Do I need a CCB license to do construction work in Oregon?

Generally yes. Oregon law requires anyone performing construction work for compensation involving improvements to real property to hold a valid CCB license. This includes roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, flooring, concrete, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, handyman services, and most construction and repair work. Exceptions include gutter cleaning, power washing for cleaning purposes, debris cleanup, and work by qualified real estate property managers. When in doubt, contact the CCB at 503-378-4621.

How long does it take to get an Oregon CCB license?

Processing time after submitting a complete application is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on CCB workload. Before applying, you must complete pre-license training and pass the CCB exam, which adds additional time depending on available course dates and your exam schedule. Plan for 4-8 weeks from starting pre-license training to receiving your license.

What is the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) requirement for a CCB license?

Every CCB license must have a designated Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) - the person who passed the CCB exam and is responsible for the business's compliance with Oregon construction law. The RMI must be an owner, partner, officer, or employee of the business. A sole proprietor is typically their own RMI. If the RMI leaves the business, a new qualified RMI must be designated within 90 days or the license becomes inactive.

How much does it cost to get an Oregon CCB license?

The total cost includes the CCB application and license fee (varies by license type - check oregon.gov/ccb for current fees), pre-license training course cost (typically $100-300 depending on provider), the CCB exam fee ($75 as of the most recent published fee schedule), surety bond premium (ongoing annual cost, typically $200-500+ per year depending on bond amount and your credit), and general liability insurance premiums (varies significantly by coverage level and business size).

Which CCB license type do I need?

The right license depends on the type and scope of work you will perform. For whole-project management and new construction: Residential General Contractor (RGC). For a single specific trade (roofing, painting, HVAC, etc.): Residential Specialty Contractor (RSC). For small-scale repairs and maintenance under $40,000 annual volume: Residential Limited Contractor (RLC). For commercial construction: CGC1 or CGC2 depending on project size. Review the full guide to Oregon CCB license types or call the CCB at 503-378-4621 for guidance on your specific situation.

Contractor Guide

How to Get an Oregon CCB License

Step-by-step guide for new applicants. Eligibility requirements, pre-license training, the CCB exam, bond and insurance obligations, and how to submit your application.

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.

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.

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 completion of a CCB-approved pre-license education course before you can sit for the exam. The course covers Oregon construction law, business practices, lien law, and contractor obligations. Courses are available online and in-person from multiple approved providers.

RLC (Residential Limited Contractor) applicants have a reduced training requirement. Contact the CCB to confirm the current pre-license requirement for your specific endorsement.

Pass the CCB examination

The CCB exam tests knowledge of Oregon construction law, contractor responsibilities, lien law, and business practices. The exam is administered by an approved testing provider. The exam fee applies.

The person who passes the exam becomes the Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for the license - the person legally responsible for the business's CCB compliance. This can be the owner, a partner, or a qualifying employee.

Obtain surety bond and insurance

Before your license can be issued, you must obtain:

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 surety providers - premiums vary based on your credit score and business history.
General liability insurance - minimum $500,000 for most license types. Your insurer files a certificate of insurance directly with the CCB.
Workers compensation insurance - required if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may qualify for an exemption - confirm with the CCB.

Oregon contractor insurance requirements

Submit your application

Apply online through the CCB's application portal at or.accessgov.com/ccb. Your application must include:

Completed application form with business and RMI information
Proof of pre-license training completion
Exam pass confirmation
Bond filed by your surety company
Insurance certificate filed by your insurer
Application fee payment

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 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. Understanding the RMI role is critical before applying.

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
The RMI's name appears on your public CCB record - visible to any homeowner searching your license

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally yes. Oregon law requires anyone performing construction work for compensation involving improvements to real property to hold a CCB license. Exceptions include gutter cleaning, pressure washing for cleaning, and debris cleanup. When in doubt, call the CCB at 503-378-4621 before starting work.

CCB processing time after a complete application is typically 2-4 weeks. Pre-license training and exam preparation add additional time. Plan for 4-8 weeks from starting training to receiving your license number.

Every CCB license must have an RMI - the person who passed the CCB exam and is accountable for the business's compliance. The RMI must be an owner, partner, officer, or employee. If the RMI leaves, a new qualified RMI must be designated within 90 days or the license becomes inactive.

Total costs include the CCB application and license fee (varies by type - check oregon.gov/ccb), pre-license training ($100-300), exam fee, surety bond premium (ongoing, typically $200-500+ per year), and liability insurance premiums. Contact the CCB at 503-378-4621 for current fee schedules.

For managing whole projects and new construction: RGC. For a single specific trade: RSC. For small-scale work under $40K annual volume: RLC. For commercial construction: CGC1 or CGC2. Review the CCB license types guide or call 503-378-4621 for guidance on your situation.

Last updated: April 2026. Information sourced from the Oregon CCB Licensing page.

Application Checklist

Chosen correct license type
Pre-license training completed
CCB exam passed
Surety bond obtained ($25K min.)
Insurance obtained ($500K min.)
Workers comp / exemption
Application submitted online
License verified at CCB Lookup

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