Oregon Contractor License Requirements: 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Oregon requires a CCB license for any paid construction work, there is no dollar minimum. The CCB uses an endorsement-based system with multiple contractor categories. Oregon requires 16 hours of pre-license training before the exam. Bond amounts increased January 1, 2024 under HB 2922. License renewal fees increased to $400/2yr effective July 2025. Oregon has no reciprocity and does not accept NASCLA. CCB is one of the most active enforcement agencies in the US for contractor licensing. This guide covers every Oregon requirement in effect for 2026.
Endorsement-Based License System
Endorsements available: Residential General Contractor, Residential Specialty Contractor, Commercial General Contractor, Commercial Specialty Contractor, Residential Limited Contractor, and Developer. The endorsement determines the scope of authorized work.
16-Hour Pre-License Training
All new applicants must complete a 16-hour Residential and Management Instruction (RMI) course from a CCB-approved provider before scheduling the exam. This is a meaningful time investment and cannot be waived. Approved providers are listed at oregon.gov/CCB.
CCB Exam
After completing pre-license training, applicants sit a CCB-specific exam administered by PSI ($60 exam fee). NASCLA is not accepted. No reciprocity with any state. Background check required.
Bond Amounts - HB 2922 (January 1, 2024)
Current bond amounts: Residential GC $20,000 (was $15,000); Residential Specialty $15,000 (was $10,000); Commercial GC $20,000; Commercial Specialty $10,000; Residential Limited $10,000. Any source showing pre-2024 amounts is outdated.
Renewal Fee - July 2025 Increase
CCB renewal fee increased to $400 per two-year cycle effective July 2025 (was $325). Verify current fee at oregon.gov/CCB before submitting renewal payment. $500,000 GL required for Residential GC and Commercial GC. CCB license number must appear on all contracts, ads, vehicles, and business cards.
For insurance guidance see our Oregon contractor insurance requirements guide.
Pro tip: CCB’s public license database at oregon.gov/CCB shows complaint and enforcement history, not just active/expired status. Before subcontracting any Oregon work, look up the contractor’s full CCB record. CCB’s active enforcement means the database is current and reliable as a pre-contract screening tool.
Bottom Line and Next Steps
Oregon’s no-threshold requirement, 16-hour pre-license training, CCB-specific exam, no NASCLA, and no reciprocity make it one of the most investment-intensive states to enter. Confirm the HB 2922 bond amounts and July 2025 renewal fee are reflected in your current documentation. CCB’s public license database at oregon.gov/CCB shows complaint and enforcement history, use it as a standard pre-contract screening tool.
Take the Next Step
-
Contractor Insurance Requirements by State - Compare coverage mandates across all 50 states
-
Insurance Costs by State - See what GL and WC actually costs in your state
-
Proof of Insurance Guide - What to have ready when clients or GCs ask
Insurance requirements, license requirements, and market premiums are subject to change alongside state legislation and carrier appetite. While we audit and update this data regularly to ensure reliability (Last Updated: May 2026), these figures are for research and planning purposes only. Always verify specific coverage mandates with your local licensing board or a licensed broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 16-hour pre-license training requirement in Oregon?
A mandatory RMI course from a CCB-approved provider that must be completed before sitting the CCB exam. Cannot be waived.
What are Oregon’s current contractor bond amounts?
Residential GC $20,000; Residential Specialty $15,000; Commercial GC $20,000; Commercial Specialty $10,000; Residential Limited $10,000. HB 2922 amounts effective January 1, 2024.
What is Oregon’s current CCB renewal fee?
$400 per two-year cycle, effective July 2025. Prior fee was $325. Verify current fee at oregon.gov/CCB.