At a Glance
Quick Answer
Oregon requires a state-level contractor license for projects above All construction work requires CCB licensing. Exam required. NASCLA accepted. Administered by Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
Context
Licensing & Bidding in Oregon
Oregon is strict: all construction work requires a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before you perform — there is no dollar threshold below which you can work unlicensed. That means you must hold an active CCB license to legally bid and contract, public or private. Plan ahead, because initial licensure requires a 16-hour pre-license training course and the exam, and you cannot mobilize on a winning bid until your CCB number is active. A Certificate of Insurance must accompany your application, and continuing education of 8 to 16 hours applies depending on your license type.
Oregon accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination, easing qualification for firms already credentialed in NASCLA states, and maintains reciprocity with Washington — useful for contractors working the Columbia River corridor. Note that bond amounts increase by $5,000 for each CCB endorsement type you carry, so when bidding work that spans multiple endorsements, confirm your bonding is sized correctly before submission. Out-of-state bidders should treat the CCB license, current insurance, and adequate bond as non-negotiable prerequisites rather than post-award paperwork.
The downside of bidding unlicensed in Oregon is real: civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, injunctions that can halt your project, and loss of mechanics lien rights — meaning you lose your strongest tool to collect on a disputed contract. Because the CCB actively enforces, an unlicensed bid is not just risky, it is uncollectable and potentially litigated. Protect your Oregon bid work by confirming active CCB licensure, current insurance on file, and a bond sized to your endorsements before you price and submit.
Details
Key Facts & Fees
Key Facts
- GC License Required
- Yes
- Threshold
- All construction work requires CCB licensing
- Exam Required
- Yes
- NASCLA Accepted
- Yes
Fees
- Application Fee
- $325 (increasing to $400 effective July 1, 2025)
- License Fee
- Included in application fee
- Renewal Fee
- $325 - $400 biennially
Reference
Key Facts
All contractors must be licensed with the CCB before performing any construction work
16-hour pre-license training course required
Bond amounts increase by $5,000 for each CCB endorsement type
Certificate of Insurance must accompany the application
Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Education
Continuing Education
8-16 hours depending on license type
Interstate
Reciprocity States
Specialty
Specialty Licenses Required
Process
How to Apply
- 1Complete the 16-hour pre-license training course
- 2Submit CCB application with Certificate of Insurance attached
- 3Obtain a surety bond in the required amount for your license type
- 4Provide proof of general liability insurance
- 5Obtain workers compensation insurance or file exemption
- 6Pay $325-$400 application fee
Enforcement
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation; loss of lien rights; injunctions
Resources
Related Templates
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FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Do I need a contractor license in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a state-level contractor license for projects above All construction work requires CCB licensing. The administering board is Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
Is an exam required in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a licensing exam. The state accepts the NASCLA standardized exam as an alternative to the state-specific exam.
What insurance is required in Oregon?
General Liability: $100,000 - $500,000 for residential; up to $2,000,000 for commercial. Workers Comp: Required for all contractors with employees. Bond: $15,000 - $25,000 for residential; $25,000 - $80,000 for commercial.
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Oregon?
Civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation; loss of lien rights; injunctions
Do small jobs need a CCB license in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires every contractor to hold an active Construction Contractors Board license before performing any construction work — there is no minimum dollar threshold. Even small jobs require CCB licensure, current insurance on file, and the applicable bond, so confirm your license is active before bidding or mobilizing.
Does Oregon accept the NASCLA exam and offer reciprocity?
Oregon accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination, helping contractors qualified in NASCLA states. Oregon also maintains reciprocity with Washington. Even with reciprocity, you must complete CCB requirements, including the 16-hour pre-license training, insurance certificate, and a bond sized to your endorsements before bidding.
What happens if I bid construction work unlicensed in Oregon?
Unlicensed contracting exposes you to civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, injunctions that can stop the project, and loss of mechanics lien rights. Without lien rights you lose leverage to collect on disputed payments, turning a winning bid into an uncollectable loss. The CCB actively enforces these provisions.