Moving to Oregon as a residential contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Pre-license course. Complete the required pre-license course. At least 16 hours of pre-license training on business practices and Oregon construction law from a CCB-approved provider, completed by the RMI before the exam; the provider then sends the RMI's details to PSI so the exam can be scheduled. Providers set their own prices and the Board publishes no fee; the provider list is on the CCB website. Not needed on the NASCLA or pre-2000 routes..
2. 2Law / code exam. Pass a law, rules, or code exam. Oregon contractor exam on laws, rules and business practices, given by PSI at test centers or by remote proctor: 80 scored multiple-choice questions in three hours, 70 percent (56 correct) to pass. It is open book with the Oregon edition of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (2nd edition, English or Spanish), which may be highlighted, tabbed and annotated beforehand. Scores are given at the end of the test, a failed exam may be retaken without limit, and the license application must be filed within two years of passing..
3. 3Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($60). PSI exam fee, paid to PSI when scheduling; charged again for each retake and valid for one year from payment..
4. 4Application fee. Pay the application fee ($400). Non-refundable CCB application fee for a new license, which covers the two-year license. Paid online by card or ACH/e-Check with the application..
5. 5Surety bond. Post a surety bond ($25,000). $25,000 residential surety bond on the CCB's own bond form, in the business's exact legal name, with the power of attorney attached, filed with the application within 60 days of signing..
6. 6Insurance. Carry the required insurance ($500,000). General liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, including products and completed operations, with the certificate naming Construction Contractors Board, PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309 as certificate holder..
7. 7Insurance. Carry the required insurance (if applicable). Workers' compensation coverage if the business has employees. A sole proprietor with no employees, and a partnership, corporation or LLC whose owners are all family members, can file as exempt..
8. 8Business license. Obtain a business license. A corporation, LLC, partnership or other entity that must register with the Oregon Secretary of State's Corporation Division must be registered, active and in good standing, and any assumed business name must be registered. The bond and insurance must be issued in the exact legal name on file..
9. 9Background check. Complete a background check. The RMI completes a background check after the application is filed, and the CCB may run a criminal history check on all applicants. The application asks about construction-related judgments, unpaid construction debts, unpaid wages and workers' compensation penalties, and past license refusals or revocations in other states; unpaid construction debt blocks a new license for the owners and the RMI until it is paid..

Published fees on this path total $460, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.