Oregon Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Oregon uses a statewide system for contractor licensing. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses construction businesses that work on improvements to real property, and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) through the Building Codes Division (BCD) issues individual and business licenses for electrical and plumbing work. If you pull permits or advertise contracting services in Oregon, there is almost certainly a state credential you must hold before you start work.
This guide focuses on the key Oregon licenses by trade—electrician, plumbing, HVAC, general contracting, roofing, and specialty—along with who regulates them and how renewals and exams generally work. We highlight several representative licenses and authorities for Oregon below; this guide is updated periodically as additional jurisdictions are researched or requested.
Always verify current requirements with the official agencies before applying. Oregon’s boards provide clear instructions, licensing checklists, and searchable databases to confirm license status for businesses and individuals.
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Overview of Oregon Contractor Licensing
Two state agencies share responsibility for contractor licensing in Oregon. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses contracting businesses that work on structures and improvements to real property, including general building, roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, floor covering, concrete, heating and air conditioning, tree services, home inspections, manufactured dwelling installation, land development, handyman services, chimney services, and more. The CCB also sets bonding and insurance standards for licensed contractors and outlines the types of work that require a CCB license.
The DCBS Building Codes Division (BCD) licenses individuals and contractors in the electrical and plumbing trades, as well as several related technical disciplines (e.g., boiler, elevator, manufactured dwelling). For electrical and plumbing, BCD oversees individual licensing, experience and training verification, examinations, and continuing education. Many individual licenses require a passing exam score of 75% or better and follow a three-year renewal cycle that includes code-based continuing education.
Oregon’s official portals provide step-by-step application instructions, fee references, and license search tools to help consumers and hiring entities verify credentials. For construction contractors, start with the CCB; for individual electricians and plumbers (and related specialty plumbing categories), start with the BCD licensing pages and license directory entries.
Browse all Oregon contractor license practice tests →
Electrician Licenses in Oregon
Oregon regulates electrical work with 6 license types under the Building Codes Division. Most individual licenses require an examination with a passing score of 75% or better, and many renew on a three-year cycle with code-focused continuing education.
General Journeyman Electrician (J)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Experience
- Approved Oregon electrical apprenticeship completion; or
- 576 hours classroom training + 8,000 hours OJT obtained outside Oregon (min. 1,000 hours each in residential, commercial, and industrial); or
- 16,000 hours OJT obtained outside Oregon (min. 2,000 hours each in residential, commercial, and industrial).
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; apprenticeship classroom training or equivalent documented training per pathway.
Exam
Open-book exam, 52 questions, 3 hours. Passing score: 75% or better. An approved materials list is provided after application approval.
Fees
- Application: $100
- Initial license: $100
- Renewal: $100
Insurance
No insurance requirement listed for the individual license.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years on October 1
- Continuing education: 24 hours (code change and code-related, per BCD rules)
Official details
Limited Residential Electrician (LR)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Experience
- Approved Oregon residential electrical apprenticeship; or
- 288 hours classroom training + 4,000 hours residential OJT obtained outside Oregon; or
- 8,000 hours residential OJT obtained outside Oregon (subject to the 300 percent rule on credited hours).
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; documented classroom training and experience per the residential pathway.
Exam
Open-book exam, 52 questions, 3 hours. Passing score: 75% or better. Approved materials list issued upon application approval.
Fees
- Application: $100
- Initial license: $100
- Renewal: $100
Insurance
No insurance requirement listed for the individual license.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years on October 1
- Continuing education: 16 hours (per BCD electrical CE rules, including code change credits)
Official details
License directory entry: Limited Residential Electrician (LR)
Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Exam
Individual electrical licenses generally require an exam at designated testing locations with a passing score of 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per BCD electrical CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) to confirm fees, experience prerequisites, and any insurance or renewal details not listed before applying.
Official details
Limited Elevator Journeyman Electrician (E)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Exam
Exam required at a BCD-approved testing location; passing score is 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per electrical CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) to confirm fees, experience prerequisites, and any insurance or renewal details not listed before applying.
Official details
Limited Stage Electrician (ST)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Exam
Exam required; passing score for licensing exams is 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per electrical CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) to confirm fees, experience prerequisites, and any insurance or renewal details not listed before applying.
Official details
Limited Maintenance Manufactured Structures Electrician (LMM)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Exam
Exam required at an approved testing location; passing score is 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per electrical CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Electrical) to confirm fees, experience prerequisites, and any insurance or renewal details not listed before applying.
Official details
Plumbing Licenses in Oregon
Oregon regulates plumbing through the Building Codes Division. Individual plumber licensing and the Plumbing Business registration are both handled at the state level with clear application packets, experience verification, and exam authorization procedures.
