Oregon Contractor License & Trade Guide

02 · Codes that shape the market

The endorsements that shape Oregon construction.

These wide horizontal rows use the same locked high-contrast format as the approved state-resource pages. The code block stays readable and the full endorsement name remains beside it.

RGCRESIDENTIAL

Residential General Contractor

Unlimited number of unrelated building trades on residential and small commercial projects.

$25K bondResidential + small commercialVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

RSCRESIDENTIAL

Residential Specialty Contractor

One or two unrelated building trades; three or more only when the labor-and-materials contract is $2,500 or less.

$20K bond1–2 unrelated tradesVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

RLCRESIDENTIAL

Residential Limited Contractor

Limited-volume residential/small-commercial lane for contractors meeting the CCB gross-sales and per-job limits.

$15K bondLimited-volume laneVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

CGC-1COMMERCIAL

Commercial General Contractor — Level 1

Commercial general contractor endorsement for broad large-commercial work with Level 1 bond/education requirements.

$80K bondLarge commercialVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

CGC-2COMMERCIAL

Commercial General Contractor — Level 2

Same general commercial scope as Level 1, but a different bond and continuing-education framework.

$25K bondLarge commercialVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

CSCCOMMERCIAL

Commercial Specialty Contractor

Specialty contractor endorsement for commercial work; Level 1 and Level 2 have different bond/education requirements.

Level 1 / 2Specialty commercialVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

ELECBCD TRADE

Electrical Contractor

Oregon BCD issues contractor/business and individual electrical licenses in addition to CCB requirements.

State trade licenseElectrical permitsVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

PLBGBCD TRADE

Plumbing Contractor

Plumbing contractor and individual plumbing licenses are administered through Oregon BCD; the proper signing supervisor/individual credential must be in place.

State trade licensePlumbing permitsVerify status + scope

Verify official source ↗

See Oregon Opportunities View Plans

03 · Priority trade guides

Twelve Oregon trade lanes worth watching.

Each guide separates the regulatory lane from the permit signal so users can qualify the contractor before pursuing the project.

CCB

Oregon trade laneGeneral Building / Remodeling

Regulatory lane

Most paid general construction is routed through an active CCB license with the endorsement matched to residential, small-commercial or large-commercial structures.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

New construction, additions, remodels, tenant improvements, structural repairs.

Timing + audience fit

GCs, remodelers, framers and suppliers.

ELEC

Oregon trade laneElectrical

Regulatory lane

Electrical contractor/business and individual electrical licensing is administered by Oregon BCD.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Service upgrades, panel work, EV charging, generators, solar interconnection, new wiring.

Timing + audience fit

Electrical contractors, distributors and equipment suppliers.

PLBG

Oregon trade lanePlumbing

Regulatory lane

Oregon BCD licenses plumbing contractors and individual plumbing professionals; CCB licensing may also apply to the construction business.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

New plumbing, repipes, water heaters, sewer/water connections, commercial TI plumbing.

Timing + audience fit

Plumbers, fixture suppliers and mechanical distributors.

HVAC

Oregon trade laneHVAC / Mechanical

Regulatory lane

HVAC work is construction activity requiring the appropriate CCB business license/endorsement, with permits and code compliance administered through the building-code system.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Heat pumps, furnaces, AC replacements, ductwork, commercial mechanical upgrades.

Timing + audience fit

HVAC contractors, equipment dealers and controls suppliers.

ROOF

Oregon trade laneRoofing

Regulatory lane

Roofing is expressly listed by CCB as work requiring a contractor license; verify the endorsement matches the structure type.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Re-roof permits, storm damage, new roofs, commercial membrane work.

Timing + audience fit

Roofers, distributors, insulation and gutter trades.

CONC

Oregon trade laneConcrete / Sitework

Regulatory lane

Concrete and site construction are CCB-regulated construction activities; structure type and breadth of trades determine endorsement fit.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Foundations, slabs, flatwork, retaining walls, site improvements.

Timing + audience fit

Concrete contractors, ready-mix, rebar and form suppliers.

CARP

Oregon trade laneCarpentry / Framing

Regulatory lane

Carpentry is listed by CCB as licensed construction activity; residential specialty contractors may be limited by unrelated-trade count.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Framing, decks, structural repairs, siding backing, finish carpentry.

Timing + audience fit

Framers, lumber yards and component suppliers.

PAINT

Oregon trade lanePainting / Coatings

Regulatory lane

Painting is CCB-regulated construction activity. Pre-1978 target housing may also trigger Lead-Based Paint Renovation licensing.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Exterior/interior painting, renovation, siding, window replacement, coating projects.

