At a glance
The fastest way to orient yourself in Hawaii is to know these key signals.| Signal | Value |
|---|---|
| Construction work trigger | All commercial, residential, and public works regulated — no dollar minimum |
| Contractor exam minimum score | 75% |
| Electrician / plumber exam minimum score | 70% |
| Contractor license fee range | $438 – $663 |
| Recovery Fund contribution | $150 (payout limits: $12,500 per claimant, $25,000 per contractor) |
| Minimum bond | $5,000 |
| Insurance (bodily injury) | $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence |
| Insurance (property damage) | $50,000 per occurrence |
| Application processing time | Approximately 90 days |
| Reciprocity model | None |
Frequently asked questions
Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
What experience and exam requirements must I meet to get a contractor license in Hawaii?
What experience and exam requirements must I meet to get a contractor license in Hawaii?
You need 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years and must score at least 75% on both the trade and law exams. Both the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) and the contracting entity must be separately licensed. See Requirements.
What is the Contractors Recovery Fund in Hawaii, and how much do I need to contribute?
What is the Contractors Recovery Fund in Hawaii, and how much do I need to contribute?
The Recovery Fund is a consumer-protection mechanism. You must contribute $150 at application. The fund pays up to $12,500 per claimant and $25,000 per contractor for financial harm caused by licensed contractors. See Requirements.
What is the minimum passing score on the Hawaii contractor licensing exam?
What is the minimum passing score on the Hawaii contractor licensing exam?
Contractors must score 75% on both the trade exam and the law exam. Electricians and plumbers have a lower threshold of 70%. See Requirements.
Where do I go to get licensed in Hawaii?
Where do I go to get licensed in Hawaii?
All licensing flows through one agency: DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at Post Office Box 3469, Honolulu, HI 96801. Phone: (808) 586-3000. There is no separate board for any trade. See Who regulates construction.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
How much does it cost to get licensed?
Application fee is $50, exam fee is $150, license fee ranges from $438 to $663, and the Recovery Fund contribution is $150. Renewal fees range from $208 to $353. The minimum bond is $5,000. See Requirements.
What are the bonding and insurance requirements?
What are the bonding and insurance requirements?
Bonds start at $5,000 and may be increased based on your financial statement. Insurance minimums are $50,000 property damage, $100,000 bodily injury per person, and $300,000 bodily injury per occurrence. See Requirements.
Can I use my out-of-state license in Hawaii?
Can I use my out-of-state license in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii has no reciprocity agreements with any state or territory. All applicants must meet the full experience, exam, financial documentation, and insurance requirements regardless of credentials held elsewhere. See Reciprocal agreements.
Does Hawaii require a license to bid on public works projects?
Does Hawaii require a license to bid on public works projects?
Yes. All construction work in Hawaii requires a license — there is no dollar minimum or public works exemption. Your contractor registration must be valid before bidding. See Construction work regulated.
Do electricians and plumbers need separate licenses?
Do electricians and plumbers need separate licenses?
Yes. Electricians and plumbers must hold separate individual licenses in addition to any contractor license. Journey Worker Electricians need 5 years (10,000+ hours) and 240 hours of education. Journey Worker Plumbers need 5 years (10,000+ hours). Both require a 70% exam score. See Requirements.
How long does the application take to process?
How long does the application take to process?
Application processing takes approximately 90 days. You must prepare a CPA-signed financial statement, credit report covering at least 5 years, state tax clearance, and insurance certificates before applying. See Requirements.
What documents must I provide with a license application?
What documents must I provide with a license application?
You need a CPA-prepared and signed financial statement, a credit report covering at least 5 years, current state tax clearance, insurance certificates meeting the minimums, and the $5,000 minimum bond. Both the RME and the contracting entity must apply separately. See Requirements.
Start with your goal
Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.Is licensure triggered?
All construction work requires a license in Hawaii — confirm your classification.
Find the right regulator
Hawaii routes all licensing through one division at DCCA.
