Per Oregon Public Law Chapter 701, residential contractors must be licensed to work in the state. Residential general contractors supervise, arrange and perform residential or small commercial structure projects.

Learn how to get your Oregon residential contractor license with this complete guide. 

How Do I Become a Residential Contractor in Oregon?

To become a CCB-licensed residential contractor in Oregon, follow these six steps. 

Step 1: Verify eligibility

You must meet the following requirements set in place by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to be eligible for a license: 

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have no unpaid construction debts
• Have no criminal history

Step 2: Complete pre-licensing training and exam

To start, you must complete a 16-hour training course through an approved pre-licensing educator. After completion, take the 80-question, multiple-choice exam — online or in person. The exam is open book and you will have three hours to complete and pass with a score of at least 70%. 

Step 3: Register your business

Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporate Division. Each business you own requires its own license. Refer to the SOS business page for more information. 

Step 4: Purchase a $25,000 surety bond

The Oregon CCB requires all residential general contractors (RGCs) to have a $25,000 surety bond to ensure compliance with state laws. Other residential contractors may need a $15,000 or $20,000 CCB bond based on the specific license type.

Buy your Oregon residential contractor bond online with instant email delivery. Please note that this bond expires annually. 

Step 5: Get liability and workers' comp insurance

In addition to your surety bond, you must have proof of general liability insurance. Be sure to make the name of the Certificate Holder “Construction Contractors Board.”  

If you are hiring employees, you need to get workers’ compensation insurance and collect your employees’ account numbers for tax purposes. Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue or the IRS for this information. 

Step 6: Submit your application

Login or create an account with the Construction Contractors Board to apply online. Submit your application and include the following:

• Proof of exam passage
• $25,000 surety bond
• Proof of insurance 
• $325 licensing fee

How to Renew Your Oregon Residential General Contractors License 

Your Oregon contractors license will expire after two years and can be renewed up to eight weeks before the expiration date. To renew your license, complete the process through your CCB account.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an RGC License in Oregon?

The cost of becoming an Oregon residential general contractor is about $700. You can expect the following expenses:

• Application Fee: $325
• CCB Surety Bond: $375*

*This price reflects the SuretyBonds.com residential general contractor license rate. Premiums vary for other types of Oregon residential CCB bonds.  

How Long Does it Take to Get a CCB License in Oregon?

It can take up to eight weeks to get a CCB license in Oregon. Be sure to submit your application as early as possible. 

More Resources

• Oregon Start a Business Packet
• Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division
• Oregon Chapter 701: Construction Contractors and Contractors Legislation
• State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board: Residential Surety Bond PDF 
• Endorsement Chart
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Contractor 
• Oregon CCB: Online Services
• How to get an Oregon Contractor License: SuretyBonds.com