Who needs to become licensed with the Oregon CCB?

You're required to become licensed if you are engaged, for compensation, in any construction activity involving improvements to real estate. This includes partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and self-employed individuals whether working by the hour, week, job or 'cost-plus', and whether by written contract or oral agreement.

A license is required for any individual or business entity which advertises, offers, bids or arranges to do, or actually does any construction, alteration, remodeling, or repair involving residential, commercial, industrial, or public works improvements. Inspection, tree service, power washing, chimney sweeps and developers who build houses with the intent to sell, are also required to become licensed.

Plumbers and electricians require a license with the Building Codes Division (BCD) and a business license with the CCB.

Who does not need to become licensed with the CCB?
The following categories of construction work are exempt from licensing, according to ORS 701.010:

• Work on your own personal property (property which is not real estate)
• Work within the boundaries of a federal site or reservation.
• Supply or delivery of materials, but not installation.
• Owners or residents who contract for work and do not intend to sell the structure.
• Owner-builders who are not building the structure for resale.
• Licensed engineers, architects, water well contractors, sewage system installers, property managers, and landscaping businesses, when operating within the scope of those licenses.
• Licensees/real estate managers/agents acting within the scope of their license.
• Employees of property owners and licensed contractors
• Mobile home manufacturers
• Movers of modular structures
• Commercial lending institutions
• Units of government other than schools that sell student-built residential structures.

When and where can I take my CCB test?
You can take the test once you have completed the required 16 hours of education. You must be registered by an approved education provider such as 4 Seasons LLC. Once registered, you will call or go online and register with Prometric using a Visa, Mastercard, or e-check. Prometric testing is available Monday through Saturday during the day and evenings. Prometric requires that you arrive at the test site 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. Testing centers are located in Bend, Eugene, La Grande (by June 1, 2009), Medford, Portland has two locations, and Garden City, ID. Test center locations are subject to change.

What do I bring to the CCB test?

Your Oregon Contractor's Reference Manual, picture ID, and your CCB approved ID # you will receive from us when you submit your study log.

Can I retake the test if I don't pass the first time?

Yes.  However, each attempt costs a new exam fee.

What does it cost to get my license?

• CCB required 16 hours of education with 4 Seasons: $149 
• CCB test fee (Prometric): $85
• CCB license fee (2-year): $295
• Assumed Business Name (ABN) from Oregon Corporation Division: $12-$20
• Surety bond (cost depends on current creditworthiness): $85-$950
• General liability insurance annual premium (cost depends on type of work and length of field experience): $200-$10,000

Is this an open book test?

Yes.  Bring your Oregon Contractor's Reference Manual with you when you take the test. However, don't assume that because it is an open book test it will be easy.  You will have to study to pass the test. You cannot take anything into the test other than your manual.

How many questions are there on the CCB test?

There are 80 questions.  You need to get at least 56 answers correctly to get 70%, the minimum score to pass the test. 

How long does the state test last?

You will have two hours to complete the test (to answer 80 questions.)

When will I know if I passed the CCB test?

You will receive your test results before you leave the testing center. 

When do I need to purchase my bond and insurance?

Your bond and insurance will need to be purchased before you submit your Contractors application to the CCB.

What now?  I've completed the 4 Seasons Home Study Course.

• Fill out the study log included in your Home Study Course.
• E-mail / Fax / Mail us your study log.
After we receive your study log, we electronically notify the Contractors Board that you have completed the 16-hour education requirement.
• You can call and schedule your CCB test 3 business days after the date when you receive your confirmation number. This allows Prometric to download your information from the CCB. 
• We will give you the confirmation number generated by the Contractors Board.

Remember, we've been through this process many times and are here to help you 7 days a week.

Why do I have to complete 16 hours of education?

The required 16 hours of education, for which the Oregon Contractor's Reference Manual was prepared, will help you establish effective relations with your clients and partners in the constructions industry. You will become familiar with industry laws and standards. You will have the tools now and in the future to strengthen and promote the success of your business.

What if I'm registered or licensed as a contractor in another state?

Anyone wishing to be licensed as a contractor in Oregon must take the 16-hour course and pass the CCB exam. There is no exam waiver for contractors registered or licensed in another state.

How many people in a new business entity have to either complete the education requirement (class and test) or prove they are exempt from it?

One. This person is called the responsible managing individual (RMI).

What could go wrong in the CCB licensing process?
The CCB keeps records of the types of problems contractors have experienced in the past while getting licenses and renewals processed. Their 'Top 10' list includes:

• Failing to send the CCB an original bond agreement. (A photocopy is not adequate.)
• Neglecting to give the CCB a certificate of insurance.
• Forgetting to sign the application or renewal form.
• Leaving the independent contractor certification section blank.
• Leaving out some of the important parts of the application.
• Ignoring the directions on the application.
• Being unaware of the four types of business entities and their requirements to register.
• Forgetting to notify the board of an address change so that renewal forms and CCB correspondence never get to them.
• Losing the renewal form.
• Forgetting to make changes on the renewal form.

#1 application tip: Check over your application form using the CCB checklist!

What license do I need to have a landscaping business in Oregon?

To operate a landscaping business in Oregon, you need to contact a different agency, not the CCB. Oregon law requires anyone in the state of Oregon who advertises, operates as, or uses the title of a landscape contractor or landscape business, to be licensed with the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). There are two licenses required with the LCB: a landscape contractor's license and a landscaping business license.

A landscape contractor is defined as someone who plans and installs lawns, shrubs, vines, trees and other decorative vegetation including the preparation of the property on which the vegetation is to be installed. A landscape contractor may also construct water features, drainage and irrigation systems, plan and install fences, decks, walkways and retaining walls in conjunction with landscape projects.

Have other questions?  Call us at 1 (888) 255-2122
 

"You explained the process to me so clearly. Thank you for all your help."   

-Matt D

"Thanks for all your help answering my questions and with insurance. I passed my test with 96% and got a great insurance rate."   

-Isaac W

"Your instructors gave me great testing tips.  They really knew what to expect on the state test.  Great course!  I passed with 95%."  

-Jeremiah H