Residential Requirements
How many hours do you need?
Most residential construction contractors need eight hours of continuing education every two years. Of these:
- CCB classes: Three hours must be the state’s Laws, Regulations and Business Practices courses. These are only available on this website or from the Construction Contractors Board at a presentation. Log in to your CCB account to take these classes.
- Business classes: Five hours must be Series A business management, work safety or building code courses. Business management includes such topics as accounting, marketing, and bidding. Private businesses and associations offer these courses, and you can find a list in our Course Catalog.
Licensed less than six years?
If you have been licensed by the CCB for less than six years and your responsible managing individual (RMI) has less than six years’ experience, you need the same eight hours described above PLUS an additional eight hours of classes. That’s 16 hours total. The additional eight hours can be:
- Series A business management, safety or building codes classes.
- Series B classes trade-specific classes such as roofing or excavating or solar window installation. These include energy efficiency courses.
- A combination of business or trade classes.
Only courses listed in the Course Catalog on this website are approved for credit.
Licensed for commercial and residential work?
If you are licensed for both commercial and residential work, you must fulfill requirements for the residential continuing education requirement and the commercial requirement. However, the hours taken for the residential obligation apply to the commercial requirements.
Expired or lapsed license?
If your license expired or lapsed (lack of bond or insurance) more than two years ago, do not take continuing education classes. You must re-apply for a license and take the pre-license training and test. Call the CCB at 503-378-4621.
How does the CCB track credits?
Course providers approved by the CCB notify us when you complete a course so we can see your record. You cannot renew your license until you meet the requirements.
Commercial Requirements
How much education do I need?
Education requirements for commercial contractors are based on your endorsement and how many key employees your business had on the date your license was last issued or renewed. When you renew, you will be asked to certify that you met the requirements.
- Level 2 commercial general or specialty contractors need: 32 hours of education.
- Level 1 commercial general or specialty contractors need:
- 5 or more key employees: 80 hours
- 4 key employees: 64 hours
- 3 key employees: 48 hours
- 2 key employees: 32 hours
- 1 key employee: 16 hours
Example: A contractor’s license (CGC1) renews on July 1, 2014. Two years earlier, on July 1, 2012 (the date of the previous renewal) the contractor had three key employees. The contractor needs 48 hours to renew.
Who are key employees?
A key employee is an owner or employee who is one of the following:
- Corporate officer
- Manager
- Superintendent
- Foreperson
- Lead person
- Any other person who supervises construction activities
Who can take classes?
One key employee or multiple key employees can complete class requirements.
What courses qualify?
Commercial contractors can take a variety of courses on construction methods or business practices to meet their continuing education requirements. The CCB does not need to pre-approve courses.
Who can offer courses?
The CCB does not approve individual education providers for commercial continuing education. By law, providers can be:
- Community colleges, colleges, universities
- Trade schools
- Trade or business associations*
- Professional societies
- Private companies
- Public agencies
- In-house training
*This can include workshops and trainings held at trade shows.
Do I need to report my education?
Keep a record of all the education completed. When you renew your license, you must certify on the renewal form that you completed requirements. The CCB may audit your records.
Licensed for commercial and residential?
If you are licensed for both commercial and residential work, you must fulfill requirements for the residential continuing education requirement and the commercial requirement. However, the hours taken for the residential obligation apply to the commercial requirements.
