How to Get an Oregon CCB License
Step-by-step guide for new applicants. Eligibility requirements, pre-license training, the CCB open-book exam, bond and insurance obligations, and how to submit your application.
Looking to verify a contractor's license? This guide is for contractors applying for a new CCB license. To search any Oregon contractor by name or CCB number - use CCB Lookup →
Do you need a CCB license?
Oregon law (ORS 701.021) requires anyone performing construction work for compensation involving improvements to real property to hold a valid CCB license. This applies broadly.
Work that requires a license
- Roofing, siding, painting
- Carpentry, floor covering, concrete
- Heating, air conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing, electrical
- Tree servicing, handyman work
- Home inspection services
- Chimney inspection and sweeping
- Manufactured dwelling installation
Work that does NOT require a license
- Gutter cleaning
- Power/pressure washing for cleaning
- Debris cleanup
- Work by licensed real estate property managers under a management agreement
When in doubt, contact the CCB at 503-378-4621. Performing unlicensed work is subject to civil penalties and you cannot legally bid on jobs without a license (ORS 701.021).
Which license type do you need?
Oregon has 18 CCB license types. The most common for new applicants are:
- Residential General Contractor (RGC) - for contractors who manage entire residential projects, coordinate multiple trades, or build new homes. The broadest residential license.
- Residential Specialty Contractor (RSC) - for contractors performing one specific trade (roofing, painting, HVAC, flooring, etc.) without managing multi-trade projects.
- Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) - for part-time and hobby contractors. Maximum $40,000 gross annual volume and $5,000 per job site per year. Lower bond requirement ($15,000).
- Commercial General Contractor (CGC1/CGC2) - for commercial construction. CGC1 for smaller projects, CGC2 for unlimited project size. Requires documented commercial construction experience.
Dual endorsement: If you will work on both residential and large commercial structures, you need both a residential and commercial endorsement - and two separate surety bonds, one for each endorsement type. Each bond must meet the minimum amount for its license type.
For specialty licenses (Lead-Based Paint, Home Inspector, Locksmith), see the full CCB license types guide.
Step-by-step application process
Choose your license type
Decide which CCB endorsement matches the work you will perform. If unsure, call the CCB at 503-378-4621. Choosing the wrong license type means you cannot legally perform the work you planned - verify before applying.
Complete pre-license training
Most CCB license types require completing a CCB-approved 16-hour pre-license course before you can sit for the exam. Courses cover Oregon construction law, business practices, lien law, and contractor obligations. Available online and in-person from multiple approved providers.
The course includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management (Oregon CCB 2nd Edition) - a state-specific textbook you will also use during the exam. Make sure you get the Oregon-specific edition, not the standard national version.
RLC applicants have a reduced training requirement. Contact the CCB to confirm the current requirement for your specific endorsement.
Pass the CCB examination
The CCB exam is administered by PSI, Oregon's official exam vendor. Key details:
The exam is open book - you can bring your NASCLA manual and margin notes. Your pre-license training provider will notify PSI when you complete training, and PSI will contact you to schedule the exam.
The person who passes the exam becomes the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for the license. You must apply for your CCB license within 24 months of passing the exam, or you will need to retake training and the exam from the beginning.
Register your business and obtain bond and insurance
Before applying for your CCB license, you need:
- Oregon Secretary of State registration - register your business entity (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation) at oregon.gov/sos before submitting your CCB application.
- Surety bond - minimum $25,000 for most residential licenses ($15,000 for RLC). Your surety company files the bond directly with the CCB. Shop multiple providers - premiums vary based on credit and business history. If you have a dual endorsement, you need two separate bonds.
- General liability insurance - minimum $500,000 for most license types. Your insurer files a Certificate of Insurance with the CCB. The Certificate Holder must be listed as "Construction Contractors Board, PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309".
- Workers compensation insurance or exemption - required if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may qualify for an exemption.
Submit your application
Apply online at or.accessgov.com/ccb. Your application must include:
- Completed application form with business and RMI information
- Proof of pre-license training completion
- Exam pass confirmation from PSI
- Bond filed by your surety company
- Certificate of Insurance filed by your insurer
- Application fee payment (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover only)
The CCB license fee is $400 every two years.
See what the fee covers and the real total cost of getting licensed →
Verify your new license
Once issued, your CCB license will appear in the public database within 1-2 business days. Search your business name at CCB Lookup to confirm your license, bond, and insurance are showing correctly. Your clients will verify your license before hiring you - ensure the record is accurate from day one.
The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI)
Every CCB license requires a designated Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) - the qualified person who passed the CCB exam and is accountable for the business's construction law compliance.
- The RMI must be an owner, partner, officer, or employee of the business
- A sole proprietor is typically their own RMI
- A corporation or LLC can designate a qualifying employee as RMI
- If the RMI leaves the business, a new qualified RMI must be designated within 90 days or the license becomes inactive (not suspended - the distinction matters for ongoing projects)
- A person who has served as RMI within the last 24 months can take on the role without retaking the exam
- The RMI's name appears on your public CCB record - visible to any homeowner searching your license
How long does it take to get an Oregon CCB license?
Typically 4-8 weeks total from starting pre-license training to receiving your license number. The breakdown: pre-license training takes 1-2 weeks depending on format and your schedule, exam scheduling through PSI adds a few days to a week, and CCB application processing takes 2-4 weeks after a complete submission. Bond and insurance setup can run parallel to training. Start those early to avoid delays at the application stage.
How much does it cost to get an Oregon CCB license?
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-license training | $100 - $300 | Varies by provider and format |
| CCB exam (PSI) | $60 | Per attempt |
| CCB application fee | $400 | 2-year license, effective July 1, 2025 |
| Surety bond (annual) | $100 - $500+ | Depends on bond amount and credit |
| Liability insurance (annual) | Varies | Min. $500K coverage required |
| Oregon SOS registration | $100+ | LLC or corporation registration |
Veterans - exam cost reimbursement
Veterans may be able to obtain reimbursement for the cost of the CCB licensing exam through federal or state veterans benefits. Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-828-8801 for information on eligibility and the reimbursement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: April 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Licensing page and the Oregon Secretary of State fee schedule.
Application Checklist
- Chosen correct license type
- Pre-license training completed (16h)
- NASCLA Oregon CCB 2nd Edition obtained
- CCB exam passed via PSI ($60)
- Business registered with Oregon SOS
- Surety bond obtained (min. $25K)
- Insurance obtained (min. $500K)
- COI lists CCB as Certificate Holder
- Workers comp or exemption
- Application submitted online ($400)
- License verified at CCB Lookup
Exam Quick Facts
- Questions80 multiple choice
- Time3 hours
- Passing score70%
- FormatOpen book
- Exam fee$60
- VendorPSI
CCB Application Links
Related Guides
CCB Contact
- Phone: 503-378-4621
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
- Address: 201 High St. SE Ste. 600, Salem OR 97301
- Portal: portal.ccb.state.or.us