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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) regulates the state’s two types of specialty fire alarm licenses. These include the fire alarm specialty technician and the fire alarm contractor.  

If you are interested in obtaining one of these certifications, here’s a breakdown of the requirements and what you need to do next. 

How to Get Your Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License 

The fire alarm specialty technician license is the more accessible of the two options. To be eligible, you must: 

• Be 20 years of age or older 
• Hold certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) as a level II associate engineering tech (or equivalent)  
• Pass the exam 

The Fire Alarm Specialty Technician Exam consists of 36 questions. It is a 90-minute open-book exam, and you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to pass. While the exam is open book, it is still quite challenging. It is beneficial to invest in a comprehensive test prep bundle that includes: 

• All of the books used during the exam 
• Pre-printed tabs and page markers 
• Instructor support 
• Online resources 

Taking the time to thoroughly review exam material will set you up for success.  

In addition to studying for the exam, you’ll also need to obtain pre-approval to sit for the exam. You should do this before purchasing your study materials. To obtain pre-approval, submit an application packet to LARA. Once approved, you can schedule your exam. The license fee is $50.  

How to Get Your Fire Alarm Contractor License 

The fire alarm contractor license authorizes license holders to engage in a wide range of fire alarm system activities, including: 

• Maintenance 
• Installation 
• Erecting 
• Altering 
• Repairing 
• Servicing  

To be eligible for this license, you must hold a fire alarm specialty technician license or do the following: 

• Employ at least one full-time fire alarm specialty technician 
• Take and pass the exam 

The Fire Alarm Contractor Exam has 40 questions. It is also 90 minutes long and open book. You must obtain a minimum score of 75% to pass. While the exam is open book, you should invest in comprehensive study materials so you are prepared to complete all questions within the time limit.  

Being diligent with your studies will increase your odds of passing the exam on the first attempt. As with the other license, this license requires you to receive pre-approval from LARA before you can book your exam. The licensing fee is $300.  

Choosing the Right Course 

Michigan does not require a specific pre-exam course. You can purchase the basic exam booklets and study in whatever way best fits your learning style. However, choosing an interactive online program can help you more effectively engage with the material and set you up for success on your first attempt. 

Focus on digital courses that offer flexible content delivery and plenty of study resources. RocketCert offers user-friendly online courses and 24/7 support to help you study more effectively and pass your exam. Ready to obtain your Michigan fire alarm specialty license? Sign up for our course today!