Obtaining a License
Q: How old must someone be to become an Oregon licensed contractor?
A: You must at least 18 years old.Q: Can I still get licensed even if I have a criminal record?
A: Having a criminal record alone will not disqualify you from obtaining a license. There are, however, certain felony convictions that may prevent you from obtaining a license.Q: Do I need a bond or liability insurance before obtaining my license?
A: Yes, you need both. You can obtain both by searching around the internet or yellow pages. Try to shop around and get the best price. If you don't have good credit, you should be able to find a bond agency to give you a high risk bond.Q: Why do I need a bond? How is it different than liability insurance?
A: The CCB bond is exclusively for claims/complaints filed with the CCB for dispute resolution purposes. The bond covers negligent or improper work or breach of contract. No one can collect on your bond by going to the bonding company directly. They must file with the CCB. Filing a complaint with the CCB does not necessarily mean that the complaining customer will be awarded money from the bond. Unlike the bond, an insurance claim can be filed directly with the insurance company. The insurance covers property damage and personal injury (other than injuries to your own employees).Q: I have filled out my application, obtained my insurance and bond, and am ready to submit my materials to the CCB. What now?
A: Mail or bring the materials in to the CCB. Do not attempt to email or fax them. Usually the items need to be originals, and not photocopies!16 Hour Course
Q: What will the course and state test cover?
A: Oregon statute requires the course and test to cover business Topics include the CCB, taxes, record keeping, business practices, requirements, safety practices, building codes, environmental requirements, employee rights, contract law and lien law.Q: How soon can I take the state test after completing the course?
A: Typically it takes about five days, but it may be possible to take the test in two days after your course has been submitted.The State Exam
Q: What should I study?
A: Currently, the test is based on the sixth edition of the course manual, the Oregon Contractor's Reference Manual. Everyone taking the 16-hour course gets one of the 450+ page course manuals as part of the course fee. All the answers are found in the manual. Study it carefully. No test questions come out of material in the appendices.Q: How can I prepare for the test? How much should I study?
A: Study your course manual carefully, taking notes and hilighting important points. Use the online practice tests to prepare yourself to take the real exam. Have a friend or family member quiz you (with index or flash cards, for example). Most successful students report they studied more than 16 hours. It is highly recommended you study beyond the 16 hour course.Q: How many questions are on the test, and how long is the test?
A: There are 80 multiple choice questions on the test. You have two hours to complete the test.Q: What's the passing score?
A: 70 percent (56 out of 80 questions correct).Q: How soon can someone find out if they passed?
A: You will get your Score Report immediately after completing the test.Q: What if I fail? Can I take the test again? How soon?
A: If you fail the test, you may schedule again with the test provider as soon as you like.Q: What about candidates with disabilities?
A: The test sites are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The test provider should facilitate any special needs you may have.