In Oregon, nearly all construction professionals must be licensed with the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before advertising, bidding, or working for compensation. The state distinguishes between residential and commercial endorsements, with further breakdowns into general and specialty licenses. Each endorsement carries specific requirements for pre-license education, exams, liability insurance, and surety bonds.
The CCB also enforces consumer protections, contractor standards, and bond claims, making proper licensing critical for legal compliance and business credibility. For public works projects, contractors must also secure a separate $30,000 Public Works Bond through the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps Oregon contractors navigate every step—choosing the right endorsement, completing pre-license training, securing the required bonds and insurance, and filing applications with the CCB—so you can get licensed quickly and stay compliant.
Official resource: Oregon CCB – Licensing Overview
Oregon requires most contractors to hold a CCB license before bidding or working for compensation. You’ll complete pre-license steps, pick the correct endorsement (residential/commercial; general/specialty), and maintain the required bond and liability insurance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
1) Confirm you need a license, 2) take pre-license education & pass the test (for standard endorsements), 3) choose your endorsement, 4) get workers’ comp (if you have employees) and liability insurance, 5) designate an RMI, 6) file your surety bond, then apply. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
CCB requires active liability insurance on file (kept current or the license can be suspended). Insurance must cover work subject to ORS 701 and list CCB as certificate holder. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Certain endorsements (e.g., Home Inspector Services Contractor) have reduced bond/insurance and may not require the pre-license course/exam. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
| Endorsement | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential General Contractor | $25,000 | Raised effective 2024; residential specialty = $20,000. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Residential Specialty Contractor | $20,000 | Also applies to many residential trade specialties. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Commercial General Contractor — Level 1 (CGC1) | $80,000 | Aggregate insurance typically $2M. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Commercial Specialty Contractor — Level 1 (CSC1) | $55,000 | Aggregate insurance typically $2M. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Commercial General Contractor — Level 2 (CGC2) | $25,000 | Aggregate insurance typically $1M. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Commercial Specialty Contractor — Level 2 (CSC2) | $25,000 | Aggregate insurance typically $1M. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Other residential service endorsements | $15,000 | e.g., Locksmith, Home Inspector Services, Home Services, Home Energy Score, Residential Restoration. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
Oregon does **not** offer general contractor license reciprocity from other states. However, for certain trades, Oregon allows **reciprocal licensing** under specific conditions via the Building Codes Division.
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