How to Become a Contractor in Oregon
Contractors perform a wide variety of activities in the construction field, from pouring concrete to replacing roofing tiles. Some contractors build new homes from the ground up, while others specialize in one particular skill set. Whatever your goals and ambitions may be, to lawfully operate as a contractor in Oregon you must be licensed, bonded and insured.
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Instructions
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Complete a 16-hour training course at a training provider approved by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. You will study law and business practices that will prepare you to be a contractor. Navigate to the Oregon CCB website for a list of approved training providers.
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Register for the licensing exam with the testing company, Prometric. You must wait at least three days after your training course is finished to do this. You can register, schedule a test date and pay the required fees on Prometric's website.
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Take and pass the licensing exam. You will receive your score immediately upon finishing the exam. If you do not pass the exam, you must register to take it again at a later date.
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Navigate to the Oregon Corporation Division website and register your business (see Resources). On your first visit to the website, you must set up a new account by clicking "Sign Up Now."
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Complete the Oregon CCB Contractor License Application (see Resources).
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Obtain a CCB surety bond in the required amount. This amount will be apparent upon completion of your Contractor License Application. CCB surety bonds are available from many general insurance companies.
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Obtain general liability insurance covering public liability and property damage. The amount of insurance required will be apparent upon completion of your Contractor License Application. General liability insurance is available from many general insurance companies.
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Submit your completed application, along with all supporting documentation and required fees. Upon approval, you will receive a two-year license.
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Tips & Warnings
Your training course provider will supply you with an Oregon Contractor's Reference Manual, which you may reference during your licensing exam. The manual can also be purchased from Builders Book Depot's website (see Resources).
The licensing exam is open book. You will have two hours to complete 80 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is 70 percent or above.
You must pass the licensing exam within 24 months of your initial training course. If you do not do so, your training will become invalid and you will have to repeat it
If you plan to employ other workers, you must provide evidence of worker's compensation.
References
Resources
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