Plumber license requirements in Oregon.
Oregon splits plumbing licensing across two agencies. The State Plumbing Board under the Building Codes Division handles individual plumbing licenses, while the Construction Contractors Board licenses the business that contracts the work — so most plumbing companies need credentials from both.
What Oregon requires.
Plumbing Apprentice
Registered with a local plumbing company or trade union. Requires being at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED.
Journeyman Plumber
The individual license, issued by the Building Codes Division after the apprenticeship hours and exam.
CCB contractor license
Issued separately by the Construction Contractors Board — this is what lets the business contract plumbing work.
Getting the Plumbing Apprentice
- Apprentice: be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED, and register through a plumbing company or trade union
- The registered four-year apprenticeship runs 576 hours of classroom instruction plus 3,850 hours of commercial and 3,850 hours of residential on-the-job experience
- Journeyman: 576 classroom hours and 7,700 hours of plumbing work experience
- Journeyman exam: 64 questions, open book, four-hour limit, 75% to pass
Renewal: Journeymen complete 24 hours of continuing education every three years — 4 hours on Oregon rule and law, 4 hours on code changes, and 16 hours on code-related topics.
- · The two-agency split matters: a Building Codes Division license covers the individual, but contracting the work requires a CCB license for the business.
The official board
Oregon Building Codes Division — State Plumbing Board (individual licenses); Construction Contractors Board (contractor licenses)
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Oregon plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in Oregon?
Yes, and often two. The State Plumbing Board under the Building Codes Division issues individual plumbing licenses, while the Construction Contractors Board licenses the business that contracts the work — most plumbing companies need both.
How many hours do you need for a journeyman plumber license in Oregon?
7,700 hours of plumbing work experience plus 576 hours of classroom instruction. The registered four-year apprenticeship structures that as 3,850 hours of commercial and 3,850 hours of residential on-the-job experience.
What is on the Oregon journeyman plumber exam?
It is a 64-question open-book exam with a four-hour time limit, and you need 75% or better to pass.
What continuing education do Oregon plumbers need?
24 hours every three years for journeymen — 4 hours on Oregon rule and law, 4 hours on code changes, and 16 hours on code-related topics.
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