Journeyman Plumber
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Experience
- Completion of an apprenticeship or documented plumbing experience in required work categories per OAR 918-695.
- Employer experience verification forms and supporting documentation as outlined by BCD.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; official transcripts of classroom training; proof of completion of any out-of-state apprenticeship, if applicable.
Exam
Exam is scheduled after application approval at designated testing locations. Passing score: 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Oregon rule and law plus code-related CE per BCD plumbing CE requirements (specific hour counts vary by license and are not listed here).
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) to confirm fees and any additional experience or CE hour specifics before applying.
Official details
Plumbing Business (PB)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Contractor License) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Structure
- Employ a full-time signing supervisor with the appropriate Oregon plumbing license.
- Hold an active CCB license and have the business name registered with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Provide license numbers for any BCD licenses held.
Exam
No exam is required for the PB registration.
Fees
- Application: $150
- Initial license: $150
- Renewal: $150
Insurance and Bonding
Bonding and insurance as required by the CCB. Maintain workers’ compensation if you have employees under Oregon law.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years on July 1
- Continuing education: Exempt
Official details
HVAC Licenses in Oregon
In Oregon, HVAC/mechanical contracting is typically performed under a CCB construction contractor license, with project-specific mechanical permits administered through local building departments. The Building Codes Division’s ePermitting resources show mechanical permit categories that align with the contractor’s license type for commercial and residential work.
How to proceed: If you install or service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, ensure your business holds the appropriate CCB license. For permit and technical scope questions, consult BCD’s licensing pages and your local building department’s mechanical permitting program.
See BCD overview of license types used for permitting: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/epermitting/howto/pages/lic-types.aspx.
General Contractor Licenses in Oregon
All businesses offering or performing construction services on real property in Oregon generally must hold an active CCB license. Endorsements and insurance/bond requirements vary by the nature of residential, commercial, or dual (both) work.
CCB license (Construction Contractor)
Regulatory authority: Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/licensing.aspx
Pre-license Education and Exam
- A Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must complete at least 16 hours of pre-license training from an approved provider.
- The RMI must pass the Oregon contractor exam before application submission.
Eligibility and Business Setup
- Register the business entity and assumed business name with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Select the correct CCB endorsement type based on scope (residential, commercial, or both).
Fees
- Application: $400
- Initial license: $400
- Renewal: $50 (noted in excerpt; CCB licenses are issued for two-year terms)
Insurance, Bond, and Workers’ Compensation
- General liability insurance in amounts set by endorsement type (CCB listed as certificate holder).
- CCB surety bond in the amount required for the endorsement type.
- Workers’ compensation insurance if the business has employees.
Renewal
- Frequency: Two-year license term (fee reference above)
Official details
Roofing Licenses in Oregon
Roofing work is included within the scope of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Roofing contractors operate under the appropriate CCB license and must maintain required bonding and insurance for their endorsement type. Verify whether your residential, commercial, or dual endorsement covers the full scope of roofing services you offer.
Specialty Trade Licenses in Oregon
Oregon regulates several limited specialty plumbing licenses through the Building Codes Division. These categories focus on defined scopes of work and often require a licensing exam with a 75% passing score. Renewal is generally on a three-year cycle, with CE expectations that vary by license.
Solar heating and cooling installer (STL)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Experience
- Documented plumbing-related experience verified on Plumbing Experience Verification Forms for each employer, in required specialty work categories per OAR 918-695.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; official transcripts; proof of equivalent out-of-state training if applicable.
Exam
Limited specialty plumbing exam is scheduled after application approval. Passing score: 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Plumbing CE requirements apply unless exempted (specific hours not listed here).
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) to confirm fees and any CE hour specifics before applying.
Official details
Water-treatment installer (WTI)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Experience
- Documented plumbing-related experience using BCD’s Plumbing Experience Verification Forms in work categories for the water-treatment specialty per OAR 918-695.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; official transcripts; proof of equivalent, lawful out-of-state training if applicable.
Exam
Exam conducted after application approval with a required passing score of 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per plumbing CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) to confirm fees and any additional documentation before applying.
Official details
Limited water heater installer (WHI)
Regulatory authority: DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) — https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Eligibility and Education
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; application documentation as specified by BCD for limited specialty plumbing licenses.
Exam
Exam scheduled after application approval; passing score is 75% or better.
Renewal
- Frequency: Every 3 years
- Continuing education: Exempt per plumbing CE rules
Contact DCBS – Building Codes Division (Plumbing) to confirm fees and any additional experience documentation before applying.
