Oregon Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Oregon requires statewide contractor licensing through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for anyone performing construction work for compensation. In addition, electricians and plumbers must obtain individual trade licenses from the Building Codes Division (BCD). All CCB-licensed contractors must carry a surety bond and general liability insurance. Oregon uses a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) model where one person per business must complete pre-license training and pass the exam.
General Contractor
RequiredElectrician
RequiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredReciprocity Agreements
Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams.
Oregon Licensing Overview
Oregon requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $230 to $400, including application fees, exams, and license issuance. Oregon also participates in reciprocity agreements with 4 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Oregon Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $400 | — | — | $20,000 | $400 |
| Electrician | $50 | $80 | $100 | $20,000 | $230 |
| Plumber | $50 | $80 | $100 | $20,000 | $230 |
| HVAC Technician | $400 | — | — | $15,000 | $400 |
| Roofing Contractor | $400 | — | — | $15,000 | $400 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Oregon Contractor Licensing
- $500,000 general liability required for Residential GC and Commercial GC. Workers compensation required if you have or plan to hire employees.
- Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 4 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- RMI must complete 16-hour pre-license training before taking exam
- Bond amounts increased by $5,000 in 2024 under House Bill 2922
- Electricians need both a BCD individual license AND a CCB contractor license
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon require a contractor license?
Yes, Oregon requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Oregon?
Initial licensing costs range from $230 to $400 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Oregon have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Oregon?
$500,000 general liability required for Residential GC and Commercial GC. Workers compensation required if you have or plan to hire employees.
Official Oregon Licensing Resources
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — for general contractor, hvac technician, roofing contractor
- Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) — for electrician, plumber