Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

Who must have a contractor's license?

1. A person cleaning chimneys for money

2. A homeowner hiring sub-contractors

3. A supplier of construction materials

4. A project manager overseeing construction

The correct answer is: A person cleaning chimneys for money

A contractor's license is typically required for individuals or entities that engage in construction-related activities for compensation, which includes managing projects, hiring subcontractors, or working directly on construction tasks. In Oregon, specific activities necessitate a contractor's license to ensure compliance with state regulations and protect consumer interests. Individuals cleaning chimneys for money fall directly within the category of offering construction-related services, as this work might affect the structural safety or integrity of a property. Such tasks are often considered a trade involving specialized skills, and thus, require the professional to be licensed. In contrast, homeowners hiring subcontractors do not need a contractor's license since they are not actively engaged in contracting work themselves; they are simply managing their own property's renovation or construction. Suppliers of construction materials also do not require a license, as they are providing products rather than services. Similarly, a project manager, while involved in overseeing construction, may not require a contractor's license if they are not performing any construction work themselves or functioning as a general contractor.