Oregon doesn't license elevator companies the way most states license general contractors—it licenses individual elevator mechanics, journeymen, reciprocating conveyor specialists, and inspectors through five narrow tiers. This system is administered by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Building Codes Division under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 460. Understanding these specific individual license tiers is the first and most critical step for anyone looking to perform elevator work in the state.
Do you need an elevator license in Oregon?
Yes, Oregon requires an individual license to install, alter, repair, or maintain elevators or related conveyance equipment, administered by the DCBS Building Codes Division under ORS Chapter 460. This requirement applies to the individual performing the work, which is distinct from the operating permits required for the equipment itself or any general business licensing. Work on amusement rides and devices is regulated under a separate DCBS program and requires different credentials.
Who administers the Oregon elevator license?
The Oregon DCBS Building Codes Division, in consultation with the Electrical and Elevator Board, administers elevator-mechanic licensure under ORS Chapter 460 and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 918. This is a key distinction, as elevator licenses are not issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which handles most other construction-related licensing in the state.
What are the Oregon elevator license tiers?
Oregon recognizes five individual elevator license tiers, each with a specific scope of work defined by statute. The official names for these licenses are found on the Elevator Safety Program License Application (Form 440-3180): Limited Elevator Journeyman, Limited Elevator Mechanic, Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic, Restricted Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic, and Certified Elevator Inspector.
Limited Elevator Journeyman (E)
The scope and requirements for the Limited Elevator Journeyman license are established by the Building Codes Division. This license authorizes a specific range of work under the supervision of an appropriate mechanic. Applicants should confirm the current scope of work with the BCD before applying.
Limited Elevator Mechanic (LEM)
This license tier, governed by ORS 460.057, is a special limited license for individuals with sufficient work experience in the mechanical aspects of elevator work acquired prior to a specific date. As this is a historical classification, new applicants must carefully review the statutory requirements to determine eligibility.
Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RCM)
Regulated under ORS 460.061, this license authorizes the installation, alteration, repair, and maintenance of reciprocating conveyors. This is a distinct equipment category with a specific experience-based qualification path.
Restricted Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RRM)
Also governed by ORS 460.061, the Restricted RCM license allows for a narrower scope of work than the full RCM license. The specific limitations are set by department rule; confirm the current scope with the BCD.
Certified Elevator Inspector
Under ORS 460.055, a Certified Elevator Inspector holds a certificate of competency to inspect elevators and similar conveyances to ensure they comply with the Oregon Elevator Specialty Code. This is not a contractor or mechanic license but a certification for inspection professionals.
Oregon elevator license experience requirements
Experience requirements differ sharply by tier, with some paths based on documented work hours and others based on experience gained before a statutory cutoff date.
- Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RCM): An applicant must demonstrate "3,000 hours of work experience in the installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of reciprocating conveyors or of other forms of elevators identified by the department by rule," per ORS 460.061(4).
- Limited Elevator Mechanic (LEM): Eligibility for this license requires an applicant to "document to the satisfaction of the department that the person possesses sufficient work experience in the mechanical aspects of elevator installation, alteration, maintenance and repair acquired prior to October 23, 1999," as stated in ORS 460.057.
- Certified Elevator Inspector: To qualify, the examination process must "[i]nclude a practical demonstration of manipulative skill directly related to the intended service, or the requirement of previous related experience in lieu of a practical demonstration," according to ORS 460.055(5)(b).
- Apprentice and Journeyman Paths: Oregon provides for a Limited Apprentice license under ORS 460.059, which is a common pathway to gaining the necessary experience for higher-tiered licenses. The specific requirements for these paths are set by the BCD and the Electrical and Elevator Board.
Oregon elevator license exam
The Oregon elevator license exam is administered by the DCBS Building Codes Division, in consultation with the Electrical and Elevator Board. The reviewed Oregon statutes and rules do not identify any exam waiver through NASCLA acceptance for the elevator trade.
The exam content varies by license tier and is designed to test an applicant's knowledge of the Oregon Elevator Specialty Code, relevant statutes, and safe installation and maintenance practices. For the Certified Elevator Inspector tier, the process may involve a practical demonstration of skills in addition to or in lieu of a written exam. Exam scheduling, locations, and re-test policies are managed by the BCD.
How much does an Oregon elevator license cost?
Per DCBS Form 440-3180, Oregon elevator license application fees range from $50 to $300 depending on the tier. These fees are non-refundable.
- Limited Elevator Journeyman (E): $50.00
- Limited Elevator Mechanic (LEM): $60.00
- Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RCM): $300.00
- Restricted Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic (RRM): $50.00
The fee for the Certified Elevator Inspector is not itemized on this application form. Additionally, separate plan-review and operating-permit fees may apply to specific projects under ORS 460.024(4). Confirm all current fees directly with the Building Codes Division before submitting payment.
Insurance and bond requirements
The reviewed Oregon statutes and rules in ORS Chapter 460 and OAR Chapter 918 do not specify a uniform insurance or bond minimum for individual elevator mechanic license holders. Applicants must confirm current requirements directly with the DCBS Building Codes Division before bidding on or performing work.
Note that amusement rides and devices, a separate regulatory program, have specific insurance requirements under ORS 460.320 that do not apply to standard elevator work.
Reciprocity and out-of-state applicants
The reviewed Oregon statutes and rules do not identify any reciprocity, endorsement, or NASCLA acceptance pathway for the elevator trade. All applicants, regardless of prior licensure in another state, must meet Oregon's specific qualification requirements for experience and examination. Out-of-state experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements, but it must be documented to the satisfaction of the BCD.
How to apply for an Oregon elevator license (step-by-step)
- Identify the Correct Tier: Carefully review the scope of work and requirements for the five license tiers to determine which one matches your experience and intended work.
- Compile Experience Documentation: Gather affidavits from employers, detailed work logs, pay stubs, and any other evidence required to prove you meet the specific experience requirements for your chosen tier, such as the 3,000 hours for an RCM license.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the Elevator Safety Program License Application (Form 440-3180) completely and accurately.
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail the completed application and the required non-refundable fee to the address listed on the form: Building Codes Division, PO Box 14470, Salem, OR 97309-0404.
- Schedule the Exam: Once your application is approved, the BCD will provide instructions for scheduling your examination or practical demonstration.
- Pass the Exam: Successfully pass the required examination for your license tier.
- Receive Your License: Upon passing the exam and meeting all other requirements, the BCD will issue your license. You can verify your license status on the BCD's public license lookup portal.
- Understand Permit Obligations: Remember that your individual license is separate from project-specific installation or alteration permits and equipment operating permits required under ORS 460.024(4).
How long is an Oregon elevator license valid?
Oregon elevator-license validity depends on the tier. A Certified Elevator Inspector certificate expires on "December 31 of the year in which the certificate is issued or on a date established by rule of the Department of Consumer and Business Services," per ORS 460.065(1). The renewal intervals for the mechanic and journeyman license tiers are also established by department rule; confirm the current renewal cycle with the BCD.
Continuing education
No state-level continuing education requirement for Oregon elevator license holders was identified in the reviewed ORS Chapter 460 or OAR Chapter 918 provisions. However, the Electrical and Elevator Board has the authority to establish such requirements. Always confirm the current continuing education rules with the Building Codes Division when renewing your license.