General Contractor License Requirements in Oregon
| Licensing Authority | Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) |
| License Type | CCB General Contractor |
| Experience Required | No minimum years of experience required. The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must complete a 16-hour pre-license training course and pass the CCB exam. |
| Exam Required | Yes — CCB Pre-License Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $20,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours every 2 years (for license renewal) |
| Processing Time | 2-4 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $400 |
| Est. Initial Total | $400 |
Renewal: $400 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
CCB Pre-License 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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 →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→Notes
- RMI must complete 16-hour pre-license training before taking exam
- Bond amounts increased by $5,000 in 2024 under House Bill 2922
Local requirements on top of your Oregon license
The CCB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Oregon. On top of it, most Oregon cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in Oregon as a general contractor — 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 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→
Register locally.
Most Oregon cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
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 general contractor 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 2 years at $400. Continuing education: 8 hours every 2 years (for license renewal)
Other licenses in Oregon
- Electrician license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $230 in initial government fees · BCD
- 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 a general contractor license in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon requires a statewide general contractor license through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Oregon?
The estimated initial cost is $400, including application, exam, and license fees. A $20,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Oregon?
No minimum years of experience required. The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must complete a 16-hour pre-license training course and pass the CCB exam.
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Oregon?
You must pass the CCB Pre-License Exam exam.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Oregon?
Yes, a $20,000 surety bond is required. Residential GC bond: $20,000. Residential Specialty: $15,000. Commercial GC: $20,000. Commercial Specialty: $10,000. Residential Limited: $10,000.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Oregon?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Oregon?
Yes, 8 hours per every 2 years (for license renewal) is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Oregon— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: CCB