Application and renewal details
Exams, fees, bonds, insurance, continuing education, and renewal cycles.
Reciprocity direction
Hawaii does not maintain reciprocity with any other jurisdiction.
Special considerations
Different roles need different things from a Hawaii page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.- Contractors
- Regulators
- All construction work requires a license — there is no dollar minimum or small-project exemption.
- Both the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) and the contracting entity must be separately licensed.
- You need 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years and a minimum exam score of 75%.
- A $150 Contractors Recovery Fund contribution is required.
- Insurance minimums: $50,000 property damage, $100,000 / $300,000 bodily injury.
- Bonds start at $5,000 and may be increased based on financial statement strength.
- Application processing takes approximately 90 days — plan accordingly.
- No reciprocity exists. Out-of-state credentials do not transfer.
Readiness checklist
Four things you need to confirm before you can treat Hawaii as “ready” for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.Classify the project
Determine whether you need a General Engineering (A), General Building (B), or Specialty (C-code) contractor license — and whether individual electrician or plumber licenses are also required.
Prepare financial documentation
Gather a CPA-signed financial statement, credit report covering at least 5 years, state tax clearance, and insurance certificates meeting
$50,000 / $100,000 / $300,000 minimums.Budget for fees and fund contributions
License fee ranges from
$438 to $663, plus $150 for the Recovery Fund, $150 exam fee, and $50 application fee. Bond minimum is $5,000.If you can confirm classification, financial documentation, fee budget, and exam eligibility, you have the minimum package needed for a Hawaii readiness check.
Navigation
Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.- New state evaluation if you are screening Hawaii for the first time.
- Multi-state bid readiness if you need to compare Hawaii with nearby jurisdictions.
- Licensing thresholds or prequalification patterns for cross-state context.
Construction work regulated
Hawaii regulates every aspect of construction at the state level. There is no dollar minimum and no exemption by project type. Electricians and plumbers must also hold separate individual licenses.| Work lane | What triggers regulation |
|---|---|
| Commercial construction | All work regulated — no dollar minimum |
| Residential construction | All work regulated — no dollar minimum |
| Public works | All work regulated — no dollar minimum |
| Electrical work | Individual electrician license required in addition to contractor license |
| Plumbing work | Individual plumber license required in addition to contractor license |
Both the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) and the contracting entity must hold separate licenses. A company cannot operate on the RME’s license alone.
Common determination scenarios
If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.General building or engineering project
General building or engineering project
Apply for a General Engineering (A) or General Building (B) license through DCCA PVL. Both require 4 years supervisory experience, a 75% exam score, CPA financial statement, insurance, and the $150 Recovery Fund contribution. Processing takes approximately 90 days.
Specialty trade work
Specialty trade work
Identify the correct C-code specialty classification. The same financial, experience, and exam requirements apply as for general classifications, but the exam subject matter is specific to the trade.
Electrical work
Electrical work
Electricians need a separate individual license in addition to any contractor license. Journey Worker Electricians need 5 years full-time experience (10,000+ hours) and 240 hours of education. The exam is open-book with a 70% passing score. Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years.
Plumbing work
Plumbing work
Plumbers need a separate individual license. Journey Worker Plumbers need 5 years of experience (10,000+ hours). Master Plumbers must have at least 2 years as a licensed Journey Worker. The exam is closed-book with a 70% passing score. Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years.
Out-of-state contractor entering Hawaii
Out-of-state contractor entering Hawaii
Hawaii has no reciprocity. All applicants must meet the full experience, exam, financial documentation, and insurance requirements regardless of credentials held elsewhere.
