Verify a CCB License or Build Your Application
Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board licenses most businesses paid to build, repair, improve or inspect real property. Homeowners can search the official CCB record for active status, endorsement, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation class and complaint history.
Applicants can follow a practical route through the Responsible Managing Individual, 16-hour training, Oregon exam, endorsement selection, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation and $400 two-year license application.
Oregon CCB 2026 Fast Facts
Use these figures only as a planning snapshot. The final endorsement, bond and insurance requirements depend on the business structure and type of work.
Oregon CCB License Lookup: Search the Official Record
The CCB search is the correct starting point for homeowners, property managers, general contractors, suppliers and permit applicants. Do not rely only on a number printed on a truck, estimate, business card or social-media profile.
Search by CCB number
Enter the complete number shown on the bid, residential contract or advertisement. Oregon contractors generally must display the CCB number on covered advertising and contracts.
Search by legal business name
Copy the exact name from the written estimate. Similar names can belong to different companies, and a marketing name may differ from the registered entity.
Search owner or principal information
This can help when the advertising name is incomplete or when you need to identify the license connected with an individual.
Save the record before payment
Print or save the page showing status, business identity, endorsement, bond, insurance and public history on the date you relied on it.
Open the official lookup only after collecting the exact CCB number or business name. Then use the next section to interpret each result field.
How to Read an Oregon Contractor License Result
A CCB number alone does not prove that the exact company is active or properly endorsed for the proposed structure and work.
| Record field | What it means | What to compare | When to stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| License status | Shows whether the license is active, inactive, expired, suspended or otherwise unavailable. | Check status before signing, permitting and starting work. | Do not proceed while the license is inactive, suspended, expired or missing. |
| Business identity | Lists the legal business and registered assumed names connected with the license. | Match the license to the estimate, contract, invoice and requested payment recipient. | Payment is requested to a person or company not shown in the licensed business record. |
| Endorsement | Identifies residential, commercial, general, specialty, limited, developer or restricted authority. | Match the endorsement to the structure and number of building trades involved. | The contractor bids work outside the endorsement’s structure or scope. |
| Bond | Displays the contractor bond associated with the endorsement. | Review bond status, business name and amount. | The bond is cancelled, expired or connected with a different entity. |
| Liability insurance | Shows licensing-related insurance information maintained by CCB. | Check the policy details and request a current certificate when appropriate. | The policy is expired, missing or excludes the proposed work. |
| Workers’ compensation class | Shows whether the contractor is listed as exempt or non-exempt. | Ask who will physically perform the work and whether employees or leased workers will be used. | The staffing described conflicts with the class shown in the record. |
| Complaint or disciplinary history | Provides public history connected with the license where available. | Read dates, allegations, outcomes and license actions. | The contractor refuses to explain a material public-record issue. |
What to Do When the Oregon CCB Search Finds No Match
A missing result can come from a spelling problem, a different legal entity, an inactive license or unlicensed activity. Do not assume it is a harmless website problem.
- Remove punctuation, “LLC,” “Inc.” or unnecessary words and search again.
- Search the owner or principal name shown on the estimate.
- Ask the contractor for the CCB number in writing.
- Check whether the company is using an assumed business name.
- Confirm whether the person is claiming the narrow under-$1,000 exemption.
- Contact CCB before signing or paying when the business cannot be verified.
Tool 1: Oregon CCB Record Safety Check
Use the live official record to answer each question. This tool provides planning help only and does not replace CCB or legal advice.
Who Needs an Oregon Construction Contractor License?
Oregon generally requires a CCB license when a person or business is paid to bid, advertise, arrange or perform construction activity involving improvements to real property.
Common licensed work
Roofing, painting, siding, carpentry, concrete, flooring, remodeling, tree services, HVAC, home inspections, manufactured-home installation and many repair services can require CCB licensing.
Advertising matters
Someone who advertises through business cards, online listings, signs, social media or other promotions generally cannot rely on the narrow minor-work exemption.
Other licenses may also apply
Electrical, plumbing, landscape, lead-based paint, locksmith and home-inspection work can require additional Oregon credentials beyond the CCB business license.
