Hawaii Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

Overview of Hawaii Contractor Licensing

The Hawaii DCCA Contractors License Board oversees licensing for general engineering (A), general building (B), and specialty (C) contractor classifications. Every licensed contracting entity must have a designated Responsible Managing Employee (RME)PSI to administer examinations, which are closed book with a typical passing score of 75%.

Licensing emphasizes verifiable supervisory experience (minimum four years within the last ten years), insurance compliance, and ongoing renewal. Contractor licenses renew biennially by September 30 of even-numbered years. As of 2025, the Board does not publish continuing education requirements for contractor licenses.

Hawaii does not participate in general reciprocity for contractor licenses. All applicants must meet Hawaii’s requirements and pass the Hawaii examination. Applications and renewals can be initiated online through the Professional & Vocational Licensing portal.

Electrician Licenses in Hawaii

Comprehensive, state-level details for individual electrician licensing (e.g., apprentice, journeyman, master) were not found in the Contractors License Board’s online publications provided for this research. In Hawaii, electrical work for contracting businesses is typically regulated under specialty contractor classifications; however, the Board’s site did not publish specific electrical specialty details within the materials reviewed.

If you intend to operate an electrical contracting business, you will generally need a contractor license through the Contractors License Board and a qualified RME who meets the Board’s experience and exam requirements. Because official electrical specialty information was not published in the sources available for this guide, confirm current requirements directly with the Board before applying.

Looking for study resources? When available, see our Hawaii category for exam prep materials formatted as PDFs with 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and code reference locators: Hawaii electrical contractor practice test resources.

Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii

While individual plumber licensure details (apprentice, journeyman, master) were not provided in the Board sources reviewed, the Contractors License Board does regulate C-37 Plumbing Contractor as a specialty license for contracting businesses. Entities seeking to perform plumbing contracting must designate an RME who satisfies supervisory experience and examination requirements.

C-37 Plumbing Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in plumbing, documented via notarized certificates or other verification as the Board requires.
• Exam: Closed-book exams administered by PSI. Passing score is typically 75%. Exams cover Business and Law and Plumbing Trade Knowledge.
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50 (entity/sole proprietor) and $50 (RME).
• Insurance: Liability insurance is required. Minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial (every 2 years) by September 30 of even-numbered years. No CE requirements specified by the Board.
• Source: Hawaii DCCA Contractors License Board

Explore PDF-based study materials when available in our Hawaii category, featuring 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators: Hawaii plumbing contractor practice test.

HVAC Licenses in Hawaii

Detailed statewide rules for individual HVAC worker licensing were not published in the sources reviewed. For contracting businesses, the Board regulates related specialty classifications, most notably C-40 Refrigeration Contractor. In addition, other mechanical-related specialties (such as solar power systems) are separately classified.

C-40 Refrigeration Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in refrigeration, documented with notarized certificates or other verification as the Board requires.
• Exam: Administered by PSI, closed book, passing score 75%. Exam parts include Business and Law and Refrigeration Trade Knowledge.
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50/$50.
• Insurance: Liability coverage required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years. No CE specified.
• Source: Hawaii DCCA Contractors License Board

For exam prep materials when available, see: Hawaii HVAC/refrigeration contractor practice test. Our PDFs include 1,500–2,500 questions with detailed answer keys and reference locators.

General Contractor Licenses in Hawaii

Hawaii regulates general engineering (A), general building (B), and specialty (C) contractors. All three require a qualified Responsible Managing Employee (RME) who meets the Board’s supervisory experience standard and passes closed-book examinations administered by PSI. Applicants must document experience with notarized certificates and submit insurance before licensure is issued.

Responsible Managing Employee (RME)

Every contracting entity must designate an RME who has at least four years of supervisory experience within the past ten years relevant to the classification. The RME must pass the Hawaii Business and Law exam and the applicable trade exam (closed book, 75% passing score) with PSI. RME fees are separate from entity fees and apply at initial licensure and renewal.

General Engineering Contractor (A)

• Classification: General
• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years; verification via notarized certificates or as required by the Board.
• Exams: Hawaii General Engineering Contractor Exam (Business and Law + Trade Knowledge). Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 75%.
• Exam Provider: PSI
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50 for entity/sole proprietor and $50 for RME.
• Insurance: Liability coverage required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.
• Source: Board site

Preparing for the A license exam? When available, our PDF study materials feature 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and code reference locators: Hawaii general engineering contractor practice test.

