Quick Reference Table for Plumbing License Requirements in Oregon
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | CCB Plumbing Contractor (PB endorsement), Journeyman Plumber (individual trade license) |
Regulating Agencies | Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), Building Codes Division (BCD) |
Experience | Journeyman: apprenticeship or equivalent; CCB: RMI must complete training (no trade experience years specified) |
Exam | Yes (CCB: business exam via PSI; Journeyman: trade exam, provider not listed – verify at BCD plumbing licensing page) |
Renewal Cycle | 2 years (CCB and BCD Journeyman) |
Continuing Education | Journeyman: CE required including code-change; CCB: plumbers exempt from CCB CE (see below) |
Fees | CCB license: $400/2 yrs (as of 2026); BCD contractor app: $225 (as of 2026); see Fees section |
Official URLs | CCB Board | Apply CCB | Apply BCD | CCB Lookup | BCD Lookup |
Who Needs a License in Oregon?
If you perform or bid on plumbing work (residential or commercial) in Oregon for compensation, you need a plumbing license or contractor registration above $1,000 in value. There are only narrow exemptions for small, casual work and select situations detailed in Oregon statute.
Under Oregon law (ORS 701.010), a person or business must hold a valid CCB license with a plumbing endorsement (PB) to contract for paid construction work, including plumbing, unless the total project value is under $1,000 and the work is minor or inconsequential. The license requirement applies to commercial and residential plumbing jobs. Most importantly, all workers performing plumbing in the field must also carry the appropriate individual license, usually a Journeyman Plumber certificate issued by the BCD following the plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
The law distinguishes between contractors (bidding jobs, signing contracts) and employees (who work as plumbers). Employers must designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) who holds the required training and passes the required exams, supervising plumbing work under the business's license. For jobs on your own personal property, owners may be exempt if direct contract labor is not involved, but a permit is still required for most trade work. Material suppliers and work performed on federal property may also be exempt. Review ORS 701.010 for full details on exemptions.
Plumbing License Types
Oregon issues several types of plumbing licenses, each covering a specific scope of work and involving different plumbing license requirements in Oregon. It is critical to secure the correct license before bidding or performing plumbing jobs above the exemption limits.
CCB Plumbing Contractor (PB Endorsement)
This endorsement, added to a standard CCB license, authorizes a business or sole proprietorship to contract plumbing work for residential or commercial clients. It also allows the licensee to pull plumbing permits in Oregon. The PB endorsement requires the business to designate an RMI and show proof of proper training. You may combine this endorsement with others if you offer multiple construction or specialty services under one business entity.
Journeyman Plumber (BCD)
The Journeyman Plumber license is issued by the BCD to individuals. Holding this license permits a person to perform plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in the field under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor, as required by plumbing license requirements in Oregon. Most plumbing jobs must be performed by someone with this license, except in owner-occupied exemptions or for apprentice-level workers operating directly under a journeyman's supervision.
Other license designations, such as limited pump installer or water heater installer, exist, but the main classifications relevant for most legal plumbing projects are CCB Plumbing Contractor (PB) for businesses and Journeyman Plumber for individuals. Both licenses may be required for full compliance: the company to bid and supervise, and the worker to perform field labor to meet Oregon’s plumbing license requirements.
How to Get Licensed in Oregon
Getting a plumbing license in Oregon involves several sequential steps, differing for contractors (businesses) and individual tradespeople. Both the CCB and BCD processes must be followed as applicable to comply with plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
Steps to Become a Journeyman Plumber (BCD)
Complete the Plumbing License Application, including experience verification, education transcripts, high school diploma (or GED), and a current photo.
Mail the application, supporting documents, and the required fee to the Building Codes Division (address on form). Partial applications will delay review.
Wait for application approval. If the BCD finds your documentation in order, they will issue a written exam authorization.
Schedule and take the Journeyman Plumber exam. Details about locations and providers are shared in the exam letter (verify exam process at BCD’s official page).
Receive exam results by mail. If you pass, you’ll receive your Journeyman Plumber certificate and license. If you do not pass, you may retake the exam per BCD guidelines.
Steps to Become a Plumbing Contractor (CCB PB Endorsement)
Designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for your business (must be 18+).
Complete 16 hours of approved contractor pre-license training for the RMI.
Have your RMI pass the CCB business law exam, scheduled through an approved training provider (usually delivered by PSI).
Decide which endorsements you need (PB for plumbing; others as applicable). Prepare to file as a business with the Oregon Secretary of State if not already registered.
Gather required documents: surety bond form, certificate of general liability insurance (naming the CCB), and proof of worker’s compensation if employing staff.
Complete the CCB license application online or by paper. Attach all supporting materials for endorsements, training, bond, and insurance. Pay the relevant $400 license fee (as of CCB 2026 source date).
Submit your application to the CCB. Electronic submissions typically process in 4–6 weeks, while mailed applications can take 6–8 weeks. The RMI will undergo a background check after submission.
Once approved, your business will receive the CCB contractor license with the PB plumbing endorsement, authorizing you to legally contract plumbing work in Oregon.
Always keep copies of each form and track status by periodically checking the CCB and BCD license lookup portals for updates on plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
Application Requirements for Plumbing License Requirements in Oregon
Oregon’s licensing process has strict eligibility criteria. Both entities and individuals must meet several requirements before they can be licensed to perform or contract plumbing work.
