Article Index
Oregon Contractor Licenses
Oregon has different Boards and Divisions in charge of issuing contractor licenses. The Construction Contractors Board manages the licensing process for construction licenses. Besides providing code development, the Building Codes Division deals with individual and business licenses in the construction industry. The Landscape Contractors Board issues all licenses related to landscaping contracting. The Department of Environmental Quality administers the licensing process for the Asbestos and Hot Oil Tank licenses. Finally, the Office of State Fire Marshal is responsible for managing all Liquefied Petroleum Gas licenses.
Apart from the already mentioned agencies, Oregon has another division for apprentices. The Bureau of Labor & Industries offers several apprenticeship programs for applicants interested in jumpstarting their construction careers. Oregon Apprenticeship Programs require candidates to meet several requirements and complete an application process.
Most Oregon contractor licenses require candidates to take and pass examinations as part of the application process. PSI© is the company responsible for administering most of the examinations required for getting an Oregon contractor license.
Below is a list of Oregon's licenses and apprenticeship trades, and their requirements, exams, books, and classes needed to succeed in the application process.
All Phase Landscape
Perform all work related to landscaping
Arborist
Prepare land for and plant trees; remove grind stumps and guy limbs
Asbestos Abatement Certified Supervisor
Supervise all activities related to asbestos abatement projects
Asbestos Abatement Certified Worker
Enclosure, remove, or handle asbestos-containing material
Asbestos Abatement
Contract for projects on asbestos abatement-containing material with the potential of releasing asbestos fibers into the air
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Business (BB)
Engage in the business of installing and repairing boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping
Boiler Business and Electrical (BE)
Make electrical installations and perform work on boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping
Boiler Business and Limited Maintenance Specialty (BH)
Boiler installation/repair; maintenance of junction boxes and lighting fixtures
Boiler Class 1 Trainee/Helper (CL1)
Carry out mechanical work on boilers under the supervision of a licensed contractor
Boiler Class 2 Pressure Vessel Installer (CL2)
Non-welding installation and service of unfired pressure vessels
Boiler Class 3 Service Mechanic (CL3)
Boilers, non-boiler external piping, and unfired pressure vessels
Boiler Class 4 Boilermaker (CL4)
Boiler and pressure vessel installation through welding or other methods
Boiler Class 5 Pressure Piping Mechanic (CL5)
Work on pressure piping, boilers, pressure vessels, and cast-iron sectional boilers
Boiler Class 5A Process Piping Mechanic (CL5A)
Fabricate and alter B31.3 process piping
Boiler Class 5B Refrigeration Piping Mechanic (CL5B)
Fabricate, install, alter, or repair B31.5 refrigeration piping
Boiler Class 6 Welder (CL6)
Welding work on boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping under an approved welding employer
Boiler Inspector
On-site inspection of boilers and pressure vessels
Boiler Operator Apprenticeship
Operate automatically fired boilers in buildings and industrial plants
Bricklayer and Masonry Restoration Apprenticeship
Build structures using concrete, concrete blocks, bricks, and natural/artificial stone
Bricklayer Apprenticeship
Brick, cement, cinder blocks, stone or marble constructions
Building Official (BO)
Oversee and enforce the state’s building code
Cabinet Maker Apprenticeship
Fabricate and assemble cabinetry, shelving, doors, window frames, staircases, among others
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Build and remodel all types of wood structures
Caulker Apprenticeship
Restoration, waterproofing, and caulking of masonry buildings
Cement Mason Apprenticeship
Concrete preparation, pouring, repair, and finishing slabs, steps, wall tops, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, paving
Commercial Building Energy Analyst Apprenticeship
Evaluate and optimize the energy-efficiency-related performance of commercial buildings
Commercial Developer (CD)
