How to become an HVAC technician in Michigan
Licensing details from the official agency pages, updated November 11, 2026. Confirm current fees with the agency before you apply.
1. Michigan licensing: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
- Licensed mechanical contractors can perform installations, alterations and servicing, and can pull permits. LARA requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in each work classification applied for (for example HVAC equipment, ductwork, refrigeration, heating service, refrigeration and air conditioning service) and a passing exam for each classification.
Official sources: LARA: mechanical examination, licensing and application information.
2. Federal EPA Section 608 certification
In every state, 40 CFR 82.161 requires technicians who could reasonably be expected to violate the integrity of a refrigerant circuit to pass an EPA-approved exam. See our EPA 608 guide.
3. Training: 29 HVAC schools in Michigan
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says HVAC programs at technical schools and community colleges generally last 6 months to 2 years, and apprenticeships usually last several years with paid on-the-job training (search apprenticeship.gov).
Michigan schools with the most HVAC programs:
- Detroit Training Institute of Technology, Detroit (Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year)
- Delta College, University Center (Associate's degree; Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years)
- Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids (Associate's degree; Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years)
- Henry Ford College, Dearborn (Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years; Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year)
- Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek (Associate's degree; Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year)
- Kirtland Community College, Grayling (Associate's degree; Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years)
- Lansing Community College, Lansing (Associate's degree; Certificate, 1 to less than 2 years)
- Mid Michigan College, Harrison (Associate's degree; Certificate, 12 weeks to less than 1 year)
See all 29 HVAC schools in Michigan.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an HVAC technician in Michigan?
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes handles licensing. Licensed mechanical contractors can perform installations, alterations and servicing, and can pull permits. LARA requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in each work classification applied for (for example HVAC equipment, ductwork, refrigeration, heating service, refrigeration and air conditioning service) and a passing exam for each classification. Federal EPA Section 608 certification applies in every state to anyone who handles refrigerants.
Where can I go to HVAC school in Michigan?
29 schools in Michigan offer HVAC programs, across 26 cities. Browse the full list on our Michigan HVAC schools page.