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How to get a general contractor license in Oregon

Edited by John Voll. Last verified .

Oregon Construction Contractors Board licenses general contractors in Oregon. Work on one structure totaling less than $1,000 that is casual, minor or inconsequential is exempt from licensing (exemption lost if the person advertises as a contractor). The CCB Active Licenses, Oregon Construction Contractors Board lists 34,142 active general contractor records as of October 6, 2026.

Who licenses general contractor work in Oregon

CredentialState license
BoardOregon Construction Contractors Board official statement
Official lookupSearch general contractor licenses
When a license is neededWork on one structure totaling less than $1,000 that is casual, minor or inconsequential is exempt from licensing (exemption lost if the person advertises as a contractor). source
License typesResidential General Contractor, Residential Specialty Contractor, Residential Limited Contractor, Commercial General Contractor Level 1, Commercial General Contractor Level 2, Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1, Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 2

How to get licensed

  1. Apply to Oregon Construction Contractors Board for a credential such as Residential General Contractor, Residential Specialty Contractor or Residential Limited Contractor.
    Board page
  2. The Responsible Managing Individual must complete 16 hours of pre-license training and pass the Oregon contractor exam (PSI, open book, 80 questions, 70 percent to pass). source
  3. No experience requirement for residential endorsements; commercial general contractor level 1 needs key employees with at least 8 years combined experience (level 2: 4 years). source
  4. Post a surety bond of $25,000 for a residential general contractor ($20,000 residential specialty, $15,000 residential limited, $80,000 commercial general level 1). source
  5. Carry general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence for a residential general contractor ($2 million for commercial general level 1). source
  6. Pay the CCB initial license application fee, covers a two-year license (applications from July 1, 2025): $400. source
  7. CCB license is issued for two years and renewed every two years. source

General contractor requirements in Oregon

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked October 6, 2026
ExamThe Responsible Managing Individual must complete 16 hours of pre-license training and pass the Oregon contractor exam (PSI, open book, 80 questions, 70 percent to pass). source
ExperienceNo experience requirement for residential endorsements; commercial general contractor level 1 needs key employees with at least 8 years combined experience (level 2: 4 years). source
BondSurety bond of $25,000 for a residential general contractor ($20,000 residential specialty, $15,000 residential limited, $80,000 commercial general level 1). source
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence for a residential general contractor ($2 million for commercial general level 1). source
Renewal2 years (CCB license is issued for two years and renewed every two year). source
ReciprocityNo reciprocal license; passing the NASCLA commercial general building exam waives only the 16-hour training, and the Oregon laws and business practices exam is still required. source
Fees
  • $400 (CCB initial license application fee, covers a two-year license (applications from July 1, 2025)). source
  • $400 (CCB license renewal fee, every two year). source
  • $60 (Oregon contractor exam fee, paid to the exam vendor PSI). source
  • $20 (License endorsement change fee). source

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in Oregon, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in Oregon

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in Oregon?
Oregon Construction Contractors Board licenses general contractors in Oregon. Work on one structure totaling less than $1,000 that is casual, minor or inconsequential is exempt from licensing (exemption lost if the person advertises as a contractor).
How do I check a general contractor license in Oregon?
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board keeps the record for general contractors in Oregon. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Oregon?
$400 (CCB initial license application fee, covers a two-year license (applications from July 1, 2025)). $400 (CCB license renewal fee, every two year). $60 (Oregon contractor exam fee, paid to the exam vendor PSI). $20 (License endorsement change fee).
How much experience do you need for a general contractor license in Oregon?
No experience requirement for residential endorsements; commercial general contractor level 1 needs key employees with at least 8 years combined experience (level 2: 4 years).
How often does a general contractor license renew in Oregon?
CCB license is issued for two years and renewed every two years.

Other trades in Oregon

General contractor license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.