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People rely on mechanical systems to maintain a comfortable and well-functioning environment in their homes and businesses. From home air conditioning systems to commercial boilers, these systems are often taken for granted, but they are a necessary part of daily life and work. 

Those who ensure the safety and proper functioning of critical mechanical systems must hold a license to enter into this career. Before you apply for that license, you must have the required experience and exam scores to prove you can do the work.

How Mechanical Inspector Licenses Work

Mechanical inspecting is an advanced-level career. Instead of installing mechanical equipment and systems, a mechanical inspector takes on an advisory role by examining residential, commercial, and industrial mechanical systems (such as HVAC systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and ductwork) to ensure they meet safety protocols and comply with the Michigan Mechanical Code. 

Mechanical inspectors also have a number of administrative responsibilities, including:

• Issuing permits
• Enforcing compliance
• Maintaining records

Someone pursuing this type of work might also wish to obtain their mechanical plan reviewer license, which allows them to inspect the design, layout, and components involved in mechanical plans and specifications to ensure they are compliant with code and safety regulations and provide revision guidance when necessary.

Requirements for Obtaining Your Mechanical Inspector License

To be eligible for a mechanical inspector license in the state of Michigan, you must have held a state-issued mechanical license in three of the following four categories:

• HVAC
• Refrigeration
• Fire suppression
• Hydronic heating, cooling, and process piping

These licenses must have been held for a period of at least one year. If you don’t hold a mechanical license, you may submit an affidavit of experience from employers showing six years of mechanical work experience under a licensed contractor in three of the four required categories. The supervising contractor must also have been licensed in all required categories when the work was performed.

In addition to the required work experience, you must also pass exams. Both the Mechanical Inspector Exam and the Plan Reviewer Exam are open-book and 120 minutes long. Each contains 100 questions and requires you to answer 75 correctly for a passing score. They cover information about mechanical systems as well as codes and safety standards.

Set Yourself Up for Career Success With the Right Exam Prep Course

Obtaining your mechanical inspector license in the state of Michigan is hard work. However, you can give yourself the best chance of success with the right exam prep course. 

RocketCert offers instant access to online courses that provide everything you need, including calculations, quizzes, and a comprehensive, time-restricted practice exam that helps you simulate a real testing environment. You can also purchase books and tabs to easily reference the information you need on exam day. 

Passing the exam is a crucial step on the path to getting your license. Contact us today to see how we can help you get over the hurdle and get on with your career