The narrow under-$1,000 exemption
A limited exemption may apply when the aggregate price of all labor, materials and other items for one structure or project is less than $1,000 and the work is casual, minor or inconsequential.
How to Apply for an Oregon CCB License
The business receives the license, while the Responsible Managing Individual completes the education and exam for most standard endorsements.
Choose and register the business entity
Set up the sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or other entity. Register the legal and assumed business names with the Oregon Secretary of State when required.
Select the Responsible Managing Individual
The RMI must be at least 18, be an owner or employee of the business and manage or supervise construction activities. The person completes the training and passes the Oregon exam.
Complete at least 16 hours of approved training
Use a CCB-approved pre-license provider. The provider reports course completion to the exam vendor so the RMI can schedule testing.
Pass the Oregon contractor exam
The open-book exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions. Applicants receive three hours, need at least 56 correct answers for a 70 percent score and currently pay $60 per attempt.
Choose the correct endorsement
Select residential, commercial or dual authority. Then choose general, specialty, limited, developer or a restricted endorsement based on structures, trades, experience and business limits.
Purchase the required contractor bond
The bond amount depends on the endorsement. A business with both residential and commercial endorsements needs two bonds—one for each endorsement.
Obtain general liability insurance
The minimum coverage depends on the endorsement. Dual-endorsed contractors use one policy meeting the higher applicable insurance requirement.
Determine workers’ compensation status
Businesses with employees generally need workers’ compensation coverage and employer account information. Commercial contractors have additional workers’ compensation requirements.
Submit the online application and $400 fee
Upload the exam result, bond with power of attorney, liability certificate and other required documents. Electronic applications can take up to four weeks, while paper applications can take six to eight weeks.
Avoid the most common application holds
- Use the same legal business name on the application, bond and insurance certificate.
- Include the bond power of attorney with the bond.
- Name the Construction Contractors Board correctly as certificate holder.
- Upload readable supporting documents during the initial submission.
- Select the endorsement before purchasing the bond.
- Confirm the RMI passed the exam within the previous 24 months.
- Watch email and spam folders for CCB requests.
Responsible Managing Individual and Oregon CCB Exam
The RMI is the individual responsible for construction supervision or management for the licensed business. Choosing an RMI only as a name on paper can create operational and compliance problems.
Exam facts
- 16 hours of approved pre-license education.
- 80 multiple-choice questions.
- Three-hour testing limit.
- 70 percent passing score.
- $60 fee for each exam attempt.
- Open-book use of the approved Oregon manual.
After passing
- Apply for the CCB license within 24 months.
- Include the test score report with the application.
- Keep the RMI connected with and active in the business.
- Update CCB if the RMI relationship changes.
- Retake training and testing if a license lapses for more than 24 months.
Oregon CCB Endorsements, Bonds and Insurance
The endorsement controls the structures, number of trades, experience, bond and insurance requirements. Residential endorsements can cover residential and qualifying small-commercial work; large-commercial work requires commercial authority.
Residential endorsements
| Endorsement | Work limits | Bond | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential General Contractor | Unlimited unrelated building trades on residential and small-commercial structures. | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Specialty Contractor | One or two unrelated trades, or three or more on one property when labor and materials total $2,500 or less. | $20,000 | $300,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Limited Contractor | Part-time or limited business expecting under $40,000 annual construction sales, with no contract or jobsite value above $5,000. | $15,000 | $100,000 per occurrence |
| Residential Developer | Develops property for sale while licensed general contractors oversee and perform construction. | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
Commercial endorsements
| Endorsement | Experience | Bond | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Level 1 | Eight years through qualifying key employees. | $80,000 | $2 million aggregate |
| Commercial General Level 2 | Four years through qualifying key employees. | $25,000 | $1 million aggregate |
| Commercial Specialty Level 1 | Eight years through qualifying key employees. | $55,000 | $1 million aggregate |
| Commercial Specialty Level 2 | Four years through qualifying key employees. | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
| Commercial Developer | No standard pre-license training, exam or construction-experience requirement for the developer endorsement. | $25,000 | $500,000 per occurrence |
Tool 2: Oregon Endorsement Starting Point
This does not approve an endorsement. It identifies a likely route to verify with CCB and the official endorsement chart.