General Building Contractor (B)

• Classification: General
• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years; documented with notarized certificates or as otherwise required by the Board.
• Exams: Hawaii General Building Contractor Exam (Business and Law + Trade Knowledge). Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 75%.
• Exam Provider: PSI
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50/$50.
• Insurance: Liability insurance required: $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate minimum.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.
• Source: Board site

For exam prep resources when available, see: Hawaii general building contractor practice test. Materials are PDF-based with robust answer keys and reference locators.

Specialty Contractor (C)

The Specialty (C) classification covers numerous trades. Below are highlights for three specialties referenced in the Board’s materials reviewed for this guide. Note that scope definitions and additional specialty codes may exist; confirm the exact classification for your work with the Board.

Specialty (C) – General Requirements

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years in the specialty field; verification via notarized certificates or as required by the Board.
• Exams: Hawaii Specialty Contractor Exam (Business and Law + Trade Knowledge). Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 75%.
• Exam Provider: PSI
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50/$50.
• Insurance: Liability coverage required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.
• Source: Board site

C-37 Plumbing Contractor

See details in the Plumbing section of this guide, including experience, exam structure, fees, insurance, and renewal.

C-40 Refrigeration Contractor

See details in the HVAC section of this guide, including experience, exam structure, fees, insurance, and renewal.

C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years in solar installation; verification via notarized certificates or other Board-accepted documents.
• Exams: Administered by PSI; closed book; covers Business and Law and Solar Trade Knowledge; passing score 75%.
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50/$50.
• Insurance: Liability insurance minimum $100,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.
• Source: Board site

Roofing Licenses in Hawaii

Roofing work for contracting businesses is regulated under the C-42 Roofing Contractor specialty classification. Applicants must designate an RME and demonstrate the required supervisory experience, pass closed-book exams with PSI, carry liability insurance, and renew biennially.

C-42 Roofing Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in roofing, documented via notarized certificates or other Board-accepted verification.
• Exams: Hawaii Roofing Contractor Exam administered by PSI; multiple choice, closed book; passing score 75%. Exam parts include Business and Law and Roofing Trade Knowledge.
• Fees: Application $50; Examination $75 per part; Initial License $663 (entity) and $208 (RME); Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME); Late penalty $50/$50.
• Insurance: Liability insurance required: minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.
• Source: Board site

For exam study materials when available, visit: Hawaii roofing contractor practice test. PDFs include 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators.

Application Process

Hawaii’s contractor application process is structured and can be completed online. Careful preparation, including complete documentation of supervisory experience and insurance, will help avoid delays.

Step-by-Step

1. Determine the correct license classification (A, B, or C specialty) and verify you meet the Board’s supervisory experience requirement.
2. Complete the application and attach required documentation (e.g., notarized certificates of experience) and pay the application fee.
3. Await Board review and experience verification. You may be asked for additional documentation if needed.
4. Upon approval, schedule and pass the required PSI examinations (Business and Law and the applicable trade exam). Exams are closed book.
5. Submit proof of liability insurance and any required bond as directed by the Board.
6. Pay initial license fees for both the entity and the RME to receive your license.

Timeline and Submission

Typical timeline: Several weeks to a few months, depending on application completeness and Board meeting schedules. Incomplete or undocumented experience is the most common cause of delays.

• Online application available: https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov
• General PVL information: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/
• Professional Licensing Portal: https://portal.ehawaii.gov/business/professional-licensing/

Required Documents

• Completed application form for the chosen classification
• Notarized certificates of experience covering supervisory work within the last 10 years
• Proof of liability insurance meeting Board minimums
• Proof of bond, if the Board requires one for your situation
• Government-issued identification

Fees Snapshot

• Application: $50
• Examination: $75 per part (PSI)
• Initial License: $663 (entity) and $208 (RME)
• Renewal: $338 (entity/sole proprietor) and $208 (RME)
• Late Penalty: $50 (entity/sole proprietor) and $50 (RME)

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & References