Most privately owned organizations that offer occupational training for a fee or other consideration are legally required to be licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth's (MDLEG) Proprietary Schools Unit, (517) 373-6774. (Click here to view the current list of licensed proprietary schools.) Nonprofit organizations offering occupational training are also be subject to licensing requirements. A license must be granted for each site at which training is delivered. If you need a license application, please call MDLEG's Proprietary Schools Unit.

Schools that are headquartered or located outside of Michigan are subject to some special requirements. Schools that are located in another state but recruit and serve Michigan residents must apply for a certificate of compliance and be licensed to solicit business in Michigan. Schools that are headquartered in another state but offer training at a Michigan location must have the appropriate Michigan license.

Some special requirements also apply to schools that prepare students to enter a licensed occupation. Here is some basic information to get you started in the right direction:

Real estate schools offering pre-licensure training are licensed as a whole by the Proprietary Schools Unit of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. Their curriculum and instructors are also licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services (CIS). (View CIS's on-line listing of schools approved to offer pre-licensure training here.)

Truck-driving programs are exclusively licensed by the Michigan Department of State, (517) 322-1552. Heavy-equipment programs are exclusively licensed by the Proprietary Schools Unit of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, (517) 373-6774.

Cosmetology and Barber programs are exclusively licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, (517) 241-9201.

Non-degree medical programs are licensed by the Proprietary Schools Unit of MDLEG, (517) 373-6774. Degree-granting programs in the medical professions are exclusively licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, (517) 373-4674.

Aeronautics schools are inspected and licensed annually by the Michigan Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics, (517) 335-9283.

Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs are jointly licensed by the Proprietary Schools Unit of MDLEG, (517) 373-6774, the Bureau of Health Services, and the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, (517) 241-3018.

Other training to enter a licensed occupation may be subject to licensing requirements beyond the license granted by the Proprietary Schools Unit of MDLEG. Call the Proprietary Schools Unit at (517) 373-6774 if you are unsure of the requirements.