How hard is the Michigan Residential Builder exam?
The Michigan Residential Builder exam is a serious, studiable test — its difficulty comes less from any single hard idea than from the breadth of material across 11 weighted content areas. Expect 160 questions in 240 minutes. The passing standard is 116 of 160. PrepPass has 422+ free Michigan Residential Builder practice questions with explanations, organized by topic, plus a full timed mock exam.
How to make the Michigan Residential Builder exam easier
Work through real practice questions until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Michigan Residential Builder practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.
Practice stays free. The full Michigan Residential Builder & M&A Contractor Business and Law study guide is the material itself, taught start to finish — a downloadable PDF + EPUB you keep.
The Michigan Residential Builder exam at a glance
The 11 content areas on the Michigan Residential Builder exam
The exam is built from weighted content areas — focus your study time where the weight is. These weights are how PrepPass has organized the material; check the exam authority’s own outline for its published breakdown.
How the Michigan Residential Builder exam is administered
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes oversees licensing. The exam is delivered by PSI. Prelicensing education: 60 hours of approved prelicensure courses. Confirm the current details with the official authority before you rely on them.
Wondering about pass rates and what happens if you don't pass the first time?
See Michigan Residential Builderpass rate & retake rules →Frequently asked questions
What score do you need to pass the Michigan Residential Builder exam?+
The passing standard for the Michigan Residential Builder exam is 116 of 160.
How many questions are on the Michigan Residential Builder exam?+
The Michigan Residential Builder exam has 160 questions, with a time limit of 240 minutes.
Does Michigan require a state contractor license?+
Yes. Michigan's LARA (Bureau of Construction Codes) licenses Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors under the Occupational Code, MCL 339.2401 et seq. A license is required to contract for residential work where the combined labor-and-materials price is $600 or more.
What is on the Michigan residential builder exam?+
PSI gives one closed-book combination exam: 160 questions in 240 minutes, with a passing raw score of 116 for the whole exam. 50 of the questions are Business and Law, and the sections have not been taken separately since November 14, 2019. Michigan requires 60 hours of approved prelicensure courses for an initial license (MCL 339.2404b), and the license runs a three-year cycle.
Can an unlicensed Michigan builder collect payment?+
No. MCL 339.2412 bars an unlicensed builder from bringing an action to collect compensation, and construction liens run under the Michigan Construction Lien Act (MCL 570.1101 et seq.).
How should I study for the Michigan Residential Builder exam?+
Focus your time on the heaviest content areas, then drill practice questions by topic until you consistently clear the standard you need. PrepPass has 422+ free Michigan Residential Builder practice questions with full explanations and a timed mock exam.
Exam details verified against the official authority:
Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes →https://www.michigan.gov/lara →https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/553 →Last updated: August 2026