Oregon CCB Commercial General Contractor Level 1 (CGC1) License

Oregon's Commercial General Contractor Level 1 (CGC1) license, issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), authorizes companies to supervise, arrange, or self-perform work on small or large commercial structures or projects across an unlimited number of building trades. Level 1 and Level 2 CGC licenses cover identical work scope — the differences are experience threshold and financial requirements.

Level 1 vs. Level 2

Both levels permit the same commercial work scope. Level 1 carries higher bond and insurance minimums — appropriate for larger project portfolios — while Level 2 carries lower thresholds suited to contractors earlier in their commercial career:

• Experience: Level 1 requires 8 years of qualifying construction experience; Level 2 requires 4 years
• Bond: Level 1 requires the $80,000 commercial bond; Level 2 requires a lower amount
• General liability: Level 1 requires $2,000,000 aggregate; Level 2 requires less coverage

Financial requirements (Level 1)

• Surety bond: $80,000 filed with the CCB
• General liability insurance: $2,000,000 aggregate
• Workers' compensation: Required for any direct employees (sole proprietors without employees are exempt)

Pre-license requirements for the RMI

The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must satisfy one of three pathways:

1. Standard path: Complete 16 hours of CCB-approved pre-license training and pass the Oregon contractor exam

2. NASCLA path: Pass the NASCLA Commercial Contractor national exam plus the Oregon contractor exam

3. Grandfathered path: Continuous CCB licensing since before July 1, 2000 with no lapse exceeding 24 months

Fees and renewal

• Application fee: $400
• Renewal fee: $400 every 2 years
• Online applications process in up to 4 weeks; paper applications take 6–8 weeks

Continuing education (CE)

Commercial General Contractors must complete CE hours tied to the lowest number of key employees employed during the two-year renewal cycle:

| Key employees | CE hours required |

|---|---|

| 1 | 16 hours |

| 2 | 32 hours |

| 3 | 48 hours |

| 4 | 64 hours |

| 5 or more | 80 hours |

Contractors certify compliance at renewal; the CCB may audit CE records from the prior two-year cycle.

Compliance posture

The CCB investigates unlicensed contracting, work performed without the proper endorsement, and work performed without the required bond or liability insurance. Operating without a valid CCB license is a Class A misdemeanor (ORS 701.990). Confirm your current endorsement tier and verify that bond and insurance certificates are on file with the CCB before bidding commercial projects.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current Oregon CCB requirements directly at oregon.gov/ccb.*