Constructs structures intended for sale in commercial properties of their own or interested in. Does not perform any construction work on the property themselves
Commercial General Level 1 (CGC1)
Supervise and perform work on commercial structures or projects. Commercial general contractors may perform the same work as commercial specialty contractors
Commercial General Level 2 (CGC2)
All work covered by CGC1 license
Commercial Specialty Level 1 (CSC1)
Perform building work on small and large commercial projects
Commercial Specialty Level 2 (CSC2)
These contractors perform work involving one or two unrelated building trades for small or large commercial projects. Level 1 and 2 contractors can perform the same work
Construction Flagging
Direct and control traffic flow in construction zones
Drywall Finisher Apprenticeship
Joint sealing, rough spot sanding, crack filling, and other final finishing methods
Electric Motor Repairer Apprenticeship
Assembly and service of electric motors, wiring, and switches
Electrical (C)
Contract for electrical installations as a business
Electrical Meter Repairer Apprenticeship
Mechanical governors such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety, and flow valves
Electrical Specialty Code Inspector (EI)
Inspect electrical installations and work
Electrician, Inside Apprenticeship
Repair and install wire lighting, switches, converters, and complex computerized systems of all types of constructions
Electrician, Limited Building Maintenance Apprenticeship
Electrical work of industrial plants and building systems under 600 volts phase to phase
Electrician, Limited Energy Technician Class A Apprenticeship
Work on electrical, protective, communications, and specialized control systems of less than 100 volt-amperes
Electrician, Limited Energy Technician Class B Apprenticeship
Installation and maintenance of electrical and communication systems of a maximum of 100 volt-amperes
Electrician, Limited Maintenance Apprenticeship
Electrical systems and equipments of less than 600 volts phase to phase
Electrician, Limited Residential Apprenticeship
Electrical construction work on residential structures from single-family residences to apartment complexes
Electrician, Manufacturing Plant Apprenticeship
Provide basic electrical maintenance of factories and industrial manufacturing facilities
Electrician, Renewable Energy Technician Apprenticeship
Assembly, service, finishing, and removal of wind, solar, micro-hydro electricity, fuel cells, and engine generators for off-grid systems
Electrician, Sign Erector Apprenticeship
Sign crafting using all types of materials
Electrician, Stationary Engineer Apprenticeship
Stationary engines and mechanical equipment maintenance and operation
Electrician, Substation Apprenticeship
Repair, test, and inspect electrical systems of generating stations, substations, and in-service relays
Elevator Electrical (EC)
Install and alter wiring from the load side of the main disconnecting means for the elevators
Elevator Mechanical (EM)
Elevator mechanical work
Elevator Electrical and Elevator Mechanical (EM)
Perform mechanical and electrical work on elevators
Elevator Limited Journeyman (E)
Non-contracting work of elevator mechanical and electrical systems
Elevator Limited Mechanic (LEM)
Install and repair only mechanical systems of elevator equipmen
Elevator Mechanic Apprenticeship
Assemble and fix different types of lifts such as elevators, escalators, and moving walkways
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technology
Construct small-scale local energy projects under the energy efficiency and sustainable technology loan program
Environmental Control System Servicer/Installer Apprenticeship
Build, install, wire, and maintain environmental control systems and ductwork
Exterior Interior Specialist Apprenticeship
Interior/exterior building surfaces, acoustical ceilings, raised floors for computers, metal framing, wall partitions, and office furniture systems
Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF)
Ensure compliance of construction plans with the Oregon Structural Specialty Code
Fire Fighter Apprenticeship
Fires and emergencies related to life, property and the environment
Firestop Containment Worker Apprenticeship
Install fire/smoke-stop, air movement, infectious disease control systems
Floorcoverer Apprenticeship
All types of decorative coverings in various constructions (commercial, industrial, airplanes, cars, swimming pools, etc.)
