If you aspire to become a licensed builder in Michigan, there are a couple of requirements you should meet and steps you have to complete to earn your license. The general consensus among builders who are already licensed is that taking your exam and passing on the first attempt isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Luckily, there is always something to learn from where others have failed or succeeded. This article will help you understand what the Michigan Residential Builders exam is all about and what you can do to increase your chances of passing:
What Should You Know About the Michigan Residential Builders Exam?
The residential builders exam is a collection of 160 questions on two major topics:
(i) Business and law – In this section, you will tackle 50 questions in different areas related to the business and law topic. You have to answer at least 36 out of the 50 questions correctly to attain a minimum score of 72%.
Some of the areas that this section will cover include:
- Project management and administration
- Types of business organization
- Accounting and Finance
- Personnel
- Insurance, bonds, and liens
- Contracts
(ii) Practice and Trade – In the practice and trade section, you will encounter a total of 110 questions. You have to answer 80 questions correctly to meet the minimum passing score of 73%. Expect this section to cover the following areas:
- Site preparation and concrete installation
- Interior and exterior finishes
- Site engineering
- Siding installation
- Plans, specifications, and estimation
- Windows, doors, and skylights
- Stairs and railings
- Roofing
- Masonry
- And others
In total, you will tackle 160 questions out of which 116 must be correct. Keep in mind that this is a closed-book exam, and you won’t be allowed to carry any reference materials into the exam room.
So, How Do You Prepare for the Examination?
Here’s what you want to do prior to the examination day:
1. Purchase the Right Pre-Licensure Course
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires all interested applicants to complete 60 hours of pre-licensure education on topics such as safety standards, business management, and building science. Make sure you get your Residential Builders License course and test prep from a reputable provider. Such providers have to be recognized by LARA so you can be sure they are offering the right course content.
2. Familiarize Yourself With the Exam Format
Knowing the structure of the exam will help you reduce anxiety and manage your time efficiently during the test. Practice a lot with sample questions to get used to the format.
3. Focus on the Nitty-Gritty of the Code Book
The code book contains information that will take a significant part of the exam, particularly in the practice and trade section. You will want to pay enough attention to this so you can understand the latest regulations and how they apply to different construction scenarios.
4. Revisit Your Weak Areas
You can use diagnostic tests to identify the topics that challenge you the most. Spend as much time as you can afford to review these areas to ensure you eventually understand them and that you’re adequately prepared for the real examination.
5. Spend Enough Time Looking Through the Plan Set
During your exam, make sure you spend at least ten minutes looking through the plan set. Your main aim is to memorize the plan and specs as you look through. That way, you don’t have to search through the entire set as you try to find the page relevant to your question.
Get the Support You Need to Ace It!
Passing the Michigan Residential Builders Exam can be challenging, no need to sugar-coat the truth. That doesn’t mean it’s not achievable. With the right preparation and a strong mindset, you can be sure you will pass your exams. Utilize all the resources you can get your hands on, practice as frequently as you can, and focus on understanding the information, not just memorizing it.
As one of the leading pre-licensure course providers, RocketCert has a team of professionals who are ready to hold your hand and make sure you pass your exams. Check them out or contact them today to get started.
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