Who regulates construction
Hawaii routes all contractor, electrician, and plumber licensing through a single division. There is no separate board for any trade.All contractors, electricians, and plumbers — DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
All contractors, electricians, and plumbers — DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
Requirements
Hawaii applies the same core requirements (experience, exam, financial documentation) across all contractor classifications, with separate requirements for electricians and plumbers. Expand the trade that applies to your situation.Contractors (All Classifications)
Contractors (All Classifications)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Experience | 4 years supervisory within the past 10 years |
| Exam | Minimum score of 75% on trade and law exams |
| Financial statement | CPA-prepared and signed, with independent accountant’s report |
| Credit report | Covering at least 5 years for each individual applicant, RME, partner, or corporate officer |
| Tax clearance | Current state tax clearance from the Department of Taxation |
| Insurance (property damage) | $50,000 per occurrence |
| Insurance (bodily injury) | $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence |
| Bond | $5,000 minimum; may be increased based on financial statement |
| Recovery Fund | $150 contribution (payout limits: $12,500 per claimant, $25,000 per contractor) |
| RME requirement | Both the RME and the contracting entity must be separately licensed |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire September 30 of each even-numbered year |
| Processing time | Approximately 90 days |
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 |
| License fee | $438 – $663 |
| Renewal fee | $208 – $353 |
| Recovery Fund | $150 |
| Exam fee | $150 |
Electricians
Electricians
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Open-book trade exam, minimum score of 70% |
| Compliance Resolution Fund | $43 per year assessment included in fees |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years |
| License Type | Application Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Worker (EJ) | $40 | $102 – $306 | $306 | $95 |
| Supervising (ES) | $40 | $102 – $306 | $306 | $95 |
| License Type | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Journey Worker (EJ) | 240 hours | 5 years full-time, at least 10,000 hours |
| Supervising (ES) | 240 hours | 4 years as a licensed EJ or equivalent |
| Journey Worker Specialty (EJS) | 120 hours | 3 years full-time, at least 6,000 hours |
| Supervising Specialty (ESS) | 120 hours | 2 years as an EJS or equivalent |
| Journey Worker Industrial (EJI) | 200 hours | 4 years full-time, at least 8,000 hours |
| Supervising Industrial (ESI) | 200 hours | 3 years as a licensed EJI or equivalent |
| Maintenance (EM) | 80 hours | 1 year experience; or 2 years education with 1,000+ hours lab |
For supervising categories, “equivalent experience” means having been licensed as a journey worker or supervising-level electrician for at least 4 years in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Plumbers
Plumbers
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam | Closed-book trade exam, minimum score of 70% |
| Compliance Resolution Fund | $43 per year assessment included in fees |
| Renewal cycle | Licenses expire June 30 every 3 years |
| License Type | Application Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Worker (PJ) | $40 | $102 – $306 | $306 | $90 |
| Master (PM) | $40 | $102 – $306 | $306 | $90 |
| License Type | Experience |
|---|---|
| Journey Worker (PJ) | 5 years of experience, at least 10,000 hours |
| Master (PM) | Licensed as a Hawaii PJ for at least 2 years, or equivalent experience |
For Master Plumber, “equivalent experience” means having been licensed as a journey worker or master plumber for at least 2 years in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Reciprocal agreements
Hawaii does not maintain reciprocity agreements with any U.S. state or territory. All applicants must meet Hawaii’s full experience, exam, financial, and insurance requirements regardless of credentials held elsewhere.There are no reciprocal agreements. Out-of-state credentials do not transfer — you must apply as a new applicant.
