How to Get an Oregon CCB License
Step-by-step guide for new applicants. Eligibility requirements, pre-license training, the CCB open-book exam, bond and insurance obligations, and how to submit your application.
Looking to verify a contractor's license? This guide is for contractors applying for a new CCB license. To search any Oregon contractor by name or CCB number - use CCB Lookup →
Do you need a CCB license?
Oregon law (ORS 701.021) requires anyone performing construction work for compensation involving improvements to real property to hold a valid CCB license. This applies broadly.
Work that requires a license
- Roofing, siding, painting
- Carpentry, floor covering, concrete
- Heating, air conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing, electrical
- Tree servicing, handyman work
- Home inspection services
- Chimney inspection and sweeping
- Manufactured dwelling installation
Work that does NOT require a license
- Gutter cleaning
- Power/pressure washing for cleaning
- Debris cleanup
- Work by licensed real estate property managers under a management agreement
When in doubt, contact the CCB at 503-378-4621. Performing unlicensed work is subject to civil penalties and you cannot legally bid on jobs without a license (ORS 701.021).
Which license type do you need?
Oregon has 18 CCB license types. The most common for new applicants are:
- Residential General Contractor (RGC) - for contractors who manage entire residential projects, coordinate multiple trades, or build new homes. The broadest residential license.
- Residential Specialty Contractor (RSC) - for contractors performing one specific trade (roofing, painting, HVAC, flooring, etc.) without managing multi-trade projects.
- Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) - for part-time and hobby contractors. Maximum $40,000 gross annual volume and $5,000 per job site per year. Lower bond requirement ($15,000).
- Commercial General Contractor (CGC1/CGC2) - for commercial construction. CGC1 for smaller projects, CGC2 for unlimited project size. Requires documented commercial construction experience.
Dual endorsement: If you will work on both residential and large commercial structures, you need both a residential and commercial endorsement - and two separate surety bonds, one for each endorsement type. Each bond must meet the minimum amount for its license type.
For specialty licenses (Lead-Based Paint, Home Inspector, Locksmith), see the full CCB license types guide.
Step-by-step application process
Choose your license type
Decide which CCB endorsement matches the work you will perform. If unsure, call the CCB at 503-378-4621. Choosing the wrong license type means you cannot legally perform the work you planned - verify before applying.
Complete pre-license training
Most CCB license types require completing a CCB-approved 16-hour pre-license course before you can sit for the exam. Courses cover Oregon construction law, business practices, lien law, and contractor obligations. Available online and in-person from multiple approved providers.
The course includes the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management (Oregon CCB 2nd Edition) - a state-specific textbook you will also use during the exam. Make sure you get the Oregon-specific edition, not the standard national version.
RLC applicants have a reduced training requirement. Contact the CCB to confirm the current requirement for your specific endorsement.
Alternative path - community college programs
Some Oregon community college Small Business Development Centers offer an alternative licensing path: the 16-hour course is split into units and students are tested after each unit (closed book). Providers offer significant one-on-one attention. Ask your local community college SBDC if this option is available in your area.
Pass the CCB examination
The CCB exam is administered by PSI, Oregon's official exam vendor. Key details:
The exam is open book - you can bring your NASCLA manual and margin notes. Your pre-license training provider will notify PSI when you complete training, and PSI will contact you to schedule the exam.
The person who passes the exam becomes the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for the license. You must apply for your CCB license within 24 months of passing the exam, or you will need to retake training and the exam from the beginning.
Taking the exam remotely? Read this first
- PSI sends a student bulletin (available in English and Spanish) - read it in full before exam day. Accidentally violating a rule can terminate your test.
- If taking the exam online, test your system with PSI's compatibility tool at least 24 hours before - not in the minutes before the test. If your system is incompatible, you will need to reschedule and pay again.
- In-person testing eliminates technical risk entirely and may be less stressful for first-time test takers.
Register your business and obtain bond and insurance
Before applying for your CCB license, you need:
- Oregon Secretary of State registration - register your business entity (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation) at oregon.gov/sos before submitting your CCB application. Based on CCB licensing data, contractors typically form: 39% corporations, 32% sole proprietorships, 27% LLCs. Many applicants consult an attorney or accountant to choose the right structure.
- Surety bond - minimum $25,000 for most residential licenses ($15,000 for RLC). Your surety company files the bond directly with the CCB. Shop multiple providers - premiums vary based on credit and business history. Good credit: 1–3% of bond amount. Poor credit: 5–15%.
- General liability insurance - minimum $500,000 for most license types. Your insurer files a Certificate of Insurance with the CCB. The Certificate Holder must be listed as "Construction Contractors Board, PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309".
- Workers compensation insurance or exemption - required if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may qualify for an exemption. Contact the Oregon Workers Compensation Division at 503-947-7810 to confirm your status.
- Dual endorsement note: If applying for both residential and commercial endorsements, you need two separate surety bonds but only one Certificate of Insurance - at the higher of the two required coverage amounts.
Submit your application
Apply online at or.accessgov.com/ccb - CCB applications cannot be submitted by mail or in person, only online. Your application must include:
- Completed application form with business and RMI information
- Proof of pre-license training completion
- Exam pass confirmation from PSI
- Bond filed by your surety company
- Certificate of Insurance filed by your insurer
- Application fee payment (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover only)
Application tips from the CCB
- Set aside 20 minutes to complete the application in one session. The save-and-exit function does not always preserve data as expected - finishing in one go avoids losing information.
