Pathway lookup
Engineering and Drafting in Michigan
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Michigan students earn CAD certifications, and a full state-approved engineering program can meet Algebra II or the third science credit; local PLTW electives cannot.
State program: CIP 15.0000 Engineering Technology and 15.1306 Mechanical Drafting (STEM); 15.1301 Drafting/Architectural (Architecture and Construction); all open
What a high school can deliver
CAD certifications (ACU, CSWA) and, in a full state-approved program, credit toward Algebra II or the third science; no license applies.
Credentials students can earn
Autodesk Certified User and CSWA likely; CTEIS list for 15.0000, 15.1301, 15.1306 ()
Age and hour requirements
None for students: drafting has no state license, and ACU has no minimum age (parental consent under 18). PE licensure is post-degree.
Other agencies involved
Not found in state sources: no second agency or license named for this pathway.
Who can teach it
CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization with work in the CIP area in the last 10 years (hours not stated); candidates from some backgrounds also need an IX, TX or TE endorsement. A local PLTW elective can use a math, science or technology teacher but loses MMC substitutions.
Child labor rules for work placements
R 408.6208 bars all minors from power woodworking machines, metal-forming machines and power saws; a written school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) lifts the state rules. Classroom CAD involves no hazardous order.
College credit after high school
Michigan Tech ENG 1102 (3 credits, B or better, apply within 2 years, to Apr 30, 2031); NMU and Oakland agreements for 15.0000 (terms: Confirm with the agency); seven agreements for 15.1306 Mechanical Drafting, including Mott CADD 120 (3 credits, 2.0 or better, 3 years), which expires Nov 1, 2026 (); NMU CAD credit for CSWA (to Jan 1, 2028); PA 160 and PA 258 dual enrollment.
Where to go next
- The full Engineering and Drafting guide, showing Michigan
- The Michigan state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Engineering and Drafting in other states
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