Certified mechanics in Michigan can access tools and resources through their e-Services account. Instructions for setting up an account are available by using the "e-Services mechanic account setup instructions" icon.
The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, Act 300 of 1974, (the Act) regulates the practice of servicing and repairing motor vehicles; proscribes unfair and deceptive practices; provides for training and certification of mechanics; provides for the registration of motor vehicle repair facilities; provides for enforcement; and prescribes penalties.
Per the Act, you must be certified as a mechanic in Michigan if you repair motor vehicles for compensation, including:
[MCL 257.1304]:
Unless the act or practice of repairing, servicing, reconditioning, or engaging in the activity of a master or specialty mechanic is adopted for the purposes of evading this act, this act shall not apply to a person who:
(a) Repairs, replaces, reconditions, adjusts, analyzes, diagnoses, or alters the operating condition of his or her own or a family member's motor vehicle and for which there is evidence of ownership of that motor vehicle.
(b) Is a master or specialty mechanic, a motor vehicle mechanic, a mechanic trainee, or technician who is in the full-time employ of an automotive manufacturer and is engaged solely in that capacity on motor vehicles owned by or being produced by the manufacturer.
(c) Engages solely in the business of repairing the motor vehicles for compensation of a single commercial, industrial, or governmental establishment, or 2 or more establishments related by common ownership or corporate affiliation.
(d) Engages solely in the business of repairing, replacing, reconditioning, adjusting, analyzing, diagnosing, or altering the operating condition of a motor vehicle or trailer not required to be registered and not titled under Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, as amended, being sections 257.1 to 257.923 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. The business they work for is not required to be registered as a repair facility and only provides bench repairs.
Service writers
Service writers are not required to be certified if they greet customers, initiate paperwork and do not perform diagnosis or repair. Diagnosis and repairs must be performed by properly certified mechanics.
Collision shop estimators
Collision shop estimators are required to be certified in Unitized Body Structural Repair if the estimate they are writing includes repair or replacement of any components that effect the structural integrity of a vehicle. This also includes determining if no structural repairs are necessary.
They must also be certified in Collision Related Mechanical Repair if their diagnosis includes the replacement of parts that would be considered a major repair and require mechanic certification.
If the estimator is not properly certified, the estimate must include the name and mechanic certification number of the mechanic who performed the diagnosis.
To obtain a certification, you will need to complete and pass a mechanic test for each category of repair you plan to perform. You may also obtain a mechanic trainee permit to work under the supervision of a properly certified mechanic.