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The voice and choice
of the commercial
construction industry.


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 © 2010 AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter
 9450 S.W. Commerce Circle, Suite 200,
 Wilsonville, Oregon 97070
 Phone: 503-682-3363 - 800-826-6610
 Fax: 503-682-1696

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

AGC University  New CCB Requirements

What are the 15 areas of competence identified as critical to the success of a commercial contractor?

In interviews with hundreds of Oregon contractors, these are the topics identified as crucial areas of competence in commercial construction. Courses at AGC University will provide best practice information on these topics:

  • Construction Contractors Board (CCB) laws and regulations in Oregon
  • Construction management and project management best practices
  • Construction contracts and contract law
  • Getting work: access to public and private work
  • Risk management: insurance, loss control and surety bonds
  • Getting paid: construction lien and public works bond law
  • Human resources: employer requirements/employees’ rights/effective management
  • Financial management: taxes and record keeping
  • Business development/marketing best practices
  • Building codes
  • Safety: occupational safety and health issues
  • Technology
  • Sustainability and green building practices
  • Environmental laws and practices
  • Ethics

Where can I find the latest information about AGC University course schedules? How do I register for AGC University classes?

Current course information can be found here. Course information will be updated regularly, and you register online for classes. Pre-registration is strongly recommended; onsite registrations will be accepted but only on a space-available basis. Payment by check or credit card is required at the time of registration. Please refer to the AGC website for payment and return policies.

Where do I go to attend AGC University classes?

In the Portland metropolitan area, many AGC University classes will be held at AGC Center, 9450 SW Commerce Circle Suite 200 in Wilsonville. Classes will also be made available at other Oregon locations throughout the year.

Can AGC help me keep track of how many continuing education credits are being accrued by my key employees?

Yes—for AGC members only—click here and follow the instructions for accessing your company profile page. There, in a password protected area, we will track all AGC-sponsored CCB-eligible continuing education courses, safety training, and events. You may be surprised how simple and easy it is to accrue the classes necessary to meet the CCB requirements. Each class is linked to a course outline and instructor information that you can download or print for your own records.

Who are the AGC University course instructors?

Classes are taught by experienced industry professionals—frequently in partnership with commercial contractors that lend a pragmatic, hands-on point of view to the subject areas. For specific information about AGC University instructors you can check out the instructor biographies here. Each instructor’s credentials and experience has been reviewed by the AGC professional associates serving on the Education Subcommittee of the AGC Professional and Industry Associates Council.

How do I become an AGC University instructor?

If you have an area of expertise you would like to share with members of the construction industry, you may submit a course proposal that includes a course description and outline, information about the credentials and experience of the presenter(s), and an explanation of the issues or problems the course is designed to address. Instructors for AGC University donate their time. The AGC University classes are intended to be educational—not self promotional.

Click here for a faculty proposal form.

What if I don’t see a course offering for a topic I need?

If there is an area of instruction you’d find helpful, AGC would like to know! Please send an email with your request to Colette Evers, AGC’s director of safety, products and education.

Are AGC University classes offered online?

No, they are not. We believe the interaction of class participants is an important part of the learning process. We do have plans to make some presentations available via teleconferencing.

I’m just getting started in construction. How do I know a particular class is right for me?

AGC University classes will be given course levels of 101, 201, 301, and 401. Basic information will be provided at the 101 level classes. If you have some limited knowledge of a topic, than a 201-level class would be right for you. 301 and 401 courses are more advanced or very specific. To determine if a course is right for you, study the course outline.

I have 20 years experience in construction and own a successful company. Does AGC University have something for me?

Yes we do! Construction practices are changing rapidly and becoming ever more complex. Even seasoned industry professionals can benefit from the latest information on new laws, technology, and management practices. At AGC University we are working to develop a curriculum balanced with classes for all levels or experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation by participant/attendee:
There is a $25 cancellation fee for all class registrations. The customer has one week (five business days) prior to the start date of the selected class to cancel the registration entirely or transfer to another class. To clarify, if the class is on Tuesday, you must cancel by the Monday of the week before the class. If cancellation occurs within one week of the class (five business days or less), the customer may 1) replace the canceled registrant with a substitute, or 2) forfeit the registration fee. No shows for any class will not be refunded and will be required to re-register and pay for any additional classes. All funds must be paid before the first day of any given class in order to guarantee class placement.

