Hawaii Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

Overview of Hawaii Contractor Licensing

The Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Contractors License Board is the statewide authority for contractor licensing. The Board oversees three primary classifications: A (General Engineering), B (General Building), and C (Specialty). Specialty classifications include trade-specific scopes such as roofing, plumbing, refrigeration, and solar power systems.

Each licensed contractor entity must designate a Responsible Managing Employee (RME), who demonstrates the required supervisory experience and passes the Hawaii examinations. Exams are administered by PSI and include both Business and Law and trade-specific components. Hawaii licenses must be renewed every two years (biennially) by September 30 of even-numbered years.

While the Contractors License Board regulates contractor entities and specialty contractor classifications, worker-level licensing for trades like electricians or plumbers may be administered under other state boards or at the county level. Because the Board’s online documentation is limited for individual electrician, plumber, or HVAC worker licenses, confirm current requirements directly with the DCCA or your local jurisdiction. Official links are provided below.

Electrician Licenses in Hawaii

State-level details for individual electrician licensing (apprentice, journeyman, master) were not located in the Contractors License Board’s online materials. In Hawaii, entity-level contracting for electrical work would normally fall under a specialty contractor classification; however, a specific electrical C-classification was not identified in the data provided.

Based on official research notes, electrician licensing may be handled by another Hawaii board or at the county level rather than through the Contractors License Board’s public pages. If you perform electrical work or plan to qualify a contracting business, contact the DCCA and your local county building department to verify current licensing requirements, permit rules, and inspection processes.

• Confirm whether your electrical activities require a contractor specialty classification through the DCCA.
• Verify any worker-level (journeyman/master) licensing or registration with the appropriate state or county authority.
• Ask about required experience, approved exams, and documentation to avoid delays.

To prepare for Hawaii trade and business exams as materials become available, check our Hawaii page for PDF study guides with 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and code reference locators: Hawaii electrician practice test PDF.

Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii

Contracting businesses that perform plumbing work are typically licensed as a C-37 Plumbing Contractor under the Specialty (C) classification. Worker-level plumber licensing (apprentice/journeyman/master) may be handled by a different board or at the county level, and those specifics were not available in the Contractors License Board’s online materials.

C-37 Plumbing Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in plumbing (documented via notarized certificates and verification as required by the Board).
• Exam: Yes. Administered by PSI; closed-book; passing score 75%. Exams include Business and Law and Plumbing Trade Knowledge. Number of questions and duration vary by classification.
• Fees: Application $50. Examination $75 per part. Initial license $663 (entity), $208 (RME). Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor), $208 (RME). Late penalty $50 for entity/sole proprietor and RME.
• Insurance: Liability insurance required, minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial, due by September 30 of even-numbered years. No continuing education is specified in the research data.

For exam preparation resources as they become available, visit our Hawaii page. Our PDF study guides include 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators to help you study efficiently offline: Hawaii plumbing contractor practice test.

HVAC Licenses in Hawaii

Hawaii’s HVAC-related contracting is commonly licensed under specialty classifications. The research identified a Refrigeration specialty and a Solar Power Systems specialty under the C series. Worker-level HVAC licensing details (if any) were not available in the Contractors License Board’s online materials and may be handled by other boards or local jurisdictions.

C-40 Refrigeration Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in refrigeration.
• Exam: Yes, via PSI; closed-book; passing score 75%. Includes Business and Law and Refrigeration Trade Knowledge. Number of questions and duration vary.
• Fees: Application $50. Examination $75 per part. Initial license $663 (entity), $208 (RME). Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor), $208 (RME). Late penalty $50 for entity/sole proprietor and RME.
• Insurance: Liability coverage required, minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial, due September 30 of even-numbered years. No CE specified.

C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in solar installation.
• Exam: Yes, via PSI; closed-book; passing score 75%. Includes Business and Law and Solar Trade Knowledge.
• Fees and Insurance: Same structure as other specialties (see above).

Remember that EPA Section 608 certification is a federal requirement for handling refrigerants and is separate from Hawaii contractor licensing. For exam prep materials as they are released, see Hawaii refrigeration/HVAC practice test for PDF-based guides with 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys, and code reference locators.

General Contractor Licenses in Hawaii

Hawaii issues three primary contractor classifications at the state level. The A (General Engineering) and B (General Building) licenses cover broad scopes of work, while the C (Specialty) series addresses specific trades. Every licensed entity must have an RME who meets the experience and examination requirements for the classification(s) sought.

License Categories at a Glance

• General Engineering Contractor (A): Typically includes projects that require specialized engineering knowledge (heavy civil, infrastructure). Exact scopes are defined by the Board.
• General Building Contractor (B): Generally involves structures requiring multiple trades. Building contractors may self-perform certain work and subcontract other trades as permitted by Board rules.
• Specialty Contractor (C): Trade-specific classifications like C-37 (Plumbing), C-40 (Refrigeration), C-42 (Roofing), and C-60 (Solar Power Systems).

