Electrician License Requirements in Oregon
| Licensing Authority | Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Supervising Electrician (BCD) + CCB License |
| Experience Required | General Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training, typically through a 4-year apprenticeship program. Supervising Electrician: additional 8,000 hours (16,000 total) with supervisory experience. |
| Education Substitute | 576 hours of classroom training required in addition to on-the-job hours; Oregon apprenticeship program completion satisfies both |
| Exam Required | Yes — Oregon Electrical Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $20,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 24 hours every 3 years |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $80 |
| Initial License Fee | $100 |
| Est. Initial Total | $230 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| CCB contractor license (required separately) | $400 |
Renewal: $100 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Oregon Electrical Exam
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 · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →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→License Tiers
Limited Energy Electrician
2 years (4,000 hours) limited energy work
Exam: Required
General Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours classroom training
Exam: Required
General Supervising Electrician
16,000 total hours (8,000 beyond journeyman) with supervisory experience
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 4 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Electricians need both a BCD individual license AND a CCB contractor license
You're licensed in Oregon as an electrician — 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.
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Form the business and get an EIN.
The Oregon Building Codes Division issues the Journeyman / Supervising Electrician (BCD) + CCB License; 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. CCB surety bond required in addition to BCD individual license. Bond amount depends on contractor type (residential vs. commercial). How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Oregon requires general liability insurance for this license. General liability required through CCB. Workers compensation required if you have 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 electrician 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 3 years at $100. Continuing education: 24 hours every 3 years.
Other licenses in Oregon
- General Contractor license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $400 in initial government fees · CCB
- Plumber license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $230 in initial government fees · BCD
- HVAC Technician license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $400 in initial government fees · CCB
- Roofing Contractor license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $400 in initial government fees · CCB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon requires a statewide electrician license through the Oregon Building Codes Division.
How much does an electrician license cost in Oregon?
The estimated initial cost is $230, including application, exam, and license fees. A $20,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Oregon?
General Journeyman: 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience plus 576 hours of classroom training, typically through a 4-year apprenticeship program. Supervising Electrician: additional 8,000 hours (16,000 total) with supervisory experience. Education substitute: 576 hours of classroom training required in addition to on-the-job hours; Oregon apprenticeship program completion satisfies both
What exams are required for an electrician license in Oregon?
You must pass the Oregon Electrical Exam exam. A passing score of 75% is required.
Do I need a bond for an electrician license in Oregon?
Yes, a $20,000 surety bond is required. CCB surety bond required in addition to BCD individual license. Bond amount depends on contractor type (residential vs. commercial).
Does Oregon have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 4 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Oregon?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Oregon?
Yes, 24 hours per every 3 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Oregon— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BCD