Oregon CCB Renewal and Continuing Education
CCB licenses generally renew every two years. Contractors can normally renew through the portal up to eight weeks before expiration.
Renewal checklist
- Pay the current $400 renewal fee.
- Complete required continuing education.
- Maintain the endorsement bond.
- Maintain liability insurance.
- Confirm workers’ compensation status.
- Update business, email, phone and address details.
Residential continuing education
- Three hours of CCB laws, regulations and business practices.
- Thirteen additional approved hours if licensed less than six years.
- Five additional approved hours if licensed six years or more.
- Check exemptions and special endorsements before relying on a general total.
When a license has lapsed
Do not advertise, bid or work as though an expired license remains active. A license that lapses for more than 24 months can require the RMI to repeat pre-license education and testing.
Before Hiring an Oregon Contractor
A successful project requires more than an active license. Match the business, confirm permits, use a detailed written contract, control payment stages and keep every notice and change order.
Written contracts above $2,000
Residential construction work with an aggregate contract price over $2,000 must generally be in writing. If a project begins below that amount and later exceeds it, the contractor must provide the written contract after learning that the threshold will be crossed.
| Contract item | What it should answer |
|---|---|
| Business identity | Licensed name, address, telephone number and CCB number. |
| Scope | Exactly what will be installed, removed, repaired or excluded. |
| Materials | Brand, model, quality, finish and substitution rules. |
| Price and payment stages | Deposit, progress milestones, retainage if used and final-payment conditions. |
| Permits and inspections | Who applies, pays, schedules inspections and corrects failed work. |
| Changes and disputes | Written change orders, mediation, arbitration and complaint rights. |
Required residential notices
For residential contracts over $2,000, contractors generally must provide the Information Notice to Owner About Construction Liens, Consumer Protection Notice and Notice of Procedure. Proof of delivery should be retained.
- Match the payment recipient to the licensed business.
- Verify the permit directly with the city or county.
- Use signed written change orders.
- Do not release the final payment before completion and inspection.
- Ask for appropriate lien waivers or releases.
- Save the license result, notices, contract, invoices, checks and photos.
Oregon CCB Complaints, Mediation and Unlicensed Work
Residential complaints, large-commercial disputes, unlicensed contracting and permit problems use different procedures. Preserve documents and choose the correct route early.
Residential and qualifying small-commercial complaint route
Send it by USPS certified mail to the contractor’s address shown in the CCB record. State that you intend to file a CCB complaint and keep the receipt and a copy.
You may file after 30 days have passed, even if the contractor refuses or fails to claim the certified mail.
Existing-structure property-owner complaints generally must be received within one year after substantial completion. New-structure deadlines can depend on occupancy and substantial completion.
If accepted, CCB requests the $50 processing fee and normally assigns the dispute to voluntary mediation.
Documents to submit or preserve
- Pre-complaint notice and certified-mail proof.
- Signed contract and every change order.
- Invoices, receipts and front-and-back check copies.
- Dated photographs and videos.
- Permit and inspection records.
- Timeline of work, defects and correction requests.
- Repair estimates when requesting monetary resolution.
Large-commercial disputes
A large-commercial claimant can be required to start court litigation or binding arbitration before filing with CCB. Copies must be delivered to CCB and the surety within strict statutory windows tied to filing, trial, arbitration, judgment or award dates.
Report unlicensed activity
Use CCB Enforcement when a person appears to be advertising, bidding or working without an active license. Reports are most useful when they include an active jobsite address, name, vehicle details, advertisements and photographs.
Tool 3: Oregon Contractor Problem Route Finder
Select the issue closest to your situation. This does not file a complaint or preserve a deadline.
Oregon Public Works Bond and Prevailing-Wage Checks
The standard CCB contractor bond is not the same as Oregon’s separate statutory public works bond.
$30,000 public works bond
Contractors and subcontractors on qualifying public works projects with a contract price exceeding $100,000 generally must file a $30,000 public works bond before work begins.
Separate from the license bond
The public works bond supports prevailing-wage claims and does not replace the residential or commercial bond connected with the CCB endorsement.
- Confirm whether the public contract exceeds $100,000.
- Determine prevailing-wage applicability.
