Oregon Contractor License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide

Oregon requires virtually all contractors to hold an active license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Whether you are building custom homes, running a commercial renovation firm, or operating a one-person specialty trade business, you need a CCB license before you bid on, contract for, or perform any construction work in the state.

The CCB issues 18 distinct endorsement types that span residential, commercial, and specialty categories. Each endorsement defines the scope of work you are authorized to perform, the bond amount you must carry, and the insurance minimums you must meet. Oregon enforces its licensing laws aggressively: unlicensed contracting can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense and criminal charges classified as a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 701.990.

This guide covers every detail you need to get licensed, stay licensed, and avoid penalties in Oregon. All fees and requirements reflect the latest changes effective through 2026, including the fee increase to $400 that took effect July 1, 2025.

Types of Contractor Licenses (Endorsements)

Oregon does not issue a single "contractor license." Instead, the CCB issues endorsements, each authorizing a specific type and scope of work. You must select the endorsement that matches your business. Here is the complete list of all 18 endorsement types, organized by category.

Residential Endorsements

What qualifies as a "small commercial structure"? Under ORS 701.005, a small commercial structure is a nonresidential building with a ground area of 10,000 square feet or less and a height of 20 feet or less. Alternatively, any nonresidential structure qualifies as "small commercial" if the total contract price is $250,000 or less. Residential endorsement holders can work on small commercial projects that meet these thresholds.

Restricted Residential Endorsements

Commercial Endorsements

Specialty Endorsements and Certifications

Important: Electricians, plumbers, and other specialty trades regulated by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) require separate licenses from that agency. A CCB license does not replace BCD licensing requirements for those trades.

Licensing Requirements

Oregon's licensing requirements vary by endorsement type but share a common framework. Here is what every applicant needs to know.

Responsible Managing Individual (RMI)

Every CCB-licensed business must designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI). The RMI is the person who completes the pre-license training, passes the exam, and is responsible for the company's compliance with Oregon construction law. The RMI must be an owner, officer, member, or employee of the business.

Pre-License Education

The RMI must complete 16 hours of CCB-approved pre-license training before taking the licensing exam. The training covers Oregon construction law, business practices, CCB rules, contract requirements, lien law, and safety regulations. Training is offered by CCB-approved providers in both classroom and online formats.

Experience Requirements

Experience requirements depend on your endorsement type:

• Residential endorsements (RGC, RSC, RLC, RD, RRC): No minimum experience is required by the CCB. The pre-license training and exam serve as the qualifying requirements.
• Commercial Level 2 (CGC2, CSC2): 4 years of combined key employee experience in the applicable trade(s).
• Commercial Level 1 (CGC1, CSC1): 8 years of combined key employee experience in the applicable trade(s).

"Key employees" are defined as corporate officers, managers, superintendents, forepersons, lead persons, or anyone who supervises construction activities.

Business Entity Registration

Before applying, you must register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State and obtain both an Oregon Business Identification Number and a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Sole proprietors may use their Social Security Number in place of a FEIN.

Application Process

Oregon has streamlined the application process through its online portal. Here are the steps, in order:

1. Complete the 16-hour pre-license training through a CCB-approved provider.
2. Pass the CCB licensing exam administered by PSI (see Examination Requirements below).
3. Obtain your surety bond from a licensed surety company in the amount required for your endorsement type.
4. Obtain general liability insurance meeting the minimum coverage for your endorsement. The CCB must be listed as the Certificate Holder on your policy.
5. Obtain workers' compensation insurance if you will have employees. If you are a sole proprietor or partnership with no employees, you may be exempt.
6. Apply online through the CCB Online Portal. Upload your bond, power of attorney, and certificate of general liability insurance with the application.
7. Pay the application fee of $400 (for the two-year license period).

Important timing note: You must apply for your CCB license within 24 months of passing the exam. If more than 24 months elapse, you will need to retake the pre-license training and exam.

Do not submit your Certificate of Insurance separately from your application — the CCB processes them together, and submitting them separately will delay your license.

Examination Requirements

The CCB licensing exam is administered by PSI Services and is the same exam for all endorsement types. Here are the key details:

How to Schedule

After completing your 16-hour pre-license training, your education provider notifies PSI that you are eligible to test. You then schedule your exam through PSI directly. The exam is administered at PSI testing centers across Oregon and is taken on a computer.

Study Resources

Your pre-license education provider should supply you with the NASCLA (National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies) reference textbook. Since the exam is open-book, this textbook is your primary resource during the test. Many approved providers also offer practice exams with hundreds of sample questions to help you prepare.

Retaking the Exam

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam. You will need to pay the $60 exam fee again for each attempt. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule through PSI each time.

License Fees and Costs

As of July 1, 2025, the CCB increased its licensing fee to $400 for both new applications and renewals. This fee covers a two-year license period. Here is a complete breakdown of costs:

For a typical residential general contractor getting licensed for the first time, expect total upfront costs of roughly $1,000–$1,500, including training, the exam, the application fee, the bond premium, and the first year of insurance.

Insurance and Bond Requirements

Oregon requires both a surety bond and general liability insurance for all CCB-licensed contractors. Workers' compensation insurance is also required if you have employees. These requirements were updated effective January 1, 2024, under Oregon House Bill 2922.

Surety Bond Requirements

Your surety bond protects consumers by providing a fund to cover claims arising from your work. The required bond amount depends on your endorsement type:

Public Works Bond: Contractors performing public works projects exceeding $100,000 must carry an additional $30,000 public works bond, separate from the CCB surety bond.

You do not pay the full bond amount. Instead, you purchase the bond from a surety company and pay an annual premium, which is typically 1–3% of the bond amount for applicants with good credit. For example, a $25,000 bond for an RGC endorsement might cost $250–$750 per year in premiums.

General Liability Insurance Minimums

Every CCB-licensed contractor must carry general liability insurance. The minimum required coverage depends on your endorsement:

Residential Endorsements (Per Occurrence)

Commercial Endorsements (Aggregate)

Your insurance policy must name the Construction Contractors Board as the Certificate Holder. Submit proof of coverage with your application or renewal — never separately.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

If you hire any employees, you must carry workers' compensation insurance as required by Oregon law. Sole proprietors and partnerships with no employees are generally exempt, but you may choose to carry coverage for yourself voluntarily. The CCB will verify your workers' comp status during the licensing process.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

Oregon CCB licenses are valid for two years. Renewal requires meeting continuing education (CE) requirements and paying the renewal fee.

Renewal Fee

The renewal fee is $400 for all endorsement types (effective July 1, 2025). You can renew online through the CCB Online Portal.

Continuing Education Requirements

CE requirements vary significantly by license type and how long you have held your license:

Residential Contractors

• Licensed 6 years or less: 16 hours total per 2-year period — 3 hours of CCB laws, regulations, and business practices (LRB) classes plus 13 hours of approved courses.
• Licensed more than 6 years: 8 hours total per 2-year period — 3 hours of LRB classes plus 5 hours of approved courses.

The 3-hour LRB requirement can be completed through live CCB classes (including live webinars) or through three separate 1-hour online modules via the contractor portal.

Commercial Contractors

• Level 2 (CGC2, CSC2): 32 hours per 2-year period, completed by key employees.
• Level 1 (CGC1, CSC1): Hours scale based on the lowest number of key employees during the renewal cycle:
  • 1 key employee: 16 hours
  • 2 key employees: 32 hours
  • 3 key employees: 48 hours
  • 4 key employees: 64 hours
  • 5 or more key employees: 80 hours

Home Inspectors (OCHI)

• 30 continuing education units within 24 months before certification expiration.
• Eligible activities include approved courses (1 unit per clock hour), ride-alongs with licensed trades contractors, and trade association service.

Exemptions

Contractors who hold certain other Oregon professional licenses (architects, engineers, licensed electricians, licensed plumbers) may be exempt from some or all CCB continuing education requirements. Check with the CCB for your specific situation.

Late Renewal and Reinstatement

If your license expires, you cannot legally perform any construction work until it is reinstated. Lapsed licenses may be subject to additional fees and requirements. Contact the CCB at (503) 378-4621 for reinstatement procedures specific to your situation.

Reciprocity with Other States

Oregon does not have reciprocity agreements with any state for general contractor licenses. If you hold a contractor license in another state, you must go through the full Oregon licensing process, including pre-license training, the exam, bond, and insurance.

NASCLA Exam Recognition

There is one partial exception. If you have previously passed the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, you may request an exemption from the 16-hour pre-license training requirement. To qualify:

1. Submit your NASCLA exam transcripts to the CCB.
2. If approved, you skip the 16-hour training but must still pass the Oregon-specific exam covering Oregon laws, rules, and business practices with a score of 70% or higher.

This is not full reciprocity. It only waives the training — not the Oregon exam, bond, insurance, or application requirements.

Specialty Trades Reciprocity

Oregon does offer limited reciprocity for certain specialty trades regulated by the Building Codes Division (BCD), including electricians and plumbers. These are separate from the CCB license and have their own reciprocal agreements with specific states. Check the BCD website for current details.

