Contractor Licensing in Oregon: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Oregon requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 2 separate agencies. Initial costs run $230 to $400.
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
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Oregon reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
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, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. 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, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Oregon
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Oregon. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →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
You're licensed in Oregon — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board issues the CCB General Contractor; the business that invoices Oregon customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Oregon requires a $20,000 surety bond. Residential GC bond: $20,000. Residential Specialty: $15,000. Commercial GC: $20,000. Commercial Specialty: $10,000. Residential Limited: $10,000. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Oregon requires general liability insurance for this license. $500,000 general liability required for Residential GC and Commercial GC. Workers compensation required if you have or plan to hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
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, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
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