Fire protection licensing in Michigan
Michigan licenses fire alarm work statewide under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act through LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes. A Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (FAST) must hold NICET Level II in fire alarm systems (or a board-approved equivalent) and pass the state FAST exam, and a Fire Alarm Contractor must hold or employ a FAST. Sprinkler contracting falls under the Mechanical Contractor 'Fire suppression' work classification, which has its own state exam. Separately, the Bureau of Fire Services certifies firms that work on alarm and suppression systems in state-regulated facilities, with NICET Level 3 accepted for qualifying persons and Level 2 for responsible persons.
What each trade needs in Michigan
Fire alarm
Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (FAST) license
- Issued by
- Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes (MCL 339.5721, Skilled Trades Regulation Act)
- Who needs it
- Individual fire alarm technicians; one FAST is needed to qualify a fire alarm contractor
- What it takes
- Be at least 20 years old, hold NICET Level II certification (or an equivalent fire alarm systems certification the board approves), and pass the state FAST exam with 75% or higher. To renew, complete a board-approved code-update course after each state construction code change.
NICET: NICET Level II required (or a board-approved equivalent in fire alarm systems)
State exam: State FAST exam, 75% to pass
Source: MCL 339.5721
Fire Alarm Contractor license
- Issued by
- Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes (Skilled Trades Regulation Act)
- Who needs it
- Businesses doing fire alarm work
- What it takes
- Hold a FAST license or employ a full-time FAST. A FAST cannot qualify more than one fire alarm contractor license (MCL 339.5721(3))
NICET: Through your FAST (NICET Level II)
Source: MCL 339.5721
Fire sprinkler
Mechanical Contractor License: Fire suppression work classification
- Issued by
- Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes (MCL 339.5807(2)(i))
- Who needs it
- Contractors installing fire suppression (sprinkler) systems
- What it takes
- 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in the classification, then pass the work classification exam.
State exam: State work classification exam
Source: MCL 339.5807
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Bureau of Fire Services firm certification for fire alarm and fire suppression systems: Qualifying Person
- Issued by
- Michigan Bureau of Fire Services (Fire Prevention Code 1941 PA 207; R 29.2801-29.2814)
- Who needs it
- Qualifying person for firms that install, test, service, inspect or maintain alarm/suppression systems in regulated facilities
- What it takes
- One of: a licensed architect or engineer, an engineering degree, a 4-year apprenticeship or manufacturer course, or a class I/II electrician license (each plus 12 months' experience); 60 months' experience; or NICET certification at Level 3 or above in the requested category.
NICET: NICET Level III or higher in the relevant category (one of several routes)
Bureau of Fire Services firm certification: Responsible Person
- Issued by
- Michigan Bureau of Fire Services (R 29.2807a)
- Who needs it
- Person documenting fire alarm or fire suppression system work for a certified firm
- What it takes
- NICET Level 2 or above in the appropriate category, graduation from an approved 4-year apprenticeship, or (fire alarm only) a journey electrician or fire alarm technician license.
NICET: NICET Level II or higher in the relevant category
Practice for these credentials
These national exams are named in the requirements above. Each has a free sample test.
NICET Fire Alarm Systems
Most-pursued fire-alarm credential — design, layout & installation.
Named in: Fire Alarm Specialty Technician (FAST) license; Fire Alarm Contractor license; Bureau of Fire Services firm certification for fire alarm and fire suppression systems: Qualifying Person; and 1 more
NICET Water-Based Systems Layout
Sprinkler & standpipe layout — design, hangers, hydraulics.
Named in: Bureau of Fire Services firm certification for fire alarm and fire suppression systems: Qualifying Person; Bureau of Fire Services firm certification: Responsible Person
NICET Special Hazards Systems
CO₂, clean agent, water mist, foam & deluge suppression systems.
Named in: Bureau of Fire Services firm certification for fire alarm and fire suppression systems: Qualifying Person
NICET I&T of Fire Alarm Systems
Inspection, testing & maintenance of fire alarm systems.
Named in: Bureau of Fire Services firm certification: Responsible Person
NICET I&T of Water-Based Systems
Test and service sprinklers, standpipes & fire pumps in-field.
Named in: Bureau of Fire Services firm certification: Responsible Person
Sources
Statutes, administrative codes and licensing agency pages, checked November 13, 2026. Rules change; the agency's current text governs.