How to Verify a Contractor's License

Oregon makes it straightforward to verify any contractor's license status online. This is important both for homeowners hiring contractors and for contractors checking subcontractors.

Official CCB License Search

The primary verification tool is the CCB License Search at search.ccb.state.or.us. You can search by:

• CCB license number (most accurate method)
• Business name
• Owner name
• County

The search results show license status (active, inactive, expired), endorsement type, bond and insurance information, and complaint/disciplinary history going back up to 10 years.

What to Look For

When verifying a contractor, confirm the following:

• Active status: The license must show "Active" — not expired, inactive, or suspended.
• Correct endorsement: The endorsement type must match the work being performed (for example, a residential specialty contractor should not be doing full general contracting work).
• Current bond and insurance: Both should show current dates.
• Complaint history: Review any past complaints or disciplinary actions.

Oregon law requires contractors to display their CCB license number on all advertising, including business cards, websites, brochures, vehicles, and any other promotional materials. If a contractor cannot provide their CCB number, that is a red flag.

CCB Contact Information

Penalties for Working Without a License

Oregon takes unlicensed contracting seriously. Penalties are outlined in ORS Chapter 701 and enforced by the CCB.

Civil Penalties

Under OAR 812-005-0800, the CCB imposes the following civil penalties:

• Performing work without a license: $5,000 per offense. This includes working with an inactive, lapsed, invalid, or misleading license number.
• Advertising or bidding without a license: $600 per violation. This may be reduced if the contractor becomes licensed promptly or withdraws the advertisement/bid immediately upon notification and no work was accepted.
• Knowingly assisting an unlicensed contractor: $1,000 per violation.
• Working without a construction permit: $1,000 for the first offense; $2,000 plus a 3-month license suspension for the second offense; $5,000 plus permanent license revocation for the third and subsequent offenses.

Criminal Penalties

Under ORS 701.990, the following are classified as Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $6,250, or both:

• Operating as a contractor without a valid CCB license.
• Using a contractor's license number without authorization.
• Using a contractor's license number with intent to deceive the public.

Additional Consequences

Beyond fines and criminal charges, unlicensed contractors in Oregon face these practical consequences:

• No lien rights: Unlicensed contractors cannot file a construction lien to collect payment for work performed.
• Unenforceable contracts: Contracts entered into by unlicensed contractors may be voidable by the property owner.
• No access to courts: You may be unable to sue to collect payment for work done without a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CCB license for handyman work?

Yes, in most cases. Oregon requires a CCB license for any work that is considered "construction" — which includes most repair, remodeling, and improvement work. The Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) endorsement is designed for smaller-scale operators, allowing jobs up to $5,000 each with no more than $40,000 in annual gross sales. If your work falls within those limits, the RLC is likely your best option.

How long does it take to get a CCB license?

The process typically takes 4–6 weeks from start to finish. The 16-hour pre-license training can be completed in a few days (or over several weeks online), the exam can be scheduled within a week or two after training, and the CCB processes applications within a few weeks of submission. Having all your documents (bond, insurance, application) ready to submit immediately after passing the exam will speed things up.

Can I use my out-of-state license in Oregon?

No. Oregon does not have reciprocity for general contractor licenses. You must complete the full Oregon licensing process. If you hold a NASCLA-accredited exam certification, you may be exempt from the 16-hour pre-license training, but you still must pass the Oregon exam and meet all other requirements.

What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 commercial license?

The primary differences are experience requirements, bond amounts, insurance minimums, and continuing education hours. Level 1 requires 8 years of key employee experience, an $80,000 bond (for CGC1), $2,000,000 in liability insurance, and 16–80 hours of CE per renewal cycle. Level 2 requires 4 years of experience, a $25,000 bond (for CGC2), $1,000,000 in insurance, and 32 hours of CE. Both levels authorize work on commercial structures of any size.

Do I need an LBPR certification?

If you perform renovation, repair, or painting work on any residential structure built before 1978, then yes. This is a federal EPA requirement, not just a state rule. The LBPR certification is an add-on to your existing CCB license and requires separate training and certification. Failure to comply can result in penalties from both the CCB and the EPA.

What happens if my bond or insurance lapses?

Your CCB license will be suspended. You cannot legally perform any construction work while your license is suspended. The CCB is automatically notified when your bond or insurance policy is canceled or expires, and they will suspend your license immediately. To reinstate, you must obtain new coverage and submit updated documentation to the CCB.