Timing + audience fit

Painters, coatings suppliers and renovation firms.

FLOOR

Oregon trade laneFlooring / Tile

Regulatory lane

Floor covering is listed by CCB as work requiring licensing; verify residential specialty scope when multiple unrelated trades are bundled.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Floor replacement, tile, tenant improvement finishes, remodel packages.

Timing + audience fit

Flooring installers, tile contractors and distributors.

LBPR

Oregon trade laneLead-Safe Renovation

Regulatory lane

Oregon requires a CCB-associated Lead-Based Paint Renovation license for covered renovation work on pre-1978 target housing and child-occupied facilities.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Window replacement, painting, siding, remodels and demolition disturbing painted surfaces.

Timing + audience fit

Renovators, painters, window firms and remediation contractors.

ASB

Oregon trade laneAsbestos Abatement

Regulatory lane

DEQ licenses asbestos abatement contractors and requires CCB and Oregon Business Registry status plus certified supervisors.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Demolition, renovation, abatement, schools, commercial retrofits.

Timing + audience fit

Abatement firms, demolition contractors and environmental consultants.

PWB

Oregon trade lanePublic Works

Regulatory lane

Qualifying public works projects over $100,000 can trigger a separate $30,000 Public Works Bond; prevailing-wage requirements are administered through BOLI.

Verify before contracting

Confirm active license/endorsement, business status, bond/insurance where applicable, and the local permit authority before work starts.

Official source ↗

Permit / project signals

Public buildings, roads, utilities, schools and municipal improvements.

Timing + audience fit

Prime contractors, subs, suppliers and public-sector service firms.

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04 · Searchable credential map

Search the Oregon licensing & trade map.

Use the filter to find an endorsement, trade, specialty credential or compliance lane.

Search Oregon credentials

39 results

RGC

Residential General Contractor

Unlimited unrelated trades on residential and small commercial structures.

Verify ↗

RSC

Residential Specialty Contractor

One or two unrelated trades; limited multi-trade exception.

Verify ↗

RLC

Residential Limited Contractor

Limited-volume residential/small-commercial endorsement.

Verify ↗

Residential Developer

Developer endorsement under CCB residential licensing.

Verify ↗

CGC-1

Commercial General — Level 1

General commercial endorsement; Level 1 bonding/education.

Verify ↗

CGC-2

Commercial General — Level 2

General commercial endorsement; Level 2 bonding/education.

Verify ↗

CSC-1

Commercial Specialty — Level 1

Commercial specialty endorsement, Level 1.

Verify ↗

CSC-2

Commercial Specialty — Level 2

Commercial specialty endorsement, Level 2.

Verify ↗

ELEC

Electrical Contractor

BCD business/contractor electrical credential.

Verify ↗

General Journeyman Electrician

Individual electrical credential under BCD.

Verify ↗

LEA

Limited Energy Technician

Low-voltage/limited-energy credential family.

Verify ↗

PLBG

Plumbing Contractor

BCD plumbing contractor/business credential.

Verify ↗

Journeyman Plumber

Individual plumbing credential.

Verify ↗

BOIL

Boiler Contractor

BCD boiler contractor/business licensing.

Verify ↗

ELEV

Elevator Contractor

BCD elevator contractor/business licensing.

Verify ↗

MDI

Manufactured Dwelling Installer

Manufactured dwelling installation credential.

Verify ↗

ROOF

Roofing

CCB-regulated trade; endorsement must match structure.

Verify ↗

HVAC

Heating / Air Conditioning

CCB-regulated construction with mechanical permitting/code overlay.

Verify ↗

CONC

Concrete

CCB-regulated construction activity.

Verify ↗

CARP

Carpentry

CCB-regulated trade.

Verify ↗

PAINT

Painting

CCB-regulated trade; lead overlay can apply.

Verify ↗

FLOOR

Floor Covering

CCB-regulated trade.

Verify ↗

SIDING

Siding

CCB-regulated trade; lead overlay can apply.

Verify ↗

TREE

Tree Servicing

Listed by CCB as work requiring licensing.

Verify ↗

CHIM

Chimney Service

Inspection/sweep activity listed by CCB as licensed work.

Verify ↗

HINS

Home Inspector

CCB specialty certification/license framework.

Verify ↗

LOCK

Locksmith

CCB locksmith certification/license framework.

Verify ↗

HESP

Home Energy Performance Score

CCB specialty contractor lane.

Verify ↗

REST

Residential Restoration

CCB residential restoration endorsement.

