Oregon Contractor License Requirements & Application Help | Contractor Licensing Inc
Get step-by-step help with the Oregon contractor licensing process—classifications, experience, insurance, and bonds. Contractor Licensing Inc handles filings, and compliance.
Oregon requires nearly every contractor to hold a license from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — there's no dollar-value exemption like in most states. Electrical and plumbing contractors need a second license from the Building Codes Division (BCD) as well. Oregon is also one of the states that accepts the NASCLA exam, for both residential and commercial classifications.
Oregon Contractor License Requirements & Application Help
Contractor Licensing Inc. helps you pick the right CCB endorsement, prepare your pre-license training and exam, and secure your bond. See our full National Contractor Licensing guide for requirements in every state.
Quick Answer
- Nearly every Oregon contractor needs a CCB license — there's no minimum project-value exemption.
- Electrical and plumbing contractors need a separate Building Codes Division (BCD) license in addition to CCB.
- Oregon accepts the NASCLA exam for both residential and commercial classifications — a rarer combination among NASCLA states.
- 16 hours of pre-license training plus a CCB exam (80 questions, 70% to pass) are required before licensure.
- Bonds range from $15,000–$25,000 for residential endorsements up to $80,000 for Commercial General Contractor Level 1.
- License fees increased to $400 for both initial applications and two-year renewals.
Oregon's No-Threshold Requirement
Unlike most states, Oregon has no dollar-value threshold that exempts small jobs from licensure. Virtually anyone who constructs, alters, repairs, or improves real property for compensation must hold a CCB license, regardless of contract size. This makes Oregon one of the broadest licensing requirements in the country.
Oregon's CCB Endorsements
Residential General Contractor
Broadest residential endorsement. $25,000 bond, $500,000 per-occurrence liability insurance.
Residential Specialty Contractor
Trade-limited residential scope. $20,000 bond, $300,000 per-occurrence liability insurance.
Residential Limited Contractor
Smaller-scope residential work with a reduced $15,000 bond requirement.
Commercial General Contractor (Level 1 & 2)
Level 1 requires the highest bond in the state — $80,000 — and $2,000,000 aggregate liability. Level 2 requires a $25,000 bond and $1,000,000 aggregate.
Commercial Specialty Contractor (Level 1 & 2)
Level 1 requires a $55,000 bond; Level 2 requires $25,000.
Home Services, Locksmith, Inspector & More
CCB also issues niche endorsements for Home Services, Locksmith Services, Inspector Services, and Home Energy Performance Score contractors, each typically bonded at $15,000.
Electrical & Plumbing Need a Second License
The CCB covers general construction, but electrical and plumbing work is licensed separately by the Building Codes Division (BCD). Every contractor performing electrical or plumbing work needs both a CCB license and the matching BCD trade license to pull an electrical or plumbing permit — a CCB license alone doesn't authorize this work. The relationship runs one direction: holding a valid BCD contractor license requires also holding a valid CCB license, but a CCB license by itself does not include BCD trade authority.
Pre-License Training & the CCB Exam
Applicants must complete at least 16 hours of pre-license training from a CCB-approved provider, then pass the Oregon CCB exam — 80 multiple-choice questions, with a 70% passing score (56 correct answers required). The exam fee is $60.
Oregon accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for qualifying residential and commercial classifications, waiving the trade-exam portion for contractors who've already passed it in another participating state. NASCLA credit does not waive the state application, business and law requirements, financial documentation, insurance, or renewal requirements — those still apply to every applicant.
Oregon CCB License Fees
Initial application and two-year renewal fees both increased to $400 as of July 1, 2025, up from the prior $325 initial application fee. Bond amounts and insurance minimums vary by endorsement, as detailed above.
Become an Oregon Qualifier
Already hold a CCB or BCD license? Get added to our list of qualifiers available to license businesses that need a qualifying party in Oregon.
Join Our Qualifier NetworkOregon Contractor License FAQ
Do I need a contractor license in Oregon?
Yes — nearly all contractors need a CCB license, with no minimum dollar threshold exemption.
What are the CCB endorsement types?
Residential (General, Specialty, Limited, Developer, and niche endorsements) and Commercial (General and Specialty, each Level 1 or 2).
Do electrical and plumbing contractors need a separate license?
Yes — a Building Codes Division (BCD) trade license is required in addition to the CCB license.
Does Oregon accept the NASCLA exam?
Yes — for both residential and commercial classifications, waiving the trade exam portion only.
What bond does Oregon require?
$15,000–$25,000 for residential endorsements; up to $80,000 for Commercial General Contractor Level 1.
What training and exam does Oregon require?
16 hours of pre-license training plus an 80-question CCB exam with a 70% passing score.
Contact
Construction Contractors Board
PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309
(503) 378-4621
Oregon Contractor Bonds
| Bond | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon — Commercial General Contractor Level 1 | $80,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Commercial General Contractor Level 2 | $25,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1 | $55,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2 | $25,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Residential General Contractor | $25,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Residential Specialty Contractor | $20,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Residential Limited Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Residential Restoration Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Residential Locksmith Services Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Home Services Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Home Inspector Services Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Home Energy Performance Score Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Construction Flagging Contractor | $25,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Continuing Education for Contractor's | $20,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Labor Contractor Wage Payment | Varies | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Landscape Contractor | $3,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Landscape Contractor | $10,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Landscape Contractor | $15,000 | Apply Now |
| Oregon — Landscape Contractor | $20,000 | Apply Now |
Oregon's bond tiers scale with your CCB endorsement level, so the right bond amount depends on exactly which endorsement you're licensed under. Landscape contractors have four separate bond tiers depending on business size and structure.
Ready to Get Your Oregon Contractor License?
We help you choose the right CCB endorsement, prepare for your exam or apply your NASCLA credit, and secure the right bond for your tier.
Call 239-394-2300 Start Your Application© 2026 Contractor Licensing Inc. Theme by HB-Themes.