5. What is the primary purpose of the Michigan Residential Code?
Answer: C. Ensure safety, health, and general welfare
Rationale: The residential code sets minimum standards for construction to
protect the public. It establishes requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and
other aspects of residential construction.
A. Increase profit margins
B. Encourage high-end finishes
C. Ensure safety, health, and general welfare
D. Prevent labor union conflicts
6. How many hours of prelicensure education are required for a Maintenance &
Alteration Contractor license in Michigan?
Answer: C. 60 hours
Rationale: Applicants for initial licensure as a residential maintenance and
alteration contractor must successfully complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure
courses. The courses cover business management, design and building science,
contracts, marketing, project management, the Michigan residential code, and
construction safety standards.
A. 20 hours
B. 40 hours
C. 60 hours
D. 80 hours
7. What is the duration of a Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license in Michigan?
CONTRACTOR LICENSE PRACTICE EXAM
Comprehensive State Licensing Review 2026 Edition |
95 Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales
Core Domains Covered:
Domain I: Licensing Requirements & Regulations (15 questions)
• License application and eligibility requirements
• Prelicensure education requirements (60 hours)
• License duration, renewal, and continuing competency
• License classifications and scope of practice
Domain II: Contract Requirements & Law (15 questions)
• Required contract provisions under Michigan law
• Consumer protection and cancellation rights
• Construction liens and payment enforcement
• Exemptions from licensing requirements
Domain III: Business Management & Estimating (10 questions)
• Job costing and estimating practices
• Business management and recordkeeping
• Marketing and sales in contracting
Domain IV: Building Codes & Construction Science (15 questions)
• Michigan Residential Code requirements
• Design and building science principles
• Construction safety standards (MIOSHA)
Domain V: Project Management & Scheduling (10 questions)
, • Project planning and scheduling
• Subcontractor management
• Quality control and documentation
Domain VI: Trade-Specific Knowledge (15 questions)
• Carpentry, roofing, siding, and concrete
• Masonry, insulation, and excavation
• Swimming pools, waterproofing, and house wrecking
Domain VII: Liability, Risk Management & Insurance (10 questions)
• General liability and workers' compensation
• Risk management strategies
• Bonding requirements
Domain VIII: Ethics, Penalties & Disciplinary Actions (5 questions)
• Penalties for unlicensed contracting
• Disciplinary actions and grounds for license suspension/revocation
• Professional conduct and ethics
Domain I: Licensing Requirements & Regulations
1. Which of the following is required to be included in a residential construction
contract in Michigan?
Answer: D. All of the above
Rationale: All these items are legally required in a residential contract in
Michigan to protect both parties and ensure transparency. The contract must identify
the contractor by name and include their state license number. Start and completion
dates protect both parties, and the notice of cancellation rights is required by
Michigan law for residential contracts signed at the customer's home.
A. Estimated start and completion dates
B. License number of contractor
,C. A notice of cancellation rights
D. All of the above
2. How many days does a homeowner have to cancel a residential construction
contract in Michigan after signing?
Answer: A. 3 business days
Rationale: Michigan law provides a 3-business-day right of rescission for
residential contracts signed at the customer's home. This cooling-off period allows
homeowners to cancel without penalty.
A. 3 business days
B. 5 business days
C. 7 business days
D. 10 business days
3. A Maintenance & Alteration license allows a contractor to:
Answer: C. Perform specific trades such as siding or roofing
Rationale: The Maintenance & Alteration license is limited to specific
classifications selected by the applicant. It does not allow a contractor to build new
residential homes or perform all construction trades.
A. Build new residential homes
B. Work on all construction trades
C. Perform specific trades such as siding or roofing
D. Install HVAC systems without additional licensing
4. What is the penalty for contracting without a license in Michigan?
Answer: B. A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time
Rationale: It is a misdemeanor in Michigan to act as a contractor without proper
licensure, with possible fines and jail time. First offenses can result in fines of $5,000-
$25,000 and/or up to one year in prison.
, A. $100 fine only
B. A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time
C. Civil infraction only
D. No penalty
5. What is the primary purpose of the Michigan Residential Code?
Answer: C. Ensure safety, health, and general welfare
Rationale: The residential code sets minimum standards for construction to
protect the public. It establishes requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and
other aspects of residential construction.
A. Increase profit margins
B. Encourage high-end finishes
C. Ensure safety, health, and general welfare
D. Prevent labor union conflicts
6. How many hours of prelicensure education are required for a Maintenance &
Alteration Contractor license in Michigan?
Answer: C. 60 hours
Rationale: Applicants for initial licensure as a residential maintenance and
alteration contractor must successfully complete 60 hours of approved prelicensure
courses. The courses cover business management, design and building science,
contracts, marketing, project management, the Michigan residential code, and
construction safety standards.
A. 20 hours
B. 40 hours
C. 60 hours
D. 80 hours
7. What is the duration of a Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license in Michigan?
