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Residential Builder's Exam (PSI)

What is the Residential Builder's exam?

The Residential Builders Licensing Exam is an exam offered through PSI Services, LLC that qualifying candidates must pass in order to become a licensed residential builder in the State of Michigan.

What is a Residential Builder?

In Michigan, a Residential Builder is anyone who engages in the construction of either a residential structure or a residential / commercial structure for compensation other that wages for personal labor.

A person is also considered a residential builder if they undertake repairs, alterations, additions, subtractions or other improvements of a residential or residential/commercial structure for compensation other that wages for personal labor.

Who qualifies to take the Residential Builder’s exam?

Anyone looking to apply for a Residential Builder’s license and take the Residential Builder’s exam must first pass a state approved Residential Builder’s Pre-Licensure exam such as the one offered here at DRM International Learning Center, LLC

What topics does a state-approved Residential Builder's pre-licensure course cover?

A state-approved Residential Builder’s Pre-Licensure Course, such as the one offered here at DRM International Learning Center, LLC must include at least 60 hours of approved education courses which includes at least 6 hours in each subject below:

Business Management, Estimating & Job Costing
Design & Building Science
Contracts, Liability & Risk Management
Marketing & Sales
Project Management & Scheduling
The Michigan Residential Code
MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards
Other approved Topics

How do I take the Residential Builder’s exam?

The first step involves filing out and turning in an application to the state of Michigan that specifies that you’ve successfully completed a state-approved Residential Building Pre-Licensing Course. The cost of this application for someone who is getting licensed for the first time is $195.

After the state receives your application, the second step involves taking the Licensing exam offered through PSI Services LLC. The residential Builders exam is composed of two parts:

Part 1 - Business & Law

Administered via Computer
50 multiple choice questions
75 minutes (1 hr & 15 min)
Passing Score of at least 72% (36 correct answers)
Cost: $66 (Part 1 only)
Cost: $111 (Both exams)

Part 2 - Practice & Trade

Administered via Computer
110 multiple choice questions
180 minutes (3 hrs)
Passing Score of at least 73% (80 correct answers)
Cost: $76 (Part 2 only)
Cost: $111 (Both exams)

Why should I become a Licensed Residential Builder?

If you’re looking to either start your own construction, home improvement or a repair & maintenance company, even if you’re the only employee of that company, then you must get licensed. Licensing will allow you to legally market your services, place bids and manage/oversee construction projects for clients in the State of Michigan.

When should I apply to get licensed?

After you pass the pre-licensing course you can apply to the State of Michigan for your residential builder’s license whenever you feel ready since there’s no time limit for submitting an application. Once you apply, however, you have up to 1 year from the date your application was received by the State of Michigan to take and pass the Residential Builder’s Exam. If you do not pass the exam within one year of applying, you will have to resubmit your application along with a second application fee ($195).

Where can I take my licensing exam?

There are 7 examination sites in Michigan:

Dearborn
- 3200 Greenfield Rd, Suite 253 – Dearborn, MI 48120
Holt – Lansing
- 4202 Charlar Dr, Suite 1 – Holt, MI 48842
Southfield – Crossroads
- 16250 Northland Dr, Suite 361 – Southfield, MI 48075
Southfield – Lasher Rd
- 26400 Lasher Rd, Suite 150 – Southfield, MI 48033
Grand Rapids
- 4595 Broadmoor Ave SE, Suite 201 – Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Gaylord
- 440 W Main St, Suite D – Gaylord, MI 49735
Marquette
- 1229 W Washington – Marquette, MI 49855