At a Glance: Oregon Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | All contractors must register with CCB |
| Application Fee | $200–$400 |
| Exam Required | Yes |
| Exam Provider | PSI Exams |
| Exam Cost | $75–$125 |
| Experience Required | 16 hours approved training (for residential) |
| Insurance Required | General Liability ($100,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required |
| License Renewal | Biennial; $200–$400 |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Oregon Contractor License
- Choose residential or commercial endorsement
- Complete 16+ hours CCB-approved pre-license training
- Pass CCB exam via PSI
- Obtain liability insurance and workers' comp
- Post surety bond ($10,000 residential / $20,000 commercial)
- Apply at ccb.oregon.gov
- License issued in 2–4 weeks
Exam Requirements
Provider: PSI Exams
Cost: $75–$125
Topics covered: Oregon Law & Business, Trade Knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
General Liability ($100,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required
Beyond what Oregon requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Oregon has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Oregon licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Oregon
Oregon's CCB license is straightforward for residential work. The training hours requirement helps new contractors understand Oregon's specific rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need a contractor license in Oregon?Yes. In Oregon, contractors are required to be licensed for projects valued at All contractors must register with CCB. The licensing is managed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Operating without a license can result in fines and inability to enforce contracts.
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How much does a Oregon contractor license cost?The application fee for a Oregon contractor license is $200–$400. An exam fee of $75–$125 is also required for the PSI Exams exam. Renewal is Biennial; $200–$400.
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Is an exam required for a Oregon contractor license?Yes. Oregon requires passing the PSI Exams exam (cost: $75–$125) covering Oregon Law & Business and Trade Knowledge. Passing the exam is a prerequisite before applying for your license.
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What insurance is required for a Oregon contractor license?Oregon requires the following insurance for contractor licensing: General Liability ($100,000 per occurrence); Workers' Comp required. This is the minimum required — most contractors carry higher limits for additional protection on job sites.
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How long does it take to get a contractor license in Oregon?Getting a Oregon contractor license typically involves 7 steps: obtaining required experience (16 hours approved training (for residential)), passing the exam, securing insurance, and submitting the application to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Processing times vary but most applications are decided within 4–8 weeks after submission.
Official Resources
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.