Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take the Oregon CCB test online?

No, you cannot take the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) test online. The CCB requires all applicants to take the test in person at an approved testing center. The CCB offers testing at their main office in Salem, as well as at several other locations throughout the state.

Additionally, in order to be eligible to take the CCB test, you must first submit an application and meet all the other requirements set forth by the board. These requirements include obtaining the required amount of experience in the construction industry, completing pre-license education, and providing proof of insurance and bonding, among other things.

You can find more information about the CCB testing process and requirements on their website, or by contacting the board directly.

How hard is it to get a contractors license in Oregon?

Obtaining a contractor’s license in Oregon requires meeting certain qualifications and completing a multi-step process, which can be time-consuming and challenging. However, with proper preparation and attention to detail, it is possible to successfully obtain a contractor’s license in Oregon.

To become a licensed contractor in Oregon, applicants must:

1. Meet the experience requirement: Applicants must have at least two years of experience in their trade, and must have worked for a licensed contractor during that time.
2. Pass a qualifying exam: Applicants must pass a trade-specific exam that tests their knowledge of the trade.
3. Complete pre-license education: Applicants must complete 16 hours of pre-license education that covers Oregon construction law, business practices, and other topics.
4. Provide proof of insurance and bonding: Applicants must provide proof of liability insurance and a surety bond in the required amount.
5. Submit an application: Applicants must submit a completed application, along with all required documentation and fees.

Overall, the process of obtaining a contractor’s license in Oregon can be challenging, particularly for those who are new to the construction industry or who lack experience in the state. However, with the right preparation and attention to detail, it is possible to successfully navigate the licensing process and obtain a contractor’s license in Oregon.

What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 contractor in Oregon?

In Oregon, there is no formal classification or designation of “Level 1” or “Level 2” contractors. However, there are different types of contractor licenses that indicate the scope and limitations of the contractor’s work.

The most common types of contractor licenses in Oregon include:

1. Residential Contractor: This license allows a contractor to perform work on one- and two-family dwellings, including construction, remodeling, and repair.
2. Commercial Contractor: This license allows a contractor to perform work on commercial buildings, including construction, remodeling, and repair.
3. Specialty Contractor: This license allows a contractor to perform work in a specific trade, such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.

The scope of work and requirements for each type of license can vary depending on the type of work the contractor intends to perform. For example, a residential contractor may be limited to working on single-family homes and duplexes, while a commercial contractor may be required to have more extensive experience and bonding capacity.

It’s important for contractors to carefully review the requirements for each type of license and choose the one that best fits their business needs and capabilities.

What are Tier 1 2 and 3 contractors?

In the context of government contracting, “Tier 1,” “Tier 2,” and “Tier 3” contractors refer to the levels of subcontracting that occur within a larger prime contract.

The terminology is commonly used in government contracting, particularly in the context of large-scale projects with multiple contractors involved. In this context, a “prime contractor” is the company that is awarded the main contract for the project by the government agency, while a “subcontractor” is a company that is contracted by the prime contractor to perform a specific portion of the work.

The different tiers of contractors are typically defined based on the level of direct subcontracting they have with the prime contractor:

• Tier 1 contractors are direct subcontractors of the prime contractor, meaning they have a direct contractual relationship with the prime contractor.
• Tier 2 contractors are subcontractors of Tier 1 contractors, meaning they have a direct contractual relationship with a Tier 1 subcontractor, but not with the prime contractor.
• Tier 3 contractors are subcontractors of Tier 2 contractors, meaning they have a direct contractual relationship with a Tier 2 subcontractor, but not with the prime contractor.

The terminology is used primarily to help manage the relationships and responsibilities between the various contractors involved in a project, particularly in cases where the prime contractor is responsible for managing and coordinating the work of multiple subcontractors.

Can I hire an unlicensed contractor in Oregon?

It is generally not recommended to hire an unlicensed contractor in Oregon, as doing so can put you at risk of potential legal and financial problems. In Oregon, all construction contractors are required to be licensed by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) in order to legally perform construction work in the state.

Hiring an unlicensed contractor can be risky because:

1. You may not have any legal recourse if something goes wrong: If an unlicensed contractor does poor quality work, causes damage to your property, or fails to complete the job, you may not have any legal recourse to recover damages or get the work fixed.
2. The contractor may not have insurance: Licensed contractors are required to carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients in case of accidents or injuries on the job. Unlicensed contractors may not have insurance, which means you could be held liable if someone is injured while working on your property.
3. You may be supporting illegal activity: Hiring unlicensed contractors can contribute to the underground economy, which often involves illegal activity such as tax evasion, wage theft, and worker exploitation.

It’s important to verify a contractor’s license status with the CCB before hiring them for any construction work. The CCB provides an online database of licensed contractors, which you can search by name or license number to confirm that the contractor is licensed and in good standing.