Trade business resources for Oregon.

In Oregon, contractors who perform construction work for compensation must be licensed through the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before bidding, advertising, or performing work. Separate licensing boards govern electricians and plumbers, while the CCB covers general contractors, specialty trades like HVAC and roofing, and home inspectors.

State licensing board

The CCB issues licenses in several residential and commercial tiers: Residential General Contractor (can perform all residential construction), Residential Specialty Contractor (limited to specific trade categories such as roofing, HVAC, or framing), Residential Limited Contractor (minor repairs and improvements up to $2,500 per project), and Commercial General/Specialty Contractor categories for commercial work. Electrical contractors and individual electricians are licensed separately through the Oregon Building Codes Division (Electrical Program), and plumbers are licensed through the Oregon State Plumbing Board — both require passing a trade exam and maintaining active licensure before performing any work regardless of dollar amount. HVAC contractors must hold a CCB Residential or Commercial Specialty license and employ or be a licensed Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) technician certified through the Oregon Building Codes Division. There is no minimum dollar threshold that exempts a contractor from CCB licensing on for-hire work; even small jobs require a valid license, and all licensees must carry general liability insurance and participate in the state's contractor bond program.

Business registration