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Hawaii HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical License Requirements

Last updated 2026. Requirements may change — always verify with your state licensing board.

HVAC
Renewal
Biennial
CE hours
No CE requirement
Initial cost
~$848 initial (one of the highest in the US)
License types
C-22 HVAC Contractor
Experience
4 years
Exam
Trade + Business & Law exam
Bond
$5,000 surety bond
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No reciprocity
Board
Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs — Professional & Vocational Licensing
Plumbing
Renewal
Biennial
CE hours
No CE requirement
Initial cost
~$848 initial
License types
C-37 Plumbing Contractor
Experience
4 years
Exam
Trade + Business & Law exam
Bond
$5,000 surety bond
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No reciprocity
Board
Hawaii DCCA — PVL
Electrical
Renewal
Biennial
CE hours
No CE requirement
Initial cost
~$848 initial
License types
C-13 Electrical Contractor
Experience
4 years
Exam
Trade + Business & Law exam
Bond
$5,000 surety bond
Insurance
Workers' comp required with employees; general liability recommended
Reciprocity
No reciprocity
Board
Hawaii DCCA — PVL

Hawaii licenses all trade contractors through the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs — Professional & Vocational Licensing (PVL). HVAC is C-22, plumbing is C-37, and electrical is C-13. All three require 4 years of experience and dual exams.

Hawaii has one of the highest initial licensing costs in the country at roughly $848 in state fees. Add a mandatory $5,000 surety bond and the cost of getting set up in Hawaii is significant. The state offers no reciprocity, so even seasoned out-of-state contractors must pass both Hawaii exams.

TradesIQ tracks Hawaii license renewals, CE hours, bonds, and insurance certificates in one dashboard — with automated reminders before anything lapses.

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Renewal cycles, CE hours, fees, and licensing board links.

HVAC
Renewal
Biennial
CE
No CE requirement
Cost
~$848 initial (one of the highest in the US)
Board
Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs — Professional & Vocational Licensing
Plumbing
Renewal
Biennial
CE
No CE requirement
Cost
~$848 initial
Board
Hawaii DCCA — PVL
Electrical
Renewal
Biennial
CE
No CE requirement
Cost
~$848 initial
Board
Hawaii DCCA — PVL

Requirements may change. Always verify with your state licensing board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to get a contractor license in Hawaii?
Approximately $848 in state fees plus a $5,000 surety bond. This makes Hawaii one of the most expensive states to enter for new contractors.
Does Hawaii require CE for contractor renewals?
No. Hawaii does not require continuing education for HVAC, plumbing, or electrical contractor license renewals.

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