I’m taking the Michigan Residential Builders License exam next friday and I’m looking for advice on studying (any quick code reference books you recommend, web sites, etc.) or personal experience with taking the exam. I framed houses for eight years, did a short stint as superintendant for a commercial G.C., and now am doing trim carpentry. I like to think I have enough hands-on experience to pass. Some guys I’ve talked to had no problems, others failed the business half of the exam. I’ve also gotten the enigmatic response “it was easy in a hard way.”
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If you framed for eight years, don't bother with the practical stuff....at least when I took it 12 years ago, the "building questions" were things such as "you have a building that is 10x12 feet...how many square feet is that?" Of course, there were a couple that I'd never have figured out about swimming pools, but like I said, that's the easy part. You should have gotten a book on lien law in Michigan (from the state), along with the insurance stuff. That's all the important stuff, and the most complicated, because you will probably never, ever have to know or even run into some of the crazy legal stuff they talk about. Study the law/business part. Not sure how much it's changed over the years, but that was always the more confusing portion to me.
From what I hear, if the exams are like Florida's, a good portion of the test is devoted to business. Liens, workman's compensation, and liability insurance were all covered as were OSHA regulations. Only about a third of the exam was direct knowledge of the mechanics of the job.
I may have misapprehended the facts but this is my understanding from 3 or 4 people I have talked, in detail, to about the test. I am considering going into business myself. These observations may not apply to the exam in your area so please take it with a grain of salt. The best of luck to you.
I took it too, in Michigan. Take it, you do not have much time left to study. Do not worry follow previous advise, if you do not pass there are classes all over, not very costly, one night a week for several weeks, plus you are in there with other people with experience, the questions and discussions help. Good luck.