HVAC Contractor License Cost in Oregon

Expect to pay $400 for the Oregon CCB initial application (plus a $60 exam), maintain the required CCB bond and liability insurance, and—if you do HVAC/R maintenance—$75 for the BCD LHR contractor license every three years. CCB renewal is $400 every two years. Exact bond and insurance minimums depend on your endorsement.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-08

How to get an Oregon HVAC contractor license (and what it costs)

1. Decide your CCB endorsement (residential, commercial, or both). Your endorsement sets your bond and insurance minimums—and total cost. See the CCB endorsement chart. CCB endorsements, bonds & insurance.
2. Complete 16 hours of pre‑license training and pass the Oregon exam ($60). This designates your Responsible Managing Individual (RMI). CCB pre-license & exam details.
3. Buy your CCB surety bond and liability insurance in the minimum amounts for your endorsement; the bond(s) and a Certificate of Insurance must accompany your application. CCB bond & insurance requirements.
4. Apply for your CCB license and pay the $400 initial application fee (renewal is $400 every two years). CCB Forms & Fees.
5. If you perform HVAC/R maintenance (service/repair/replace), apply for BCD’s LHR contractor license ($75; 3‑year cycle) and designate a qualified person with 4,000 hours experience and approved training. LHR fee/cycle; experience criteria.
6. Pull mechanical permits for installations under the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code using your CCB license (and any required BCD license). Mechanical permitting; OMSC.
7. Track renewals: CCB every 2 years ($400); LHR every 3 years (July 1). CCB renewal; LHR renewal.

Oregon HVAC contractor license cost: line‑item breakdown

Budget for these state‑mandated costs:

• CCB initial application: $400; renewal: $400/2 years. Source.
• CCB exam: $60 (after 16 hours pre‑license training). Source.
• Surety bond: Amount depends on your endorsement (e.g., RGC $25,000; CGC1 $80,000). Premium set by your surety; bond must use CCB form and be submitted with the application. Source.
• Liability insurance: Minimums by endorsement (e.g., Residential GC $500,000 per occurrence; CGC1 $2,000,000 aggregate). Provide a Certificate of Insurance with your application. Source.
• HVAC/R maintenance (LHR) license: $75; renews every 3 years (July 1). Source.

Do Oregon HVAC contractors need more than a CCB license?

For many HVAC businesses, the CCB license is the foundational registration to contract legally. If your scope includes HVAC/R maintenance (service/repair/replacement), BCD’s LHR contractor license is required and carries specific experience (4,000 hours + approved training) and a modest $75 fee. Installation work is governed by the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code and requires permits. LHR experience; LHR fee/cycle; OMSC.

HVAC contractor license cost in Oregon: FAQs answered

What is the total state fee outlay to start?

Plan on $460 in state fees initially: $400 for the CCB application and $60 for the CCB exam. If you also perform HVAC/R maintenance, add $75 for the BCD LHR license (3‑year cycle). Bond and insurance costs vary by provider but must meet CCB minimums. CCB fees; LHR fee.

How much bond and insurance do I need?

Bond amounts and insurance minimums are set by your CCB endorsement—for example, Residential GC: $25,000 bond and $500,000 liability per occurrence; Commercial GC Level 1: $80,000 bond and $2,000,000 aggregate liability. Submit proof of both with your CCB application. Bond & insurance chart.

Do I need a trade exam for HVAC in Oregon?

Oregon does not require a separate HVAC trade exam at the state level. Your RMI must complete 16 hours of pre‑license training and pass the Oregon contractor law/business exam ($60) for CCB licensure. CCB exam.

What does the BCD LHR license cover and cost?

The Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR) license authorizes HVAC/R maintenance, service, repair, or replacement work described by BCD. It costs $75 and renews every three years (July 1). Applicants must document 4,000 hours of qualifying experience plus training. LHR fee/cycle; experience criteria.

Who pulls HVAC mechanical permits in Oregon?

CCB‑licensed contractors pull mechanical permits for HVAC installations under the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code; your CCB license is recognized in ePermitting for residential and commercial mechanical permits. ePermitting license types; OMSC.

Costs compared: other Oregon licenses

License costs and evidence requirements vary widely by trade in Oregon. If you’re exploring adjacent compliance topics, our Oregon private investigator resources outline very different fee structures and background criteria; see our step‑by‑step Oregon PI guide and the Oregon private investigator license cost breakdown for a useful comparison of how state fees and renewals can differ.

Ready to map your exact Oregon HVAC licensing path? License Navigator can assemble a personalized checklist with the right endorsements, fees, forms, bonds, and renewals for your business.