| Board | Reciprocal states | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| DCCA PVL (all classifications) | None | None |
Types of licenses
This section lists the credential categories Hawaii offers. Use it when you need to confirm the exact license classification for an application or comparison.General Classifications
General Classifications
- General Engineering (A) — includes C-3, C-9, C-10, C-17, C-24, C-31a, C-32, C-35, C-37a, C-37b, C-38, C-43, C-49, C-56, C-57a, C-57b, and C-61 specialties
- General Building (B) — includes C-5, C-6, C-10, C-12, C-24, C-25, C-31a, C-32a, C-42a, and C-42b specialties
Specialty Contractors
Specialty Contractors
- C-1 Acoustical and Insulation
- C-2 Mechanical Insulation
- C-3 Asphalt Paving and Surfacing
- C-3a Asphalt Concrete Patching, Sealing and Striping
- C-3b Play Court Surfacing
- C-4 Boiler, Hot-Water Heating, and Steam Fitting
- C-5 Cabinet, Millwork and Carpentry Remodeling, and Repairs
- C-5a Garage Door and Window Shutters
- C-5b Siding Application
- C-6 Carpentry Framing
- C-7 Carpet Laying
- C-8 Cesspool
- C-10 Scaffolding
- C-12 Drywall
- C-13 Electrical
- C-14 Sign
- C-15 Electronic Systems
- C-15a Fire and Burglar Alarm
- C-15b Telecommunications
- C-16 Elevator
- C-16a Conveyor Systems
- C-17 Excavating, Grading, and Trenching
- C-19 Asbestos
- C-20 Fire Protection
- C-20a Fire Repressant Systems
- C-21 Flooring
- C-22 Glazing and Tinting
- C-22a Glass Tinting
- C-23 Gunite
- C-24 Building Moving and Wrecking
- C-25 Institutional and Commercial Equipment
- C-27 Landscaping
- C-27a Hydro Mulching
- C-27b Tree Trimming and Removal
- C-31 Masonry
- C-31a Cement Concrete
- C-31b Stone Masonry
- C-31c Refractory
- C-31d Tuckpointing and Caulking
- C-31e Concrete Cutting, Drilling, Sawing, Coring, and Pressure Grouting
- C-32 Ornamental, Guardrail and Fencing
- C-32a Wood and Vinyl Fencing
- C-33 Painting and Decorating
- C-33a Wall Coverings
- C-33b Taping
- C-33c Surface Treatment
- C-34 Soil Stabilization
- C-35 Pile Driving, Pile and Caisson Drilling, and Foundation
- C-36 Plastering
- C-36a Lathing
- C-37 Plumbing
- C-37a Sewer and Drain Line
- C-37b Irrigation and Lawn Sprinkler Systems
- C-37c Vacuum and Air Systems
- C-37d Water Chlorination and Sanitation
- C-37e Treatment and Pumping Facilities
- C-37f Fuel Dispensing
- C-38 Post Tensioning
- C-40 Refrigeration
- C-40a Prefabricated Refrigerator Panels
- C-41 Reinforcing Steel
- C-42 Roofing
- C-42a Aluminum and other Metal Shingles
- C-42b Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes
- C-42c Concrete and Clay Tile
- C-42e Urethane Foam
- C-42g Roof Coatings
- C-43 Sewer, Sewage Disposal, Drain and Pipe Laying
- C-43a Reconditioning and Repairing Pipeline
- C-44 Sheet Metal
- C-44a Gutters
- C-44b Awnings and Patio Cover
- C-48 Structural Steel
- C-48a Steel Door
- C-49 Swimming Pool
- C-49a Swimming Pool Service
- C-49b Hot Tub and Pool
- C-50 Tile
- C-51a Cultured Marble
- C-51b Terrazzo
- C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning
- C-53 Miscellaneous Retail Products
- C-54 Interior Design
- C-55 Waterproofing
- C-56 Welding
- C-57 Well
- C-57a Pumps Installation
- C-57b Injection Well
- C-58 Solar Power Systems
- C-61 Solar Energy Systems
- C-61a Solar Hot Water Systems
- C-61b Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
- C-62 Pole and Line
- C-62a Pole
- C-63 High Voltage Electrical
- C-68 Classified Specialist
Electricians
Electricians
- Journey Worker — Residential and Commercial (EJ)
- Supervising — Residential and Commercial (ES)
- Journey Worker — Industrial (EJI)
- Supervising — Industrial (ESI)
- Journey Worker — Specialty (EJS)
- Supervising — Specialty (ESS)
- Maintenance (EM)
Plumbers
Plumbers
- Journey Worker Plumber (PJ)
- Master Plumber (PM)
See also
West region guide
Browse all West jurisdictions for comparison.
Contractors guide
Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
Regulators guide
Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.