The state of Oregon, like any other state in the country, has its own set of rules when it comes to getting and keeping a residential contractor’s license. In Oregon, your residential contractor’s license needs an endorsement to specify what kind of work you do. A residential structure endorsement is the most common type that contractors get, as it allows them to work on homes, condos, and modular homes. Once you know what kind of endorsement you need, then it is time to take your test and apply for your license.
The construction industry in Oregon is booming.
Required Submissions For An Oregon Residential Contractors License
Oregon requires you to submit a surety bond that must be in effect as long as your license is valid, and a fee of $250 with your application. There are extra costs for the classroom training that is required to take the initial test and, in some cases, required to renew your license as well. You will also need a certificate to prove that you have the right amount of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to cover your business.
License Renewal And Classroom Time
An Oregon residential contractor license is good for two years from the date of issue. However, if your surety bond expires before the two years is up, you will have to get a new bond and reapply for your license. The state gives you two years to renew your license before it expires and you have to reapply, but it is best to take care of renewal when it comes up to avoid any complications. Prior to renewing your license, you must take 16 hours of continuing education courses, depending on the kind of endorsement you have. Some endorsements do not require continuing education, but they still have to be renewed every two years.
Exempt From Continuing Education
Certain trades and professionals are exempt from having to take the 16 hours of class training every two years to renew their license. Those trades are:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Master Builders
- Landscape companies with contracting licenses
- Engineers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Elevator construction and maintenance companies
- Boiler contractors
- Wind or sun energy contractors
- Home inspectors
In some cases, there are provisions attached to whether or not these trades are exempt from continuing education. For example, an architectural firm must have a licensed architect as a company executive to be exempt from the 16 hours of classroom training. All trades are advised to check with the state licensing office to see whether or not their particular business has to go through continuing education to renew their Oregon contractor license.
Now is the time for you to take advantage of the construction opportunities in Oregon.
Opportunity
Construction is one of the industries in Oregon that has seen significant growth throughout 2017. From July 2016 to July 2017, the construction industry in Oregon saw its labor force grow by 13.2 percent. That growth makes the Oregon construction industry the fastest growing employer in the state for the past 12 months.
If you want to learn more about getting your residential contractor license in Oregon, then start a course with PDH Contractors today. You can get all of your classroom training done online, and PDH Contractors will continue to update you with the latest news and information from the world of construction.