Licenses and registrations
Residential General Contractor endorsement
Contractors who do or manage residential construction and remodeling, including work involving multiple trades.
- When it applies: Any amount; exemption only for casual, minor or inconsequential work where the total price of all contracts on one structure or project is less than $1,000 and the person does not advertise as a contractor (ORS 701.010(4)).
- Good to know: $25,000 bond and $500,000 per occurrence liability insurance.
Residential Specialty Contractor endorsement
Residential contractors working in specific trades (for example roofing, flooring, painting, siding).
- When it applies: Same $1,000 casual-work exemption.
- Good to know: $20,000 bond and $300,000 per occurrence liability insurance.
Residential Limited Contractor endorsement
Small residential contractors.
- When it applies: Same $1,000 casual-work exemption.
- Good to know: May not do work exceeding $40,000 in gross annual volume or contracts exceeding $5,000 (ORS 701.038). $15,000 bond and $100,000 liability insurance.
Residential Developer endorsement
Developers of residential property.
- Good to know: $25,000 bond and $500,000 per occurrence liability insurance. No Responsible Managing Individual required.
Commercial General and Specialty endorsements (Level 1 and Level 2)
Contractors doing commercial work.
- Good to know: Commercial General Level 1: $80,000 bond, $2,000,000 aggregate insurance. Level 2: $25,000 bond, $1,000,000 aggregate. Commercial Specialty Level 1: $55,000 bond, $1,000,000 aggregate. Level 2: $25,000 bond, $500,000 per occurrence.
Lead-Based Paint Renovation license
Contractors who bid or work on pre-1978 homes.
- Good to know: CCB states only contractors licensed for Lead-Based Paint Renovation can bid or work on pre-1978 homes.
What you need to qualify
- Exams: The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must pass the Oregon exam: 80 multiple-choice questions, open book, 70% (56 correct) to pass, three hours, $60. Apply within 24 months of passing. NASCLA exam or prior Oregon license history are alternative paths.
- Insurance: Liability insurance by endorsement: Residential General $500,000 per occurrence; Residential Specialty $300,000 per occurrence; Residential Limited $100,000 per occurrence; Residential Developer $500,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation is required if you have employees (some family-owned businesses are exempt).
- Bond: Surety bond by endorsement (amounts effective January 1, 2024): Residential General $25,000; Residential Specialty $20,000; Residential Limited $15,000; Residential Developer $25,000; Residential Locksmith and Home Services $15,000; Commercial General Level 1 $80,000, Level 2 $25,000; Commercial Specialty Level 1 $55,000, Level 2 $25,000; Commercial Developer $25,000.
- Financial: If a contractor fails to pay construction-related debts, the RMI and owners cannot get a new CCB license until the debt is satisfied.
- Business registration: Corporations, LLCs and assumed business names must be filed with the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division. Bond and insurance must match the name on file.
- Also required: Must be at least 18. The RMI must complete 16 hours of pre-license training from an approved provider, pass a background check, and may be listed on only one license at a time.
Fees, renewal and continuing education
- Fees: Initial application: $400 beginning July 1, 2025 (covers a two-year license; it was $325 before). Renewal: $400 every two years. Endorsement change, inactivation or reactivation: $20 each. Exam: $60.
- Renewal: Every two years.
- Continuing education: Residential contractors: each two-year license period, 3 hours of CCB Laws, Regulations and Business Practices (LRB) classes plus 5 hours of other approved courses (licensed 6+ years) or 13 hours (licensed less than 6 years). Commercial Level 2: 32 hours by key employees; Level 1: 16 to 80 hours depending on the number of key employees. Dual residential/commercial licensees follow the commercial rules.
Contracts and homeowner protections
For residential work where the total contract exceeds $2,000, CCB requires a written contract and three notices with proof the owner received them: Information Notice to Owner About Construction Liens, Consumer Protection Notice, and Notice of Procedure. Keep proof of delivery for two years. If a job under $2,000 grows above $2,000, the owner must get a written contract within five days (ORS 701.305). Without a written contract and required notices, the contractor may not be able to claim a lien (ORS 87.037). New-home builders must make a written warranty offer before or when the contract is signed (ORS 701.320) and give a maintenance schedule (ORS 701.335).
Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work
The Oregon Building Codes Division (Department of Consumer and Business Services) issues electrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator and manufactured dwelling licenses for individuals and businesses.
Working without a license
Unlicensed work can bring CCB civil penalties under ORS 701.992 (amounts not confirmed). State law ties the ability to perfect a lien or obtain court or administrative remedies to holding a license (ORS 701.131).
What to confirm with the state
We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:
- Civil and criminal penalty amounts for unlicensed work (ORS 701.990 and 701.992).
- Exact wording of ORS 701.131 on liens and lawsuits by unlicensed contractors.
- ORS Chapter 701 notes some sections were amended in the 2026 session; amended text was not reviewed.
- Local licensing or business tax registration in Portland and other cities.
- Whether HVAC work requires a separate Building Codes Division license.
Sources
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board - Home
- How to Get a CCB License
- CCB Licensing - Insurance and Bond Resources
- CCB Continuing Education
- CCB Contractor Tools - Required Notices and Contracts
- CCB Specialty Licenses & Certifications
- ORS Chapter 701 - Construction Contractors
- Oregon Building Codes Division - Licensing