You'll need to meet specific requirements to obtain a contractor license in Oregon. First, complete a 16-hour pre-license course from an approved provider and pass the licensing exam. Next, register your business with the Secretary of State and designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI). You'll also need to secure a surety bond and general liability insurance, with coverage amounts based on your contractor classification. Finally, submit a license application to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) with the required fees and documentation. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed Oregon contractor.

Highlights

• Meet the basic requirements, including being at least 18 years old and having a clear record free of construction debt and certain convictions.

• Complete a 16-hour pre-license training course from an approved provider, which covers laws and business practices relevant to the construction industry.

• Pass the Oregon contractor exam, an open-book test consisting of 80 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit and 70% passing score.

• Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State, designating a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) who has completed the pre-license training course.

• Obtain the required insurance and bonding, including a CCB surety bond and general liability insurance, and submit your license application to the CCB.

Meet Oregon Contractor License Requirements

Your path to becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon begins with meeting the state's contractor license requirements. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and complete a 16-hour pre-license course from an approved provider. You'll also need to have a clear record, free of construction debt and certain criminal convictions.

Before submitting your license application, you'll need to secure a surety bond and provide proof of general liability insurance. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) requires these documents to verify you're financially responsible and able to protect your clients. Your business name must also be registered with the Secretary of State.

Once you've met these requirements, you can submit your license application to the CCB, along with the $325 fee. The CCB will review your application to verify you meet all the necessary qualifications. Meeting these requirements is the first step towards obtaining your contractor license in Oregon. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed contractor in the state.

Complete Pre-License Training Course

Prior to submitting your contractor license application, you must complete a mandatory 16-hour pre-license training course from a Construction Contractors Board (CCB)-approved provider. This course covers essential information about laws and business practices, guaranteeing you understand key concepts necessary for compliance and success in the construction industry in Oregon.

The pre-license training prepares you for the open-book CCB licensing exam, which consists of 80 multiple choice questions and requires a passing score of 70%. Approved providers, such as OnlineEd, offer the course for a fee, including resources like the NASCLA Contractors Guide, MP3 audio, and practice quizzes. You'll have access to an online course that allows you to complete the training at your own pace.

It's vital to complete the pre-license training course before registering for the CCB licensing exam through PSI, the official exam administrator. By doing so, you'll be well-prepared to pass the exam and take the next step towards obtaining your contractor license in Oregon. Make sure to choose a CCB-approved provider to guarantee you meet the state's requirements. Upon completion, you'll be one step closer to achieving your goal of becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon.

Pass the Oregon Contractor Exam

Eighty multiple-choice questions stand between you and passing the Oregon Contractor Exam, an essential step in obtaining your contractor license in Oregon. To pass the exam, you'll need to answer at least 56 questions correctly, achieving a score of 70%. The exam is open-book, allowing you to reference the NASCLA Contractors Guide during the test. You'll have 3 hours to complete the exam, so it's vital to manage your time wisely.

Registration for the exam must be completed through PSI, the official exam administrator. PSI also provides a preparation bulletin to help you prepare for the exam. Upon passing the exam, your results will be sent directly to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to facilitate the licensing process. Passing the Oregon Contractor Exam demonstrates your competence in contractor licensing and is a significant step towards becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon. By preparing thoroughly and staying focused, you can pass the exam and move closer to achieving your goal of becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon.

Register Your Business and RMI

As you move forward in the licensing process, registering your business and designating a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) are essential steps in obtaining your contractor license in Oregon. You'll need to register your business name with the Oregon Secretary of State to guarantee compliance with state regulations. Choose a business structure that suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, considering your plans for growth and development.

Next, designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) who will oversee construction activities and guarantee compliance with licensing requirements. The RMI must meet specific experience and education requirements, including completing a 16-hour pre-license training course approved by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). When submitting your application for a contractor license to the CCB, include proof of your business registration and RMI designation. By registering your business and designating a qualified RMI, you're demonstrating your commitment to meeting Oregon's licensing standards. This step is essential in establishing your credibility and professionalism as a contractor in the state. Make sure you follow the CCB's guidelines and regulations to avoid any delays or complications in the licensing process.

Obtain Insurance and Bonding

Your path to becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon requires more than just passing an exam - it also involves securing the necessary insurance and bonding to protect yourself, your clients, and your business. To comply with state regulations, you'll need to obtain specific insurance policies and bonds.

Here are the key insurance and bonding requirements you need to fulfill:

• Obtain an Oregon Contractors License Bond, with the bond amount varying based on your contractor classification (e.g., Residential Limited Contractor requires a $10,000 bond).

• Obtain general liability insurance, with coverage amounts depending on your license classification (e.g., Commercial General Contractor Level 1 needs $2 million in insurance).

• List the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) as the Certificate Holder on your general liability insurance policy.

• If you plan to hire employees, secure workers' compensation insurance and submit a valid business identification number (BIN) and employer identification number (EIN).

• Maintain your insurance and bonding to comply with state regulations and guarantee ongoing license renewal.

Submit License Application to CCB

Now that you've secured the necessary insurance and bonding, it's time to submit your license application to the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). You'll need to provide a completed license application form, proof of general liability insurance naming the CCB as the Certificate Holder, and a surety bond. Be certain to include the required $325 application fee for a two-year license.

When submitting your Oregon contractors' license application, you must guarantee compliance with all state regulations, including designating a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for your business. The CCB reviews your application to verify that you've met all requirements, including obtaining the necessary insurance and bonding. If your application is approved, you'll receive your contractor license, which allows you to operate legally in Oregon's construction industry. The license is typically valid for two years, after which you'll need to renew it. By submitting your application and supporting documentation, you're taking the final step towards becoming a licensed contractor in Oregon.