Oregon HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: CCB Contractor License with a mechanical/HVAC specialty endorsement (Residential Specialty Contractor or Commercial Specialty Contractor) · Issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).

❄️ HVACOR ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Oregon, HVAC contractors must hold the CCB Contractor License with a mechanical/HVAC specialty endorsement (Residential Specialty Contractor or Commercial Specialty Contractor), issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Oregon

Follow these steps to earn your CCB Contractor License with a mechanical/HVAC specialty endorsement (Residential Specialty Contractor or Commercial Specialty Contractor). Every figure is verified against the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Residential endorsement: complete the 16-hour pre-license training and pass the exam (no fixed years required). Commercial Specialty: Level 1 requires 8 years construction experience, Level 2 requires 4 years.
Pass the Oregon Construction Contractor Exam (Oregon NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 2nd ed.) exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Oregon requires Residential Specialty: $20,000 surety bond. Residential General: $25,000. Commercial Specialty: $55,000 (Level 1) / $25,000 (Level 2). A commercial endorsement requires a separate bond from any residential endorsement.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Residential Specialty: $300,000 per occurrence. Residential General: $500,000/occurrence. Commercial Specialty: $1 million aggregate (Level 1) / $500,000/occurrence (Level 2)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must complete a background check after submitting the application.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) — Up to $400 (two-year license) application fee, plus a Included in application fee license fee. Processing time: Variable.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years.

License types

Residential Specialty Contractor (RSC) — Work involving one or two unrelated building trades (e.g. HVAC/heating) for residential or small commercial projects
Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1/Level 2 (CSC1/CSC2) — One or two unrelated building trades for small or large commercial projects

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Residential endorsement: complete the 16-hour pre-license training and pass the exam (no fixed years required). Commercial Specialty: Level 1 requires 8 years construction experience, Level 2 requires 4 years.
Application fee	Up to $400 (two-year license)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$400
Renewal period	Every 2 years
Continuing education	None required by CCB
Bond required	Residential Specialty: $20,000 surety bond. Residential General: $25,000. Commercial Specialty: $55,000 (Level 1) / $25,000 (Level 2). A commercial endorsement requires a separate bond from any residential endorsement.
Liability insurance	Residential Specialty: $300,000 per occurrence. Residential General: $500,000/occurrence. Commercial Specialty: $1 million aggregate (Level 1) / $500,000/occurrence (Level 2)
Property damage	Included in general liability
Workers' comp	Required if you have employees
Background check	The Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) must complete a background check after submitting the application.
Credit requirement	None (CCB may review Oregon Dept. of Revenue tax records for the Residential Limited endorsement)
Reciprocity	None (a CCB license is required regardless of out-of-state licensure)
Processing time	Variable

Exams

Oregon Construction Contractor Exam (Oregon NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, 2nd ed.)	Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% (56 of 80 questions) · Fee: $60

Preparing for the HVAC exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Oregon has no separate state HVAC contractor trade license — HVAC/heating is a CCB specialty endorsement. HVAC technicians performing low-voltage/control wiring may also need a BCD Limited Energy Technician (Class A/B) license.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Oregon hvac license cost?

Application: Up to $400 (two-year license). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $400.

Do hvacs in Oregon need a surety bond?

Residential Specialty: $20,000 surety bond. Residential General: $25,000. Commercial Specialty: $55,000 (Level 1) / $25,000 (Level 2). A commercial endorsement requires a separate bond from any residential endorsement.

What experience is required for a Oregon hvac license?

Residential endorsement: complete the 16-hour pre-license training and pass the exam (no fixed years required). Commercial Specialty: Level 1 requires 8 years construction experience, Level 2 requires 4 years.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Oregon?

Liability: Residential Specialty: $300,000 per occurrence. Residential General: $500,000/occurrence. Commercial Specialty: $1 million aggregate (Level 1) / $500,000/occurrence (Level 2) Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees

How often must a Oregon hvac license be renewed?

Every 2 years.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) before applying. This is not legal advice.