Cancellation by AGC:
AGC decides whether or not to conduct classes based on the number of attendees registered one to two weeks prior to the class. If AGC cancels a class, you or your company will receive notification via phone or email. Once a class is canceled, it will no longer be available for registration on the website's class calendar. Any class payments will be transferred to the next available class pending attendee approval. If the attendee elects not to transfer to another class at that time or if the class is not rescheduled, all funds will be refunded.

Cancellation due to inclement weather:
In the event of bad weather and unsafe road conditions the class may have to be cancelled and rescheduled. Please call the AGC office 503-682-3363 the morning of the class and listen to the recording for additional information.
 

New CCB Requirements


What are the new CCB commercial continuing education requirements?

Beginning July 1, 2010 all commercial contractors (except those specifically exempted) will be required to complete a specified number of continuing education courses as a requirement for renewing their Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license. These requirements apply to all license renewals for all commercially-endorsed contractors except licensed electrical and plumbing contractors, contractors licensed to work on boilers and pressure vessels, or commercial developers.

Within my company, who should take the classes?

The continuing education classes must be taken by “key employees” of the construction company. CCB defines “key employee” as an owner, corporate officer, manager, superintendent, foreperson, lead person, or “any other person who exercises management or supervisory authority over the construction activities of the business.” Courses can be taken by one key employee or a combination of key employees.

What topics qualify to meet the CCB education requirement?

Topics may include construction means, methods, and business practices. In general, any training that provides contractors with information on building better structures or operating a successful business will qualify. Installation methods, product training, business best practices, and construction science all qualify. Safety training qualifies, but only if the course is taken by a key employee with a purpose of managing safety programs within the company.

How many hours of continuing education does my company need to receive?

The total number of hours required per company depends on the commercial endorsement level and number of employees. The following credit hours are required for each two-year licensing period.

Commercial Contractor Level 1  
  Five or more key employees 80 hours
  Four key employees 64 hours
  Three key employees 48 hours
  Two key employees 32 hours
  One key employee 16 hours
Commercial Contractor Level 2  
  Any number of key employees 32 hours

I don’t understand the difference between the Level 1 and Level 2 endorsements. Where can I find more information?

Go to www.oregon.gov/CCB. Still having trouble? Contact the Construction Contracting Board (CCB), 503-378-4621 or write to Construction Contractors Board, PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309-5052.

What happens if a key employee leaves my company after taking the training?

The education credits stay with the company of employment when classes were taken by the key employee.

Who can teach these classes?

By law, the providers for commercial continuing education can be community colleges, colleges and universities, trade schools, trade and business associations, professional societies, private companies, public agencies, product manufacturing training, and in-house training.

AGC University has been created by AGC and its professional associates with the specific purpose of providing quality, relevant courses and training to meet and exceed the CCB requirements.

When I renew my CCB license, do I need to provide documentation that my company has met the continuing education requirement?

You will be asked to “declare” on your CCB license application that key employees from your company have completed the required number of credits. You will not be required to submit course information or identify key employees by name at the time of application renewal, but you should be prepared to produce this information if asked. Our attorneys suggest you file course outline and attendance information into an easily retrievable location, so if challenged, you can produce documentation to prove your company has met the requirements for licensure.

I still have questions! Where can I get more information about the new CCB requirements?

Go to www.oregon.gov/CCB. Still having trouble? Contact the Construction Contracting Board (CCB), 503-378-4621 or write to Construction Contractors Board, PO Box 14140, Salem, OR 97309-5052.
 

Interested in Being a Member of the AGC University Faculty?


AGC is currently seeking qualified candidates to serve as faculty members and speakers for AGC University. We are currently developing course schedules for second and third quarters of 2010.

To be considered for a speaking opportunity as an AGC University faculty member, an application form must be submitted to Colette Evers. More than one course proposal may be submitted; please submit a separate form for each course. Submissions will be reviewed the first week of each month by the AGC University review team. Faculty candidates will be contacted following the review, and approved faculty may be asked to provide additional information and to schedule course dates, times, and locations.

Click here for a faculty proposal form.