Gas Utilities Servicer Apprenticeship
Install, examine and service gas meters, regulators, pipelines, thermocouples, thermostats, and valves
General Journeyman Electrician (J)
Install electrical systems under the supervision of a General Supervising Electrician (S) or a Limited Supervising Electrician (PS)
General Supervising Electrician (S)
Design, supervise and sign all permits related to electrical work
Glazier Apprenticeship
Prepare and assemble different types of mirrors, glass, windows, and aluminum doors
Grading/Paving Operator Apprenticeship
Operate bulldozers, trench excavators, paving machines, pick-up machines, paving and motor graders, and backhoes
Heat and Frost Insulator and Asbestos Worker Apprenticeship
Isolate pipes, tanks, boilers, ducts, refrigeration equipment, and any other equipment that requires temperature contro; remove asbestos-containing materials
Heating Oil Tank Service Provider
Service underground heating oil tanks
Heating Oil Tank Services Supervisor
Directs and oversees work performed on heating oil tanks
Home Energy Assessor Certification
Assign home energy performance scores to residential buildings
Home Energy Performance Score (HEPSC)
Authorizes a firm to issue home energy performance scores
Home Inspector Certification
Inspect and report the conditions of residential structures
Home Inspector Services (HISC)
Engage in the business of inspecting residential buildings
Home Services (HSC)
Offer services related to the maintenance of components in residential structures
HVAC Fitter
Perform liquefied petroleum gas-related work on HVAC systems
HVAC/R Technician Apprenticeship
Installation and repair of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment
Hydro Journeyman Power Plant Mechanic B Apprenticeship
Control systems in charge of generating and distributing electric power
Internal Combustion (IC) Fitter
Liquefied petroleum gas-powered internal combustion engines and systems
Industrial Instrument Repairer Apprenticeship
Repair a wide variety of instruments (medical, musical, watches, clocks, industrial, measuring)
Industrial Instrumentation Technician Apprenticeship
Maintain and inspect electrical systems to ensure code compliance
Industrial Maintenance Machinist Apprenticeship
Set up and run equipment for precision metal part, instrument, and tool production
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship
Perform different duties such as pipe fitting, HVAC service, insulating, carpentry, and electrical and mechanical equipment maintenance, among others
Industrial Welder Apprenticeship
Work on metal parts and products through welding, soldering, and cutting
Instrument Mechanic Apprenticeship
Installation and service of factory equipment and industrial machinery
Ironworker Apprenticeship
Erect structural framework/aluminum fascia and place reinforcing steel for various structures
Irrigation & Backflow
Install and maintain low voltage lighting, irrigation systems with compressed air, and backflow devices, and remove trees, grind stumps, and guy limbs
Journeyman Plumber (JP)
Perform all work related to plumbing (installations, alterations, remodels) under the supervision of a licensed contractor
Laborer Apprenticeship
Perform different tasks such as clearing timber and brush, removing demolished materials, installing pipes, and landscaping
Landscape Modified
Plans and installs lawns, shrubs, vines, trees, artificial turf, landscape amenities, low voltage lighting (after 12 months of licensure)
Lead Abatement
Contract for lead abatement projects (removal, clearance, elimination), not including renovation, landscaping, and similar activities
Lead-Based Paint Inspector
Structure inspection for lead-based paint
Lead-Based Paint Renovation
Engage in the business of lead-based paint renovation
Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessor
Take soil and dust samples for the presence of lead and abatement clearance testing
Lead-Based Paint Supervisor
Supervise and conduct lead abatements and plan for occupant protection
Lead-Based Paint Worker
Perform lead abatements
Lead Inspection
Sample structures for the presence of lead for clearance purposes
Limited Building Maintenance Electrician (BME)
Repair and replace electrical appliances in commercial office buildings and buildings occupied by the State (not exceeding 300 volts to ground)
Limited Energy (CLE)
Direct, supervise and control work related to limited energy systems
Limited Energy Technician, Class A (LEA)
Installation and maintenance of limited energy systems
Limited Energy Technician, Class B (LEB)
Work on limited energy systems, not including protective signaling
Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician (PJ)
Assembly and repair of electrical wiring and products in manufacturing and industrial plants, under the guidance of a limited supervising electrician
Limited Journeyman Sign Electrician (SIG)
While being employed by a limited sign contractor, may install and service electrical signs and outline lighting and extend branch circuits (limited to 15 feet)
Limited Journeyman Stage Electrician (ST)
Install feeders, branch circuits, and systems used for the production of shows, not directly contracting
Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME)
Maintenance of electrical installations in industrial plants and of systems under 600 volts phase to phase in commercial office buildings and government buildings
Limited Maintenance Specialty (LMS)
