Plumber License Requirements in Oregon
| Licensing Authority | Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) |
| License Type | Journeyman / Supervising Plumber (BCD) + CCB License |
| Experience Required | Journeyman: 7,700 hours of plumbing work experience plus 576 hours of classroom training, typically through a 4-year apprenticeship program. Supervising Plumber: additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory experience. |
| Education Substitute | 576 hours of classroom training required; Oregon apprenticeship program completion satisfies both classroom and on-the-job requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Oregon Plumbing Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $20,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 16 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.
| Plumbing contractor license (BCD) | $250 |
| CCB contractor license (required separately) | $400 |
Renewal: $100 every 3 years
Exam Requirements
Oregon Plumbing 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 · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms 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.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Journeyman Plumber
7,700 hours of plumbing work plus 576 hours classroom training
Exam: Required
Supervising Plumber
Additional experience beyond journeyman with supervisory role
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 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
- Plumbers need both a BCD individual license AND a CCB contractor license
You're licensed in Oregon as a plumber — 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 Building Codes Division issues the Journeyman / Supervising Plumber (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. Bond amount depends on contractor type. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Oregon requires general liability insurance for this license. Workers' compensation is required once you 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 plumber 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: 16 hours every 3 years.
Other licenses in Oregon
- General Contractor license in Oregon
Statewide license required · $400 in initial government fees · CCB
- Electrician 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 plumber license in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon requires a statewide plumber license through the Oregon Building Codes Division.
How much does a plumber 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 a plumber license in Oregon?
Journeyman: 7,700 hours of plumbing work experience plus 576 hours of classroom training, typically through a 4-year apprenticeship program. Supervising Plumber: additional years beyond journeyman with supervisory experience. Education substitute: 576 hours of classroom training required; Oregon apprenticeship program completion satisfies both classroom and on-the-job requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in Oregon?
You must pass the Oregon Plumbing Exam exam. A passing score of 75% is required.
Do I need a bond for a plumber license in Oregon?
Yes, a $20,000 surety bond is required. CCB surety bond required. Bond amount depends on contractor type.
Does Oregon have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, Oregon has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to plumbers. 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 a plumber license in Oregon?
Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in Oregon?
Yes, 16 hours per every 3 years is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in Oregon— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BCD