17 Jun Is There a Test to Get a Michigan CPL? Separating Myth From Law

No, there is no written state exam to get a Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Michigan law does not require you to pass a state-administered or state-scored test. What the law actually requires is that you complete a certified pistol-safety course of at least 8 hours, which includes firing at least 30 rounds on a range. That’s it. Finish the class, get your instructor’s signed certificate, and you’ve met the training requirement.

If you’ve been losing sleep over a rumored “50-question test” you have to pass with a 70%, you can relax. Let’s clear up exactly where that myth comes from and what you genuinely need to do.

What Michigan law actually requires (and what it doesn’t)

The training requirement for a Michigan CPL is set by statute, MCL 28.425j. It calls for a certified course totaling at least 8 hours:

• At least 5 hours of classroom instruction covering safe handling and storage, ammunition and shooting fundamentals, shooting positions, firearms and the law (the legal/use-of-force portion must be taught by an attorney or someone trained in the use of deadly force), how to avoid a violent confrontation, and Michigan’s concealed-carry laws.
• At least 3 hours on a firing range, during which you fire a minimum of 30 rounds.

Read that statute closely and you’ll notice what’s missing: there is no language requiring you to pass a written test scored by the state. Neither MCL 28.425j nor the application statute, MCL 28.425b, mentions a passing grade, a question count, or a percentage. The state requires course completion, evidenced by a certificate your certified instructor signs. No state-issued exam, no state-issued score.

So where does the “50-question, 70% to pass” myth come from?

This is the part that trips people up. The “50-question test, 70% to pass” figure that circulates online is real, but it isn’t Michigan law. It’s an instructor- or curriculum-level practice. National training organizations whose materials many Michigan instructors use, such as USCCA, NRA, or MCRGO, sometimes build a short written quiz into their course. That quiz belongs to the instructor’s curriculum, not to the Michigan statute.

In plain English: Michigan doesn’t make you pass a written state exam. You complete a certified class. Some instructors add their own short quiz as part of how they teach, but that’s their teaching choice, not a government mandate. If a quiz makes you nervous, it’s completely fair to ask an instructor about their format before you sign up. Browse and compare options when you find a Michigan CPL class that fits how you learn best.

Don’t confuse the (non-existent) state exam with the live-fire portion

Here’s an important distinction. The range portion is sometimes called “qualification,” which can make first-timers picture a graded marksmanship test you might fail. That’s not how Michigan’s requirement works.

The statute requires you to fire at least 30 rounds during your 3+ hours of range instruction. It’s a supervised demonstration of safe handling, not a state-defined “pass/fail” accuracy standard. There is no statutory bullseye you must hit a certain number of times. The law is about safely participating in the live-fire portion and completing the hours, not about scoring a qualifying group. (Individual instructors run their range time their own way, but again, that’s curriculum, not a state scoring rule.)

One thing that is firm: the live-fire range portion can never be done online. The 3 hours and 30 rounds must happen in person at a range under instructor supervision. Many Michigan instructors now run the classroom portion as a live, instructor-led virtual session and handle the range separately in person. If that flexibility appeals to you, look for a virtual classroom plus in-person range format, and confirm the specifics with both the instructor and your county clerk.

What happens after the class

Completing your class is just step one. Your instructor’s signed certificate is your proof of training. From there, the basic path is:

• Apply in person at your county clerk. First-time applications cannot be done online or by mail. The online state portal is for renewals only. Bring your training certificate, a valid state ID, your completed application, and the fee.
• Pay the $100 state application fee (a $15 fingerprint fee may apply if the county takes your prints).
• Get fingerprinted and wait for the background check. By law the clerk must issue your CPL, or a notice of disqualification, no later than 45 days after your classifiable fingerprints are taken. Many counties are faster, and your fingerprint receipt plus a state ID lets you carry if it runs long.

For the full walkthrough, see our guide on how to get a CPL in Michigan and the breakdown of Michigan CPL costs in 2026. Already licensed and approaching your expiration date? Head to our Michigan CPL renewal guide instead, since the renewal process differs from a first-time application.

The bottom line for nervous first-timers

You are not facing a high-stakes government exam. Michigan asks you to complete a quality 8-hour class, learn to handle a pistol safely, and fire 30 rounds on a range with a certified instructor at your side. There’s no state written test to fail and no statutory marksmanship score to hit. The class is designed to build your confidence, not to ambush you.

Ready to take the first step? Find a Michigan CPL class near you, including options in Detroit and across the state.

This article is educational information, not legal advice. Firearms laws can change and individual situations vary. Always verify current requirements with your county clerk and the Michigan State Police (michigan.gov/msp), and consult a Michigan attorney for advice about your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a written test to get a CPL in Michigan?

No. Michigan does not require you to pass a written state-administered or state-scored exam. The legal requirement (MCL 28.425j) is completing a certified pistol-safety course of at least 8 hours, including at least 3 hours of range time and firing a minimum of 30 rounds. Your proof is the instructor’s signed completion certificate, not a test score.

What is the 50-question, 70% test people talk about?

That’s an instructor- or curriculum-level quiz, not a Michigan legal requirement. Some training organizations whose materials Michigan instructors use, such as USCCA, NRA, or MCRGO, include a short written quiz as part of their course. It belongs to the instructor’s teaching method, not to state law. If a quiz concerns you, ask the instructor about their format before enrolling.

Can I fail the Michigan CPL range qualification?

There is no state-defined pass/fail marksmanship score for the Michigan CPL. The statute requires you to fire at least 30 rounds during 3+ hours of supervised range instruction as a demonstration of safe handling, not to hit a government-set accuracy standard. Individual instructors run their range time their own way, but that’s curriculum, not a state scoring rule.

Can I take the whole Michigan CPL class online?

No. The live-fire range portion (3+ hours, 30 rounds) can never be done online and must be completed in person under instructor supervision. Many Michigan instructors now offer the classroom portion as a live, instructor-led virtual session with the range done separately in person. Confirm your specific class format and acceptance with the instructor and your county clerk.

What do I do after I finish my CPL class?

Your instructor’s signed certificate is your proof of training. First-time applicants apply in person at their county clerk (not online or by mail), bring the certificate and a valid state ID, pay the $100 state fee, and get fingerprinted. The clerk must issue the license or a disqualification notice within 45 days of classifiable fingerprints, though many counties are faster.