Verify ↗

LBPR

Lead-Based Paint Renovation

CCB specialty license tied to RRP training.

Verify ↗

LBPA

Lead Abatement Contractor

Lead abatement firm/contractor credential.

Verify ↗

LBPI

Lead Inspection Contractor

Lead inspection contractor credential.

Verify ↗

ASB

Asbestos Abatement Contractor

DEQ asbestos contractor license.

Verify ↗

PWB

$30K Public Works Bond

Separate bond for qualifying prevailing-wage projects.

Verify ↗

RMI

Responsible Managing Individual

Pre-license training/testing role for most CCB endorsements.

Verify ↗

CCB

CCB License

Core Oregon construction business license.

Verify ↗

OSSC

2025 OSSC

Commercial structural code mandatory April 1, 2026.

Verify ↗

ORSC

2023 ORSC

Residential specialty code currently in force; 2026 adoption process underway.

Verify ↗

OESC

2023 OESC

Electrical specialty code based on 2023 NEC.

Verify ↗

05 · Operating rules

Six checks before an Oregon job.

Oregon combines contractor licensing, endorsement scope, trade licensing and local permitting. Run all six checks before assuming a project is a fit.

1 · Endorsement fit

Check whether the project is residential, small commercial or large commercial; the structure type determines endorsement fit.

2 · CCB status

Confirm the business has an active CCB license and the responsible managing individual/endorsement are current.

3 · Bond + insurance

Verify required surety bond and general-liability coverage are active; amounts vary by endorsement.

4 · Separate trade license

Electrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator and manufactured-dwelling work can require additional BCD credentials.

5 · Environmental overlay

Lead-safe renovation and asbestos abatement can trigger separate specialty licenses/certifications.

6 · Public works

For qualifying public works, check prevailing-wage duties and the separate $30,000 Public Works Bond before work starts.

06 · Permit signals

Read the record before you chase the lead.

A permit is a project signal—not proof of an open bid. Use scope, status, named parties and the Oregon license lane together.

SignalNew residential permit

Credential laneRGC / RSC / trades

Best timingFoundation → rough → finish

Likely fit

Framing, concrete, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical

SignalCommercial TI

Credential laneCGC / CSC / trades

Best timingApplication / issued

Likely fit

Drywall, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, paint

SignalRe-roof

Credential laneRoofing

Best timingIssued / inspection

Likely fit

Roofing, gutters, insulation, solar detach/reset

SignalElectrical service

Credential laneELEC

Best timingPermit issued

Likely fit

Electricians, panels, EV, generator suppliers

SignalPlumbing alteration

Credential lanePLBG

Best timingPermit issued

Likely fit

Plumbers, fixtures, water heaters, sewer

SignalMechanical / heat pump

Credential laneHVAC

Best timingPermit issued

Likely fit

HVAC contractors, distributors, controls

SignalPre-1978 remodel

Credential laneLBPR + CCB

Best timingScope review

Likely fit

Painters, window/door, siding, remodelers

SignalDemolition / renovation

Credential laneASB risk screen

Best timingPre-demolition

Likely fit

Environmental, demolition, abatement

SignalPublic works award

Credential lanePWB / CCB

Best timingAward / notice to proceed

Likely fit

Primes, subs, suppliers, prevailing-wage services

SignalInspection activity

Credential laneAny

Best timingRough / correction / final

Likely fit

Trade timing and follow-up

See Oregon Opportunities

07 · TigerLeads intelligence

Turn permit records into better targeting.

TigerLeads helps construction businesses use public project signals to find likely opportunities, then apply Oregon licensing context before outreach.

Qualification flow

Structure fitResidential, small commercial or large commercial?

Credential fitWhich CCB endorsement and BCD trade license apply?

Project fitDoes scope, valuation and geography match the user's business?

Timing fitFiled, issued, rough work, correction or near final?

What users should verify

Named partiesOwner, applicant, designer and contractor already listed.

StatusApplication, issued permit, inspections, corrections or final.

ScopeWork description, structure type and valuation.

License laneCCB endorsement, BCD trade credential and specialty overlays.

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08 · Official verification

Continue the research at the source.

Rules, fees, bond amounts, code editions and endorsements can change. Verify production guidance with the responsible Oregon agency.

