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Contractor licenses in Oregon fall into two main categories : residential and commercial. A license is required for any professional contractor involved in activities like installing or repairing roofing, siding, flooring, plumbing, or HVAC. 

Licenses are regulated by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and the State of Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). They are required for anyone working in any type of construction that involves the improvement of real property.

Getting your residential license entails fulfilling a range of requirements, including training, passing a state exam, and obtaining insurance and a surety bond. However, you also have to renew your license periodically to keep it current and valid. 

How do you renew your residential contractor license in Oregon?

Renewal Requirements

A residential contractor license is valid for two years after the issue date of the license. In order to renew this license, contractors must complete continuing education requirements. 

Depending on how long you’ve been a contractor, you will be required to complete either 8 or 16 hours of continuing education. Contractors licensed for 6 years or less must complete 16 hours of continuing education, while those licensed for more than 6 years need to complete only 8 hours.

Both types of renewal require 3 hours of state-run coursework that covers CCB laws, regulations, and business practices, and this portion cannot be completed online. The remainder, however, can be completed through a separate, trade-related program, either online or in person.

Once you have completed continuing education requirements, you’ll have to submit an application form, pay the CCB license renewal application fee of $325, and provide proof of insurance and a residential bond. In some cases, a letter of credit or cash deposit may be accepted in lieu of a bond.

Courses Available

There are two different types of courses available when renewing residential contractor licenses: 5-hour and 13-hour (to complete 8-hour or 16-hour requirements following 3 hours of state coursework). What should your program include to satisfy state renewal requirements?

The 5-hour Oregon Residential Contractor Continuing Education Course covers:

• OSHA safety topics (2 hours)
• Lead (1 hour)
• Energy (1 hour)
• Project Management (1 hour)

The 13-hour Oregon Residential Contractor Continuing Education Course covers:

• OSHA safety topics (2 hours)
• Lead (1 hour)
• Energy (1 hour)
• Business management (5 hours)
• Residential code changes (4 hours)

You’ll want to find a program that not only fulfills state requirements but is also designed to be convenient for working professionals.

What to Look for in Continuing Education Programs

The best courses will be simple to navigate. First, you should look for programs created by educators and industry professionals. Second, choose a self-paced course that offers 24/7 access through mobile-ready training materials — this format is ideal for busy, working professionals. 

Finally, you’ll want a program that not only provides an instant certificate of completion but also submits notifications to the state in a timely manner so you never miss a renewal deadline.

Continue Your Education with RocketCert

RocketCert has everything you’re looking for when it comes to license renewal. We offer competitive rates and outstanding technical support. Contact us today to sign up for residential contractor continuing education that fulfills Oregon state license renewal requirements.