Replace ballast, lamp holders, lighting fixtures, and appliances of existing junction boxes
Limited Maintenance Specialty HVAC/R (LHR)
Work on heat, power, refrigeration, and air conditioning appliances
Limited Plumbing Inspector, Building Sewer (PIS)
Inspect building sewers within five feet from the outside and the disposal terminal
Limited Pump Installation Specialty (CPI)
Pump equipment for potable water, irrigation water systems, sump pumps, effluent pumps, and groundwater pumps (residential and agricultural property)
Limited Renewable Energy (CLR)
Erect renewable energy electrical installations of 25 kva and 600 volts nominal or less
Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)
Renewable energy system installations
Limited Residential Electrician (LR)
Non-contracting work on electrical installations in family dwelling units of a maximum of three floors
Limited Sign (CLS)
Sign installation if contracting as a sole proprietor and licensed as a limited journeyman, a general supervising, or a general journeyman electrician
Limited Supervising Electrician (PS)
Design, ensure compliance to code, and sign permits for electrical wiring and products installation and maintenance
Lineworker Apprenticeship
Electric transmissions and distribution lines in residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural structures
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Company License
Contract for all kind of propane and liquefied petroleum gas work
Locksmith Certification
Perform work on locks, safes, vaults, safe deposit boxes, and mechanical or electronic security systems
Machine Repair Mechanic Apprenticeship
Processing machinery, processing refinery, pipeline distribution systems, and heavy equipment
Machinist Apprenticeship
Operate and set up machine tools for the manufacturing of metal repair parts, sheet metal, steel frames, and related equipment
Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
Activities related to the maintenance of community property
Maintenance Wireman Apprenticeship
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays
Manufactured Dwelling Installer (MDI)
Manufactured dwells, cabanas, and skirts
Manufactured Dwelling Limited Skirt Installer (LSI)
Skirting, temporary steps, tie-downs, perimeter foundation supports, appliance exhaust termination, and underfloor skirting access
Manufactured Dwelling Temporary Limited Installer
Manufactured dwellings, cabanas, and skirting erection (including trailers, mobile homes, and manufactured structures) overseen by a licensed installer
Manufactured Structure Construction Inspector (MCI)
Inspects manufactured constructions to ensure compliance with the Oregon Manufactured Dwellings Installation Specialty Code
Marble Setter Apprenticeship
Hard tile, stone, and similar materials for walls, floors, ceilings, roof decks, and countertops
Master Fitter
Covers all types of liquefied petroleum gas work and piping and venting installation, and remodeling
Mechanical Inspector A-Level (MIA)
Inspect and review plans for constructions under the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code
Medical Gas Plumbing Inspector (MGI)
Inspect medical gas plumbing following Oregon’s Plumbing Specialty Code
Meter Person Apprenticeship
Work on mechanical devices like electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety, and flow valves
Meterman Apprenticeship
Mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors
Millwright Apprenticeship
Mechanic construction of escalators, giant electrical turbines, generators, and conveyor systems
Mold Maker Apprenticeship
Operate tools needed for repairing dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and hand tools
Painter Apprenticeship
Preparation, painting, wall covering
Pile Driver Apprenticeship
Drive metal, concrete, and wood piling into the earth by use of pile-driving rigs
Pipefitter Apprenticeship
Lay out, erect and repair piping systems for providing steam heat, power, water, hydraulic pressure, air pressure, and oil
Planting
Prepare properties for and plan artificial turf, shrubs, vines, trees, and nursery stock
Plasterer Apprenticeship
Wall and ceiling finishing, masonry plastering, metal and wire lathing, and gypsum
Plumber Apprenticeship
All work related to medical gas, heating, drainage/disposal systems, pipes, fittings, and water heaters and tanks
Plumbing and Boiler Business (BP)
Allows a company to engage in the plumbing and boiler businesses
Plumbing and Boiler Business and Electrical (PBE)
A company may make electrical installations, plumbing work, and install and repair boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping
Plumbing and Boiler Business and Limited Maintenance Specialty HVAC/R (PBH)
Work on pipes, fittings, drainage systems, boilers, pressure vessels and piping, and heat, power, refrigeration, and air conditioning equipment
Plumbing and Boiler Business and Restricted Energy (PBR)
HVAC, plumbing, and boiler activities
Plumbing and Limited Maintenance Specialty (PM)
Advertise and offer labor in the fields of plumbing, junction boxes, and lighting fixtures
Plumbing and Limited Pump Installation (PP)
Direct, supervise, install and repair pump equipment, pipes, fittings, and plumbing-related systems
Plumbing Business (PB)
Licenses a business to perform plumbing work
Plumbing Specialty Code Inspector (PI)
Inspect plumbing in accordance with the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RCM)
Work on the mechanical portions of reciprocating conveyors
