How to get Michigan mechanic certified (2026)

Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (Public Act 300 of 1974) requires anyone who repairs motor vehicles for compensation to be certified by the Michigan Department of State (SOS) for each category of repair they perform. Here is the process, step by step, with links to the official pages.

1. Decide which categories you need

The SOS offers 20 tests: nine automobile and light truck categories, six heavy-duty truck categories, motorcycle, and four miscellaneous categories (collision-related mechanical, unitized body structural, recreational trailer, and BAIID). You must pass the test for every category you plan to work in.

• Specialty mechanic: certified in one or more, but not all, categories of a classification.
• Master automobile mechanic: certified in the first eight automobile/light truck categories.
• Master heavy-duty truck mechanic: certified in all six heavy-duty truck categories.
• Master motorcycle mechanic: certified in the motorcycle classification.

See all 20 categories with their official topic weights →

2. Study the official outline

The SOS publishes the Mechanic Testing Categories Overview, which lists the topics and their weights for each test. The state says the questions are based on competencies, so study to the outline and focus on the heaviest-weighted topics first. Our free samples and mock exams follow those weights.

3. Pre-register, pay, and schedule

• Michigan residents pre-register and pay through SOS Online Services (Mechanic Services). Non-residents register in person at their appointment.
• Each test costs $18 (Public Act 59 of 2025, effective July 1, 2026).
• Take the test within 180 days of pre-registering, or you’ll need to pay again.
• Schedule an office visit and bring your driver’s license or state ID. Tests are not issued within one hour of closing.

4. Take the test at the kiosk

Tests are taken on a touch-screen kiosk at any Secretary of State office (approved automotive schools can also test their students). The screen shows how many questions you have answered correctly, and the test is “quick pass”: it ends once you reach the minimum passing score. Most tests have 55 questions; a few have 65 to 100. Tests are offered only in English, and a translator can be requested in advance.

5. Get your results

You see pass or fail on the kiosk. A detailed result letter showing the passing score and your score is generated overnight and mailed to you. If you fail, the back of the letter breaks down how many questions you got right and wrong in each subcategory. You can retake a test, but only one test per category per day.

6. Apply for certification

After passing at least one test, apply online (faster) or by mail with the $25 application fee. Allow about 30 days for processing. If you already hold a certification, newly passed categories are added and an updated certificate is mailed.

Other routes

• ASE certification: you may transfer eligible ASE categories instead of taking state tests. Have myASE send a status letter to Licensing@Michigan.gov. Student-level ASE tests don’t qualify.
• Trainee permit: $20. It lets you work under the direct supervision of a mechanic certified in the same categories, and is valid for two years per category. It can’t be renewed (re-issue is allowed only in limited cases).

Keep it current

Engine Tune-Up/Performance, Electrical Systems, and Brakes and Braking Systems require recertification every five years. See our recertification guide.

Sources: SOS Mechanics page · SOS Mechanic testing · SOS mechanic FAQ. Fees and rules change; always confirm with the SOS before you test.

MI Trade Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the Michigan Department of State.