A (General Engineering Contractor)

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years; documented with notarized certificates and any verification the Board requires.
• Exam: Required; administered by PSI. Closed-book; passing score 75%. Exams include Business and Law and Trade Knowledge. Number of questions and duration vary by classification.
• Fees: Application $50. Examination $75 per part. Initial license $663 (entity), $208 (RME). Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor), $208 (RME). Late penalty $50 (entity/sole proprietor and RME).
• Insurance: Liability coverage required with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no continuing education specified in the available data.

B (General Building Contractor)

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years; documented as required by the Board.
• Exam: Required; via PSI. Closed-book; passing score 75%. Includes Business and Law and Trade Knowledge. Question counts and duration vary.
• Fees and Insurance: Same structure as A-class (see above).
• Renewal: Biennial by September 30 of even-numbered years; no CE specified.

If you plan to sit for the Hawaii B exam, keep an eye on our Hawaii page for PDF study guides that include 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and code reference locators: Hawaii General Building Contractor (B) practice test.

C (Specialty Contractor)

Specialty licenses cover defined trade scopes. Examples from the Board’s data include:

• C-37 Plumbing Contractor
• C-40 Refrigeration Contractor
• C-42 Roofing Contractor
• C-60 Solar Power Systems Contractor

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years in the specific specialty.
• Exam: Required; administered by PSI. Closed-book; 75% passing score. Includes Business and Law plus the specialty trade exam. Details on question counts and time limits vary.
• Fees and Insurance: Application $50. Exam $75 per part. Initial license $663 (entity), $208 (RME). Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor), $208 (RME). Late penalty $50. Liability insurance minimums of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.

For a broad overview of study options for A, B, and C exams as they are released, see Hawaii contractor exam practice resources. These PDF guides are designed with 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and reference locators so you can study offline at your own pace.

Responsible Managing Employee (RME)

Every contractor entity must designate an RME who meets the required experience and passes the exams. The RME must be employed by the licensed entity and is responsible for direct supervision of the entity’s contracting operations. Initial and renewal fees apply to both the entity and the RME, and lapses (including RME changes) can impact the license status.

Insurance and Bonds

Contractors must maintain at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate liability insurance. Proof of insurance is required prior to license issuance. The Board may require a bond depending on the classification and circumstances; provide proof if the Board notifies you that a bond is needed.

Reciprocity

Hawaii does not participate in broad reciprocity agreements. All applicants must meet Hawaii’s requirements and pass the Hawaii exam to obtain licensure in the state.

Roofing Licenses in Hawaii

C-42 Roofing Contractor (Specialty)

• Experience: 4 years supervisory experience within the past 10 years in roofing. Documentation must include notarized certificates and any additional verification required by the Board.
• Exam: Required; administered by PSI. Closed-book; passing score 75%. Two parts: Business and Law and Roofing Trade Knowledge. Number of questions and duration vary.
• Fees: Application $50. Examination $75 per part. Initial license $663 (entity), $208 (RME). Renewal $338 (entity/sole proprietor), $208 (RME). Late penalty $50 for both entity/sole proprietor and RME.
• Insurance: Liability insurance is required with a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate.
• Renewal: Biennial, due September 30 of even-numbered years. No CE is specified in the research data.

To prepare for the business and roofing trade portions of the Hawaii exam as materials become available, monitor our Hawaii page for PDF study guides featuring 1,500–2,500 questions, detailed answer keys, and exact code reference locators: Hawaii roofing contractor practice test.

Application Process

The DCCA outlines a straightforward sequence for contractor licensing. Plan ahead—gathering experience documentation and scheduling exams can take time. You may apply online through the state portal once your documentation is ready.

Step-by-Step

1. Determine your classification(s): Decide whether you need A, B, or one or more C specialties. Ensure you or your RME meet the classification-specific experience.
2. Compile required documents: Complete the application and gather notarized certificates of experience, proof of insurance, proof of bond if required, and a valid government ID.
3. Submit the application and fees: Pay the $50 application fee and submit all materials. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is the most common cause of delays.
4. Board review: The Board verifies experience and eligibility. Allow several weeks to a few months, depending on completeness and meeting schedules.
5. Exam approval and scheduling: Once approved, schedule the Business and Law and trade exams with PSI. Exams are closed-book, and a 75% score is required to pass each part. If unsuccessful, you may retake after a waiting period and paying additional fees.
6. Post-exam compliance and issuance: Provide proof of insurance (minimum $100,000 occurrence, $300,000 aggregate) and any bond if required. Pay initial license fees—$663 (entity) and $208 (RME)—to receive the license.

Timelines and Online Portal

Typical timeline: Several weeks to a few months from application to approval, depending on completeness and Board meeting dates. Submit early to meet project timelines.

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

Renewals

• Frequency: Biennial (every two years), due by September 30 of even-numbered years.
• Fees: $338 for the entity/sole proprietor and $208 for the RME; late penalty $50 each.
• Continuing Education: None specified in the official data.

For study aids covering Business and Law and trade topics as they become available, visit Hawaii contractor exam study guides. Our PDFs feature 1,500–2,500 questions, thorough answer keys, and code reference locators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & References