If you perform construction work on other people’s property in Oregon for profit, you must have a license. According to Oregon law, a handyman must gross less than $40,000 a year from construction work, with each job running under $5,000. Before you can work as a handyman, you will need a Residential Limited Contractor license from Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The process includes classroom education, passing the state exam and obtaining the appropriate bond and insurance. After that, you can apply to the CCB for your license.

Complete 16 hours of classroom training in Oregon laws and regulations that apply to construction and contracting. Take the instruction only from an approved source (see Resources).

Register for the state exam with Prometric within three days of completing your training (see Resources). Select the most convenient testing site and date. Use your credit or debit card to pay the $85 exam fee.

Arrive 30 minutes before the test on your chosen exam date with two forms of government-issued identification. Take the exam and pass with at least a score of 70 percent.

Take out a $10,000 surety bond from a bonding company on yourself as well as a $100,000 liability insurance policy. Keep the certificates of bond and insurance in a safe place in the event you have to show proof.

Complete and submit the Contractor License Application in its entirety (see Resources). Return the application along with a copy of your bond, insurance policy and the licensing fee of $325 to the address indicated on the application. You may either mail or bring everything personally. Once all of your information is verified, you will receive your contractor license information by mail within three weeks.