Compliance information verified against official state sources
ContractorRegGuide

Oregon CCB licensing

Oregon General Contractor License: CCB Requirements and Steps

An Oregon general contractor license is a CCB license with the endorsement that matches the structures and work the business will perform. Residential and commercial general contractor endorsements have different bond, insurance, and experience conditions.

Short answer: choose the correct CCB endorsement, appoint a qualified Responsible Managing Individual, complete 16 hours of pre-license training and the exam, arrange the applicable bond and liability insurance, and submit the application with the current $400 fee.

Oregon general contractor requirements at a glance

Requirement Verified value Official source
Licensing authority Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) Oregon CCB current Do You Need A License?
Pre-license training 16 hours Oregon CCB current 9 Steps to Licensure - Step 1
Current initial application fee $400 Oregon CCB current Forms & Fees
License period 2 years Oregon CCB current Forms & Fees / CCB License Renewal
Current renewal fee $400 Oregon CCB current Forms & Fees / CCB License Renewal
Residential general bond $25,000 Oregon CCB current Bond Amounts - Residential bonds
Commercial general level 1 bond $80,000 Oregon CCB current Bond Amounts - Commercial bonds
Residential general liability minimum $500,000 per occurrence Oregon CCB current How much liability insurance do I need?
Commercial general level 1 liability minimum $2,000,000 aggregate Oregon CCB current How much liability insurance do I need?

Who generally needs a CCB license?

Oregon generally requires a CCB license for anyone who works for compensation in construction activity involving improvements to real property. The official page lists most construction and repair services and handyman work among covered examples.

The official CCB page also lists exclusions and specialty credentials. Electrical and plumbing work, for example, can require the appropriate Building Codes Division credential in addition to the CCB license.

Choose the endorsement before using an amount

A contractor must select the endorsement that matches the structures and scope of work. Residential and commercial endorsements carry different bond and liability insurance requirements; a contractor holding both must satisfy both bond requirements.

A residential general contractor and a commercial general contractor level 1 do not use the same bond or insurance amount. Contractors working under both residential and commercial endorsements must satisfy the applicable requirements for both.

Responsible Managing Individual

Most endorsements require a Responsible Managing Individual with management or supervisory authority over the business's construction activities. The RMI generally completes the 16-hour pre-license training and passes the Oregon contractor exam.

CCB application checklist

  1. Confirm that the business activity requires CCB licensing.
  2. Select the residential, commercial, or dual endorsement that matches the work.
  3. Choose the Responsible Managing Individual and complete the training and exam path.
  4. Register the business entity or assumed business name when applicable.
  5. Arrange the endorsement-specific CCB surety bond.
  6. Obtain the required general liability insurance certificate.
  7. Address workers' compensation requirements if the business will hire employees.
  8. Submit the complete CCB application, supporting documents, and current fee together.

Use the dedicated Oregon contractor license application guide for the official online path, upload checklist, conditional documents, and paper-application request process.

Bond and insurance are separate requirements

The surety bond and liability insurance do different jobs, and Oregon CCB requires both for the standard general contractor endorsements. See the Oregon contractor license bond guide for the full endorsement table and the bond vs. insurance guide for the plain-English distinction.

The certificate must match the applicant's legal business name, list the Construction Contractors Board as certificate holder, meet the endorsement amount, include products and completed operations coverage, and accompany the application. CCB says one certificate is sufficient for a dual endorsement.

Oregon contractor license renewal

The current CCB license cycle is 2 years, and the current renewal fee is $400. Confirm the current instructions and amount with CCB before paying.

Official Oregon contractor lookup

Before relying on a record, use the Oregon contractor license lookup guide or open the official search at https://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/.

Official sources

FAQ

How do I get a general contractor license in Oregon?

Start with the Oregon CCB licensing path: choose a qualified Responsible Managing Individual, complete the required pre-license training and exam, select the correct endorsement, arrange the required bond and liability insurance, and submit a complete application with the current fee.

Does Oregon require a contractor exam?

Yes. The usual CCB path requires the Responsible Managing Individual to complete 16 hours of pre-license training and pass the Oregon contractor exam.

How much is an Oregon contractor license?

The current CCB initial application fee is $400 for a two-year license. Bond, insurance, training, and exam costs are separate.

What bond does an Oregon general contractor need?

The amount depends on the endorsement. Current examples include $25,000 for a residential general contractor and $80,000 for a commercial general contractor level 1.

Is liability insurance required for Oregon contractors?

Yes. Oregon requires general liability insurance, and the minimum depends on the license endorsement. CCB requires proof through a certificate of insurance.

How often does an Oregon contractor license renew?

The current Oregon CCB license period is 2 years, and the current renewal fee is $400. Confirm the amount and instructions with CCB before paying.