Experience and Age
The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) for a contractor license must be at least 18 years old and complete CCB pre-license training. No specific number of trade experience years is required for the CCB, but journeyman applicants must show they have completed a formal plumbing apprenticeship or provide equivalent documentation and training transcripts. The BCD reviews education and experience to ensure minimum competence for the journeyman role per plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
Bond and Insurance
The CCB mandates that plumbing contractors maintain a surety bond for each endorsement, including PB. The exact bond amount for plumbing is not stated in the official 2026 board pages. All applicants must submit a certificate of general liability insurance naming the CCB as the certificate holder. If you employ workers, you must also supply proof of worker’s compensation insurance. These requirements help to ensure contractors are financially responsible and able to cover claims arising from defective work or injuries.
Application Materials
Journeyman applications must include completed forms, proof of apprenticeship (or equivalent), high school diploma/GED, photo, and application fees. The BCD only processes fully complete applications. For contractor licenses, required materials include business registration documents, pre-license training proof, exam results, the RMI’s background check consent, the signed license application, supporting insurance/bond certificates, and license fees. See the CCB forms library and BCD application forms for exact checklists.
Background Check
The RMI for a CCB license must complete a background check after submitting the full application. Fingerprinting is not specified in the research, but a criminal history review is required. The BCD process for journeyman applicants does not mention background checks in the official public instructions, but policies can change; verify directly with BCD if needed.
Exams for Plumbing License Requirements in Oregon
Oregon requires distinct exams for plumbing contractors and journeyman plumbers. Passing the relevant exam is mandatory before a license can be issued.
CCB Business/Law Exam
The CCB’s business exam focuses on Oregon law, project management, and ethics. This exam is based on the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management. You must complete a 16-hour pre-license training (from a board-accredited provider), then pass the exam, which is usually administered by PSI through the training provider’s system. Score results are immediate; if you do not pass, you may reschedule and pay the exam fee again. The format (number of questions, time, etc.) is not detailed on the official pages. Always verify the latest exam details at the CCB exam page.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
The journeyman trade exam is required after BCD reviews and approves your application. The exam provider and detailed format are not listed on the official BCD web page at this time; always check current procedures at the BCD plumbing apply page. Exam content covers Oregon plumbing code, trade knowledge, and safety practices. You’ll receive scheduling instructions from BCD if your application is approved.
Fees for Plumbing License Requirements in Oregon
Both license and application fees apply. Each fee listed here is sourced directly from CCB/BCD official documentation as of 2026. Gaps in fee details are flagged below; for unlisted items, consult the official agency fee pages.
CCB Plumbing Contractor (2-year license): $400 (as of 2026 – See CCB fee schedule)
BCD Plumbing and Limited Pump Contractor Application: $225 (as of 2026 – See BCD form 2888)
Example Residential Limited Contractor (RLC) CCB fee: $250 for 2 years (as of 1/28/2026 – Oregon License Directory)
Exam fees: not specified on CCB or BCD official sites for plumbing – verify at official licensing/exam provider links above.
Bond amount: required, but exact dollar value for plumbing not published on 2026 CCB page – see CCB Bond requirements.
Late, reinstatement, and miscellaneous fees: not specified here – verify at CCB and BCD fee schedules.
Always confirm the latest fee amounts before you apply or renew, as amounts can change and affect full compliance with plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
Renewal and Continuing Education for Plumbing License Requirements in Oregon
Renewal for both CCB licenses and Journeyman Plumber certificates occurs every two years. Contractors and plumbers must remain compliant with all renewal, bond, insurance, and education requirements to avoid lapses or penalties.
Contractor License Renewal (CCB PB Endorsement)
The CCB contractor license with plumbing endorsement renews on a 2-year cycle. The board mails renewal forms about 8 weeks before license expiration. To renew, you must submit the completed form, proof of active surety bond and insurance, and pay the renewal fee. Plumbers who are also the RMI and licensed Oregon Journeyman are exempt from the general CCB continuing education requirement. If you fail to renew before expiration, your license lapses. If your license is expired for more than 24 months, you must repeat the training and business exam process (see CCB renewal rules).
Journeyman License Renewal (BCD)
The BCD Journeyman Plumber license also runs on a 2-year renewal period. All licensees must complete approved continuing education (CE) in plumbing code updates before renewing. The minimum number of required hours is not specified in the 2026 BCD guidelines, verify current requirements at the BCD plumbing CE page. Both code-change and general safety/ethics topics may be mandatory. Water treatment installers and water heater installers are exempt from general CE.
If you allow your BCD license to expire, you may face additional reinstatement fees or requirements. Expired CCB licensees cannot legally contract until fully reinstated, including updated bond and insurance, consistent with plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
Reciprocity
Oregon recognizes reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Plumber licenses with selected other states. However, the BCD does not list specific reciprocal states on its 2026 public web pages. Always check for updated reciprocity under the latest plumbing license requirements in Oregon.
To pursue a reciprocal Journeyman license, contact the Oregon Building Codes Division directly for current reciprocity procedures and eligible states. Each agreement may have unique documentation or verification steps. There is no mention of reciprocity for the CCB contractor PB plumbing endorsement; out-of-state contractors must follow the full Oregon licensing process.
Always start with the BCD plumbing license page to confirm detailed requirements as they change frequently.
Official Links
Apply for CCB Contractor License (inc. PB Endorsement)
CCB Downloadable Forms and Applications
ORS 701.010 License Exemptions and Statutes