Recreational Vehicle Inspector (RVI)
Inspect on-site recreational vehicles
Residential Developer (RD)
Improves residential property with the purpose of selling
Residential Electrical Inspector (CAE)
Inspect electrical work in residential structures that follows Oregon’s Residential Specialty Code
Residential General (RGC)
Perform, supervise and/or arrange on residential and small commercial projects
Residential Limited (RLC)
Work on residential and commercial structures not exceeding $5,000 contracts and $40,000 annual volume
Residential Locksmith Services (RLSC)
Offer locksmith services such as installing, repairing, and rekeying locks, safes, vaults, safe deposit boxes, and security systems
Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)
Inspect and review plans for mechanical constructions and buildings based on the Oregon Residential Specialty Code and the Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Code
Residential Plumbing Inspector (CAP)
Conducts on-site inspections of residential plumbing work
Residential Restoration (RRC)
Restore and remodel residential and small commercial buildings
Residential Specialty (RSC)
Perform one or two, or more if the contract is of a maximum of $2,500, building trades in residential and commercial structures
Residential Structural Inspector (CAS)
Inspect work regulated by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Code, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, and OAR chapter 918, Division 500
Residential Water-Heater Installer (WHI)
Replace water heaters (one- and two-family dwellings)
Restricted Energy (CRE)
Only limited to HVAC work
Restricted Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RRM)
Install and alter mechanical parts of reciprocating conveyors while working under a licensed limited elevator mechanic or a reciprocating conveyor mechanic
Roofer Apprenticeship
Remove all types of roofing materials and waterproof foundation walls
Scaffold Erector Apprenticeship
Install scaffolding (ladders, handrails, platforms, etc.) in buildings and ships
Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship
Fittings and ductworks for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Signal Technician Apprenticeship
Electrical signal equipment installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer (STL)
Solar heating, cooling systems, collectors, heat transfer systems, heat storage piping
Specialized Finals Inspector (SFI)
Final inspection on residential, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical constructions except for electrical systems over 400 amps, emergency/ stand-by power generation equipment, solar photovoltaic installations, and swimming pools
Specialized Solar Photo-Voltaic Inspector (SSI)
Inspects structural and electrical systems for solar PV installations up to 25 Kw, according to the Oregon Structural Specialty Code’s provisions
Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship
Assembly of fire protection systems in commercial buildings
Standard Landscape
Lawns, shrubs, vines, trees, nursery stock, artificial turf, fences, decks, arbors, patios, landscape edging, driveways, walkways, retaining walls, low voltage lighting, water features, drainage systems
Steamfitter Apprenticeship
Piping and tubing made of carbon steel, copper, plastic, and glass through brazing, welding, screwing, gluing, bending, and mechanical joining
Structural Inspector A-Level (SIA)
Inspect structures under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code
Structural Ironworker Apprenticeship
Structural framework, reinforcing steel, and aluminum fascia for various structures (high-rise buildings, towers, roadways, etc.)
Structural Plans Examiner A-Level (PEA)
Reviews plans for commercial buildings for compliance with the Oregon Structural Specialty Code
Terrazzo Worker Apprenticeship
Work with decorative surfaces for stairway, cabinet, and floor covering
Test, Adjust and Balance Technician Apprenticeship
Test and adjust HVAC systems for different buildings
Third Party Limited Plan Reviewer & Inspector (SRL)
Conduct specialty code inspections and plan reviews, not exceeding $10,000 annually contracts
Third Party Plan Review & Inspection Business Registration (SRB)
Conducts specialty code inspections and plan reviews as a third-party business
Third Party Plan Reviewer & Inspector (SRI)
Conducts specialty code inspections and plan reviews for third-parties
Tile Trades Finisher Apprenticeship
Clean surfaces before tile installation in interior walls, showers, tubs, countertops, stairs, floors, and exterior structures
Tile Trades Setter Apprenticeship
Install tiles of different materials like ceramic, marble, and granite
Traffic Painter Apprenticeship
Prepare surfaces for painting and apply paint on roads for traffic control
Tree Trimmer Apprenticeship
Trim branches from trees and shrubs in public spaces (roads, sidewalks, utilities)
Underground Storage Tank Service Supervisor
Supervise work performed on underground storage tanks
Underground Storage Tank Services Provider
Install, test tank tightness, and decommission underground storage tanks
Water Service Mechanic Apprenticeship
Install, examine and repair water meters, and water system pipes and accessories
Water Service Utility Worker Apprenticeship
Clean and upkeep water filtering equipment
Water-Treatment Installer (WTI)
Join potable water and indirect waste connections to vent and waste equipment
- Details
- Written by Idalia S.