- File the public works bond before starting work.
- Keep the normal CCB endorsement bond active.
- Review any statutory or certified-business exemption.
Trade Licenses, Lead Rules and Local Permits
An active CCB business license does not replace every Oregon trade credential or local permit.
| Work type | Additional check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Electrical contractor and individual license through the Building Codes Division. | A CCB endorsement alone does not authorize regulated electrical work. |
| Plumbing | Plumbing contractor and individual plumber credentials. | Plumbing work can require separate company, individual and permit approvals. |
| Landscape work | Landscape Construction Professionals Board license for covered planting, irrigation and landscape construction. | CCB authority does not automatically cover every landscape activity. |
| Pre-1978 painted surfaces | Lead-based paint renovation license or certification where applicable. | Disturbing painted surfaces can trigger state and federal lead-safety rules. |
| Building and remodeling | City or county building, mechanical, zoning and inspection requirements. | A CCB license does not replace project-specific permits. |
Oregon CCB Phone Numbers, Email and Office Details
Contact the department that handles your task. Licensing, education, enforcement and dispute resolution use separate staff and phone lines.
Licensing
Applications, endorsements, renewals, bonds, insurance and account questions.
Education
Pre-license providers, exam preparation and continuing education.
Enforcement
Unlicensed or illegal contractor activity.
Dispute resolution
Complaint forms, mediation, deadlines and jurisdiction questions.
Physical office
201 High St. SE, Suite 600
Salem, OR 97301
Lobby hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m., excluding state closures.
Mailing address
Construction Contractors Board
P.O. Box 14140
Salem, OR 97309-5052
Fax: 503-373-2155
Oregon Contractors Board FAQs
How do I look up an Oregon contractor license?
Use the official Oregon CCB license search and enter the CCB number, legal business name or owner information. Confirm active status, business identity, endorsement, bond, insurance, workers’ compensation class and public complaint history before hiring.
How much does an Oregon CCB license cost in 2026?
The current fee is $400 for a two-year CCB license. The two-year renewal fee is also $400. Pre-license education, the $60 Oregon exam, bond and insurance are separate costs.
Who must have an Oregon CCB license?
Oregon generally requires people and businesses paid to advertise, bid, arrange or perform construction activity involving improvements to real property to hold the appropriate CCB license unless a specific exemption applies.
Can an Oregon handyman work without a CCB license?
A narrow exemption can apply to casual, minor or inconsequential work when the total price of labor, materials and other items on one project is less than $1,000. Advertising as a contractor or performing work as a subcontractor can remove the exemption.
What is the Oregon CCB pre-license exam?
The Responsible Managing Individual generally completes 16 hours of approved education and takes an open-book, 80-question Oregon exam. The test lasts three hours, requires a 70 percent score and currently costs $60 per attempt.
What bond does an Oregon residential contractor need?
The current minimum bond is $25,000 for a Residential General Contractor, $20,000 for a Residential Specialty Contractor and $15,000 for a Residential Limited Contractor. Other endorsements have different bond requirements.
How long does an Oregon CCB application take?
Oregon CCB currently says electronic applications may take up to four weeks and paper applications may take six to eight weeks. Missing, unreadable or inconsistent documents can extend processing.
How often does an Oregon contractor license renew?
An Oregon CCB license generally renews every two years. Contractors should complete required education, maintain bond and insurance, update workers’ compensation information and renew through the online portal.
How do I file a complaint against an Oregon contractor?
For residential and certain small-commercial complaints, mail a pre-complaint notice by USPS certified mail to the contractor’s CCB address at least 30 days before filing. Then submit the correct complaint form and evidence within the applicable deadline.
Does an active Oregon CCB license guarantee good work?
No. An active license confirms regulatory requirements such as endorsement, bond and insurance, but it does not guarantee workmanship. Homeowners should also verify permits, references, contract terms and payment stages.
Use the Official Record Before You Hire or Apply
Homeowners: match the license, business name and endorsement to the contract, then review bond, insurance, workers’ compensation, permits and complaint history before paying.
Applicants: confirm the endorsement first, complete the RMI training and exam, arrange the correct bond and insurance, submit a complete application and wait for the active CCB record before advertising or bidding.