Oregon is renowned for its wealth of natural beauty and its quirky population. Unsurprisingly, it attracts many outdoor enthusiasts and young professionals, but there is a dearth of skilled handymen in the state. There is a need for licensed and insured handymen, but you must ensure that you work within the Oregon requirements. This means you must limit your work to jobs that unlicensed handymen can perform or seek out licensure in order to take on any job. If you’re ready to fill this role, you should read on to make sure that you understand how to get a handyman license in Oregon.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. You should consult your local regulations and a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Do You Need a License to Be a Handyman in Oregon?
Yes, handymen in the state of Oregon need to be licensed. Oregon is particularly strict in its requirements and dictates that any professional who performs construction tasks and receives compensation must have a license to do business. The state calls this authorization a construction contractor license, and Oregon specifies that the following tasks fall require licensure:
- Landscaping and tree servicing
- Roofing and siding installation
- Carpentry
- Flooring
- Painting
Anybody who’s interested in an Oregon handyman license should also know that electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work all require additional licensure that is not covered by an Oregon construction contractor license.
Is There a Specific Handyman License in Oregon?
There is not a specific handyman license in Oregon, but the state requires that any person performing handyman tasks be licensed. The licensure in question — a construction contractor license — is a general requirement for a wide range of home improvement professions, including — but not specific to — handyman tasks.
Oregon Handyman License Requirements
Oregon’s requirements for obtaining a construction contractor license are simple. You must submit an application to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. You can learn more by reviewing the Oregon Contractor License Requirements and Guide or reading any of these other relevant articles:
- Does a Handyman Need a License? (What Kind and From Whom)
- Can a Handyman Hire Subcontractors? (Handyman License Info)
Insurance Requirements
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board requires that all licensed contractors obtain liability insurance before applying for licensure. Coverage requirements are based on whether you seek residential or commercial licensure and what kind of service you plan to provide. The lowest coverage requirement is $100,000 per occurrence and the highest is $2,000,000 per occurrence. Use the tool below to request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners.
Handyman Training and Certification Programs
Many handymen enter the field after being mentored by a more experienced professional. This on-the-job training may be more common than a formal education program, but if you don’t have the benefit of a teacher, there are several options for programs that can open the door to a handyman career.
Specific certifications or memberships, such as obtaining a home inspector certificate or joining The Association of Certified Handyman Professionals, can lend credibility to your business. It is also essential to understand fundamental business principles, which you can gain through an online training program.
Handyman License Oregon FAQ
It’s likely that you still have many questions about obtaining your Oregon handyman license. Here are two of the most common FAQs and their answers.
- What Happens if I Do Not Have the Right License?
If you pursue work as a contractor without meeting Oregon handyman license requirements, you will be subject to a schedule of penalties established by the Construction Contractors Board and enforced by the Secretary of State. These penalties range from $600 to $5,000. Contractors who commit multiple infractions may become ineligible for licensure.
- Who Can I Contact if I Have Questions?
For more information on obtaining an Oregon handyman license, you can reach out to the Oregon construction contractors board by phone at (503) 378-4621 or by email at ccb.info@ccb.oregon.gov.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Handyman in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Oregon, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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