The Certified Master Builder (CMB) program was created in 1997 as a pilot program in Marion County and the City of Salem. In 2001 the Legislature expanded the program statewide, allowing building officials around the state to grant certain privileges to Certified Master Builders with regard to plans review and inspections. A certified master builder may perform portions of plan reviews and/or certain inspections of basic, non-complex structures that are designed and constructed under the requirements of the Oregon One-and Two-Family Dwelling Code.

Builders who meet a strict set of standards involving background checks and demonstrated experience in home building and/or remodeling, are eligible to apply for the training program. Once accepted into the program, each applicant must complete a thirty-six (36) hour course in building codes and business management approved by the Building Codes Division. The course is taught once each week over a seven week period. Upon successful completion, an examination is administered by the division. If the applicant passes the examination, the division issues a master builder certificate to the builder, who may then use the Certified Master Builder designation.

For details on how to apply for the training and the qualifications required in the tri-county region of Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties, contact the Education Coordinator, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, 15555 SW Bangy Road, Suite 301, Lake Oswego, OR., 97035, or call (503) 684-1880.

Builders also may contact the Tri-County Service Center, 123 NE 3rd Ave., Suite 440, Portland, OR., 97232, (503) 872-6731

Builders outside the tri-county region must contact the Oregon Building Industry Association at, 375 Taylor Street NE, Salem, OR., 97303, or by telephone, (503) 378-9066 click 0, or www.obia.net.

To view training and experience required to become certified as a master builder and complete program requirements, see: Administrative Rules