Official details
Application Process
- Select a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for the business and have the RMI complete at least 16 hours of pre-license training from an approved provider and pass the Oregon contractor exam.
- Determine the appropriate CCB endorsement type for the business based on the scope of work (commercial, residential, or both).
- Register the business entity and assumed business name with the Oregon Secretary of State Corporation Division.
- Obtain a CCB surety bond in the required amount for the chosen endorsement type and ensure the bond and power of attorney are ready to submit with the application.
- Obtain general liability insurance in the minimum amounts required for the endorsement type and name the Construction Contractors Board as the certificate holder.
- Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if the business will have employees.
- Gather state and federal tax account numbers and other employer account numbers as needed.
- Complete the CCB license application form, following instructions carefully and compiling all required supporting documents into a single packet.
- Submit the complete application, including bond, insurance certificate, signatures, and fee payment (typically $400 for a two-year license), preferably through the online submission system.
- Await CCB review and respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid processing delays.
Timeline: Applications may take approximately six to eight weeks to process when submitted with complete documentation.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity is available for certain electrical licenses. The Building Codes Division maintains reciprocal license agreements for the General Supervising Electrician and General Journeyman Electrician. If you plan to use an Oregon electrical license to reciprocate to another jurisdiction, request verification of license status and testing scores from BCD using the designated verification form. Confirm participating jurisdictions and eligibility criteria directly with BCD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Oregon?
Processing can take about six to eight weeks for complete CCB applications. Individual electrical and plumbing processing times vary; exam authorization typically follows BCD review of your application packet and experience documentation.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Oregon?
Reciprocity is limited to specific electrical license types (e.g., General Journeyman Electrician and General Supervising Electrician). Check current reciprocal arrangements and documentation requirements with the Building Codes Division before applying.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Retake policies are set by the issuing authority and the test administrator. Your BCD or CCB authorization and scheduling instructions will outline any waiting periods, fees, and rescheduling steps.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, contracting businesses licensed through the CCB must carry general liability insurance, a CCB surety bond, and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. BCD individual licenses (e.g., journeyman electrician or plumber) do not list insurance requirements for the individual credential, but businesses employing licensed individuals must meet CCB insurance and bonding rules.
How do I renew my license?
Renewal cycles vary by license type. Many individual electrical licenses renew every three years (some on October 1) with required CE hours. CCB contractor licenses are issued for two-year terms. Review your license record and the relevant CCB or BCD renewal page for exact dates and CE requirements.
What if my city has permit procedures that differ from what’s shown here?
Licensing is statewide through the CCB and BCD, but permits are administered by local building departments. Always align your plans with the local jurisdiction’s permitting and inspection requirements while maintaining the appropriate state license.
Where can I find practice tests for Oregon exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice resources for Oregon contractor exams. Materials typically include 1,500–2,500 code-relevant questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse Oregon contractor practice tests.
Oregon · Practice tests
Oregon contractor license practice tests
The Oregon practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.
- Business, Law, and Project Management (NASCLA) Reference Practice Test
- Installing Hardwood Flooring NOFMA - Reference Practice Test
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 Practice Test
Related Official Resources
Official Sources for Further Details:
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Oregon Construction Contractors Board – Licensing
https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/licensing.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
CCB License – Oregon Construction Contractors Board
https://www.oregon.gov/ccb%20license.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Electrical individual license
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/electrical-apply.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Individual and contractor licenses
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/index.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – License Types (ePermitting)
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/epermitting/howto/pages/lic-types.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Getting licensed work
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/lbdd/pages/licensed-work.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Licensing FAQs
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/Pages/faqs.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Oregon Secretary of State License Directory – Limited Residential Electrician (LR)
https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/591
Fee Schedule/License Detail | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Oregon Secretary of State License Directory – General Journeyman Electrician (J)
https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/626
Fee Schedule/License Detail | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Electrical License Requirements – Continuing Education
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/ce/pages/electrical.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Oregon Secretary of State License Directory – Plumbing Business (PB)
https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/659
Fee Schedule/License Detail | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Journeyman plumber license application
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/Pages/plumbing-apply.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – Limited Specialty Plumbing individual licenses
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/spec-plumbing-apply.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Plumbing licenses – Continuing Education
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/ce/pages/plumbing.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01 -
Building Codes Division – License Search
https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/epermitting/help/lic-prof/pages/license-search.aspx
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-10-01
Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:
- Website: https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/licensing.aspx
- Phone: (503) 373-1268
No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Permits vs. Licenses: Contractor licensing is handled statewide by the CCB and BCD. Project permits are issued by local building departments; always align your permits and inspections with local requirements.