Oregon plumbing license: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 24, 2026

Oregon plumbing license: Oregon requires an individual plumbing license for the worker and separate BCD plumbing contractor and CCB licenses for the business. Applicants submit employer experience verification, apprenticeship/classroom records, education proof and examination materials.

Fast answer: Complete an approved apprenticeship or equivalent verified route, submit experience for each employer, obtain exam authorization, pass, receive the Journeyman license, and work through properly licensed BCD and CCB businesses.

Oregon plumbing license authority experience exams fees insurance renewal — Oregon requirements summarized from the responsible agencies. Local permits, employers and certifying bodies may impose additional conditions.

What the Oregon plumbing license covers

Oregon requires an individual plumbing license for the worker and separate BCD plumbing contractor and CCB licenses for the business. Applicants submit employer experience verification, apprenticeship/classroom records, education proof and examination materials.

Plumbing work under the individual Journeyman license and licensed business.
Work only within the credential issued.
Obtain every required permit and inspection.

Compare related occupations and states in the License Finder.

Oregon plumbing license requirements at a glance

Requirement	Current rule or route
Route	Approved apprenticeship or verified equivalent experience to Journeyman Plumber plus plumbing contractor and CCB business licenses
Experience	Complete an Oregon-recognized apprenticeship or document equivalent classroom and supervised plumbing experience.
Exam	Pass the Oregon Journeyman Plumbing examination unless approved under reciprocity.
Fees	Application, exam, individual, plumbing contractor, CCB, bond, insurance and permit fees apply.
Insurance or bond	Maintain the CCB bond, liability, workers compensation and specialty coverage required for the business and project.
Renewal	Renew individual, BCD business and CCB licenses independently.

Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.

How to complete the Oregon plumbing license process

Identify every individual and business credential triggered by the work.
Complete required education and experience.
Obtain approval and pass each examination.
Submit applications, records and fees.
Complete bond, insurance, business and permit requirements.
Renew on time and retain compliance records.

Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.

Important Oregon rules and boundaries

Individual and business licenses are separate.
A CCB license does not replace BCD trade licensing.
Related classifications are not interchangeable.
The responsible authority makes the final eligibility decision.

Oregon may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.

Oregon plumbing license cost and renewal

Budget separately for training, examinations, applications, bonds, insurance, business filings and permits.

Renew individual, business and specialty credentials separately and verify current fees.

Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.

Oregon plumbing license checklist

Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
Use the current official form and fee schedule.
Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is this credential statewide?

The principal credential is statewide, but local permits, inspections and utility approvals remain separate.

Is an exam required?

Pass the Oregon Journeyman Plumbing examination unless approved under reciprocity.

When does it renew?

Renew individual, BCD business and CCB licenses independently.

Are permits separate?

Yes.

Official sources used

Verified licensing details

Licensing authority: Oregon Building Codes Division and Construction Contractors Board
Fees: Application, exam, individual, plumbing contractor, CCB, bond, insurance and permit fees apply.
Experience: Complete an Oregon-recognized apprenticeship or document equivalent classroom and supervised plumbing experience.
Exams: Pass the Oregon Journeyman Plumbing examination unless approved under reciprocity.
Insurance or bond: Maintain the CCB bond, liability, workers compensation and specialty coverage required for the business and project.
Continuing education: Complete the code, rule and law continuing education assigned to the license.
Renewal period: Renew individual, BCD business and CCB licenses independently.

Official sources

Official sources last checked August 23, 2026.

Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.