01Oregon CCB — CCB LicenseBaseline licensing and examples of covered work↗02CCB Endorsement ChartResidential/commercial endorsement scope↗03CCB LicensingBond amounts and public works bond↗04CCB Continuing EducationResidential and commercial CE requirements↗05CCB Specialty LicensesLead, locksmith and specialty programs↗06Oregon BCD LicensingElectrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator and manufactured-dwelling licenses↗07BCD Contractor / Business ApplicationsBusiness contractor licensing process↗08BCD Adopted CodesCurrent Oregon specialty codes↗092025 OSSC Adoption2025 structural code dates↗10Oregon DEQ AsbestosAsbestos contractor licensing and abatement↗11Oregon OHA RRP RuleLead-safe renovation requirements↗12Oregon BOLI Prevailing WagePublic works wage and bond requirements↗

Research reviewed August 31, 2026. TigerLeads is not the licensing authority and does not guarantee that a permit record represents an available bid or job.

09 · Frequently asked questions

Fast answers for contractors & lead buyers.

These answers summarize Oregon’s current contractor licensing, endorsement and trade-license framework.

01Does Oregon require a contractor license?+

Generally yes. CCB says anyone working for compensation in construction activity involving improvements to real property must be licensed unless an exemption applies.

02What is a CCB endorsement?+

It defines the contractor’s structure type and scope lane, such as residential general, residential specialty, residential limited, commercial general or commercial specialty.

03Can a residential contractor work commercial projects?+

Residential endorsements may work on residential and qualifying small commercial structures. Large commercial work requires a commercial endorsement.

04What is a Residential General Contractor?+

RGC contractors may supervise, arrange or perform an unlimited number of unrelated building trades on residential and small commercial projects.

05What is a Residential Specialty Contractor?+

RSC contractors generally perform one or two unrelated building trades; there is a limited $2,500 multi-trade exception.

06What is a Residential Limited Contractor?+

RLC is a limited-volume lane with CCB caps on expected gross construction sales and per-job value.

07What is the difference between Commercial Level 1 and Level 2?+

CCB says the type and amount of commercial work is the same; bond and continuing-education requirements differ.

08How much is the current RGC bond?+

$25,000 under the CCB bond schedule effective since January 1, 2024.

09How much is the current Commercial General Level 1 bond?+

$80,000 under the current CCB bond schedule.

10Does Oregon separately license electricians?+

Yes. Oregon Building Codes Division issues electrical contractor/business and individual electrical licenses.

11Does Oregon separately license plumbers?+

Yes. Oregon Building Codes Division administers plumbing contractor/business and individual plumbing credentials.

12Does Oregon require pre-license training?+

Most endorsements require a Responsible Managing Individual to complete 16 hours of pre-license training and pass the test.

13What continuing education does an Oregon residential contractor need?+

Unless exempt, residential contractors need 3 hours of CCB law/business plus 5 other hours if licensed six or more years, or 13 other hours if licensed less than six years.

14What continuing education applies to commercial contractors?+

Commercial Level 2 requires 32 hours. Level 1 requirements scale with the number of key employees, from 16 to 80 hours per two-year cycle.

15When is the Public Works Bond required?+

For qualifying prevailing-wage public works projects over $100,000, contractors and subcontractors generally must file a separate $30,000 Public Works Bond before work starts, subject to exemptions.

16Does pre-1978 renovation need a lead license?+

Covered renovation, repair and painting on pre-1978 target housing or child-occupied facilities can require a CCB Lead-Based Paint Renovation license and trained renovator.

17Who licenses asbestos abatement contractors?+

Oregon DEQ licenses asbestos abatement contractors and requires CCB registration plus certified supervisors and other documentation.

18What building codes are current in Oregon in 2026?+

The 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code became mandatory April 1, 2026. The 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code remains current while the 2026 ORSC adoption process is underway; the 2023 OESC is based on the 2023 NEC.

Oregon contractor licensing & trade guide

Start with the CCB endorsement.

License first. Match scope second.

16-hour RMI training

Bond + insurance

The endorsements that shape Oregon construction.

Residential General Contractor

Residential Specialty Contractor

Residential Limited Contractor

Commercial General Contractor — Level 1

Commercial General Contractor — Level 2

Commercial Specialty Contractor

Electrical Contractor

Plumbing Contractor

Twelve Oregon trade lanes worth watching.

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Regulatory lane

Verify before contracting

Permit / project signals

Timing + audience fit

Search the Oregon licensing & trade map.

Residential General Contractor

Residential Specialty Contractor

Residential Limited Contractor

Residential Developer

Commercial General — Level 1

Commercial General — Level 2

Commercial Specialty — Level 1

Commercial Specialty — Level 2

Electrical Contractor

General Journeyman Electrician

Limited Energy Technician

Plumbing Contractor

Journeyman Plumber

Boiler Contractor

Elevator Contractor

Manufactured Dwelling Installer