- Have all documents already saved to your device before starting: bond certificate, COI, and training completion proof.
- You will need to download, sign, and re-upload the certification and signature pages - this step is easy to miss.
The CCB license fee is $400 every two years. To check the status of a submitted application call 503-378-4621 or email ccb.info@ccb.oregon.gov.
Verify your new license
Once issued, your CCB license will appear in the public database within 1-2 business days. Search your business name at CCB Lookup or verify by CCB number at OR CCB Lookup to confirm your license, bond, and insurance are showing correctly. Your clients will verify your license before hiring you - ensure the record is accurate from day one.
The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI)
Every CCB license requires a designated Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) - the qualified person who passed the CCB exam and is accountable for the business's construction law compliance.
- The RMI must be an owner, partner, officer, or employee of the business
- A sole proprietor is typically their own RMI
- A corporation or LLC can designate a qualifying employee as RMI
- If the RMI leaves the business, a new qualified RMI must be designated within 90 days or the license becomes inactive (not suspended - the distinction matters for ongoing projects)
- A person who has served as RMI within the last 24 months can take on the role without retaking the exam
- The RMI's name appears on your public CCB record - visible to any homeowner searching your license
How long does it take to get an Oregon CCB license?
Typically 4-8 weeks total from starting pre-license training to receiving your license number. The breakdown: pre-license training takes 1-2 weeks depending on format and your schedule, exam scheduling through PSI adds a few days to a week, and CCB application processing takes about three weeks after a complete, error-free submission - faster if no information is missing. Bond and insurance setup can run parallel to training. Start those early to avoid delays at the application stage.
How much does it cost to get an Oregon CCB license?
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-license training | $100 – $550 | Online: $100–$400 · In-person: $250–$550 |
| CCB exam (PSI) | $60 | Per attempt |
| CCB application fee | $400 | 2-year license, effective July 1, 2025 |
| Surety bond (annual) | $100 – $500+ | Good credit: 1–3% of bond · Poor credit: 5–15% |
| Liability insurance (annual) | Varies | Min. $500K coverage required - shop providers |
| Oregon SOS registration | $100+ | LLC or corporation registration |
Oregon requires minimum surety bond and general liability insurance coverage before you can apply. Premiums vary by credit history, bond amount, and insurer - shop multiple providers.
Veterans - exam cost reimbursement
Veterans may be able to obtain reimbursement for the cost of the CCB licensing exam through federal or state veterans benefits. Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551 or the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-828-8801 for information on eligibility and the reimbursement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
After you get your license - staying compliant
From the official CCB webinar: the most common compliance mistakes happen after getting the license, not during the application process.
Add a second RMI early
RMIs retire, change jobs, or become unavailable. With a second qualified RMI already on file, your license continues without interruption. Add one when business is slow - qualifying takes time.
Create your online portal account
Your application account and your portal account are separate. After receiving your license, create an account at portal.ccb.state.or.us - this is where you renew, update your address, and access eWatch.
Use the eWatch monitoring feature
eWatch lets you monitor any CCB license and receive email alerts if it goes inactive. Follow your own license to catch unexpected suspensions early. General contractors can monitor all their subcontractors' licenses automatically.
Keep insurance on file at the CCB
Your insurance renews annually. If the certificate on file at the CCB expires, your license can be suspended - even if you have current coverage. Confirm your insurer sent the updated certificate to the CCB, and verify it was received.
Renew your SOS registration annually
If your business has an Oregon Secretary of State registration, it must be renewed every year. An expired SOS registration will block your CCB license renewal - even if everything else is in order.
Update your address within 10 days
The CCB sends pre-complaint notices and renewal reminders by mail. If your address is out of date, you may miss a complaint you didn't know existed. Update through your portal account within 10 days of any move.
Watch the Official CCB Licensing Webinar
Recorded June 2025. Presented by Leslie Culpepper, Communications and Education Manager at the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
This webinar is produced by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. CCB Lookup is not affiliated with the CCB. Oregon CCB official site →
Last updated: June 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Licensing page, the Oregon Secretary of State fee schedule, and the official Oregon CCB contractor licensing webinar (June 2025).
Application Checklist
- Chosen correct license type
- Pre-license training completed (16h)
- NASCLA Oregon CCB 2nd Edition obtained
- CCB exam passed via PSI ($60)
- Business registered with Oregon SOS
- Surety bond obtained (min. $25K)
- Insurance obtained (min. $500K)
- COI lists CCB as Certificate Holder
- Workers comp or exemption confirmed
- Application submitted online ($400)
- License verified at CCB Lookup
- Online portal account created
- eWatch set up for your license
Exam Quick Facts
- Questions80 multiple choice
- Time3 hours
- Passing score70%
- FormatOpen book
- Exam fee$60
- VendorPSI
CCB Application Links
Related Guides
CCB Contact
- Phone: 503-378-4621
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
- Address: 201 High St. SE Ste. 600, Salem OR 97301
- Portal: portal.ccb.state.or.us