Licensing Guides
Hawaii Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Hawaii
Plumbing, HI
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Hawaii
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Hawaii?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Hawaii?
Does My Hawaii Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Hawaii?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Hawaii?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed, because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Hawaii employs 2,640 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website. It does not list the projected growth rate for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Hawaii.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Hawaii in July 2025 totaled 40,600, an increase of 1,300 (3.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 2,900 or 8% from February 2020.” If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. The state of Hawaii has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Hawaii
Is a license required for plumbers in Hawaii? Yes.
It is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Hawaii, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be licensed. The state licenses Journey Worker Plumbers, Master Plumbers, and Class C Specialty Contractors (Plumbing).
Statewide regulations for plumbers are set by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional & Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) in Honolulu. The Board of Electricians and Plumbers is responsible for licensing plumbers.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Hawaii?
There are two plumber licenses in Hawaii, as well as a Class C Specialty Contractor License (C-37 license). There is no apprentice license, but apprentices must register with the state.
Apprentice:
The state of Hawaii begins regulating this workforce at the apprentice level. Plumbing apprentices are required to enroll in an approved training program and register with the State of Hawaii Department of Labor, Workforce Development Division.
Journey Worker Plumber:
Hawaii requires journeymen to obtain a Journey Worker License after completing an approved apprenticeship of five years, including at least 10,000 hours of work experience in compliance with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and at least 144 hours of related education for each of those years, and also and pass the Journey Worker Plumbing Exam.
Master plumber:
To obtain Master level licensure, you must be licensed as a journey worker plumber for at least two years and pass the Master Plumber exam.
Class C Specialty Contractor:
An individual who wishes to be a Plumbing Contractor must hold a Master level license and a Class C Specialty Contractor license. The license enables the installation, repair, or alteration of complete plumbing systems, including water supply systems and hot water piping systems. Plumbing contractors must obtain at least four years of work experience under a licensed contractor.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice (aside from the length of training, specific requirements vary by the program)
Must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Must enroll in an approved apprenticeship program that combines five years of training with at least 144 hours per year of education and register with the Hawaii Workforce Development Division.
Have a valid driver’s license, Social Security Number, and be insurable.
Must be physically able to perform plumbing work.
Must pay applicable registration fees.
Journey Worker Plumber
Must complete a five-year registered apprenticeship.
Must submit the license application, including the experience verification form, and pay the $40 application fee.
After gaining approval from the Board, you must register for the licensing exam and pay the $90 exam fee to PSI Services LLC (formerly Prometric).
After passing the exam, you must pay the $306 licensing fee.
Master Plumber
Must work for at least two years as a licensed Journey Worker Plumber.
Must submit the license application, including the experience verification form, and pay the $40 application fee.
After gaining approval from the Board, you must register for the licensing exam and pay the $90 exam fee to PSI.
After passing the exam, you must pay the $306 licensing fee.
Class C Specialty Contractor
If you plan to be a Plumbing Contractor, you will need to obtain a Class C Specialty Contractor License (C-37 license), which requires four years of hands-on experience, passing a licensing exam, submitting a financial statement prepared by a licensed CPA, providing a clean credit report covering at least the previous five years, and obtaining required insurance coverage (workers' compensation, general liability, and license bond).
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Hawaii
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
Enroll in a registered apprentice program.
Complete a four-year apprentice program.
Apply for and pass the Journey Worker Plumber Exam to obtain Journey Worker Plumber License.
Work indefinitely at the journeyman level, or, after two years as a licensed Journey Worker Plumber, apply to test for a Master Plumber License.
Upon approval from the board, pay a testing fee and pass the exam to be awarded your Master level license.
If you wish to own your own plumbing contracting business, you must get a Class C Specialty Contractor License (C-37 license) through the Hawaii Contractor Licensing Board. To obtain a contractor’s license, you must have unemployment insurance if you have any employees, general liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage and pay additional fees associated with registering your business. You also need to pass a trade exam and business and law exam.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Hawaii
There are many benefits to being a licensed plumber in Hawaii:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Hawaii to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Hawaii?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Hawaii is $85,320, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Hawaii those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $72,600
Senior (4-7 years): $78,600
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Hawaii?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Hawaii is fairly low. In fact, most apprenticeships incur no fee and actually cover all of the training costs as long as you remain in the program.
Some union apprenticeships, like the one with Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675 in Honolulu, are five years long and include a $20 registration fee. However, apprentices earn while they learn, rather than acquiring debt.
Once you have met the work experience requirements and want to pursue a Journey Worker or Master Plumber license, you must pay a $40 application fee, a $90 exam fee (paid to PSI), and $306 license fee. Licenses are valid for three years.
How Much Does a Class C Specialty Contractor License Cost in Hawaii?
The fees for a Class C Specialty Contractor include a $50 application fee, $160 fee for the trade exam and Business and Law Exam ($80 each). If you are licensed between Oct. 1 of an even‑numbered year and Sept. 30 of the following odd‑numbered year, the license fee is $663. If licensed outside of this window, the fee is $494. Contractors will also face additional costs for obtaining insurance and bonding.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Hawaii
Becoming a plumbing professional in Hawaii isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. The state requires everyone who wants to join this profession to complete a registered apprenticeship. To get that recognition from the Hawaii Workforce Development Division, the apprenticeship must last five years and include 144 hours of classroom instruction each year.
You may incur a small registration fee when you apply, but many apprenticeships cover all costs for trainees.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: At each of the following levels of licensure — Journey Worker or Master — you must pass a licensing examination and pay a $90 exam fee. The Board of Electricians and Plumbers accepts examination applications for:
Journey Worker exam candidates must have completed a five-year registered apprenticeship program. Master exam candidates must have two years of work experience as a licensed Journey Worker plumber to qualify for examination. Before you can take the exam, you must apply and be approved by the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. Once the board approves your application, you will be sent an exam registration form.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you will need to apply for licensure. Submit the license application, the experience verification form, and pay the $40 application fee.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
How to Get a Plumbing Class C Specialty Contractor License (C-37)
MEET EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: You need four years of experience in the license classification you want to obtain.
SUBMIT CONTRACTOR LICENSE APPLICATION: Fill out the contractor license application. If applying as a corporation, partnership, joint venture, LLC, or LLP, you need a principal responsible managing employee (RME). The RME must file a separate application form if not already licensed. Entities must also be properly registered with the Business Registration Division (BREG), Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Submit the following required items with your application:
$50 non-refundable application fee
Current reviewed or audited financial statement accompanied by an independent accountant's report
Current and complete credit report for each officer, partner, manager, or member, covering at least the previous five years
Current Hawaii State Tax Clearance (not more than 6 months old) with an original State Department of Taxation stamp
Filed-stamped copy of current trade name registration approved by the Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
For entities: BREG Certificate of Good Standing, or file-stamped copy of BREG certificate if entity has been registered for less than a year
Responsible Managing Employee application if RME is not yet licensed
Mail the completed application, proper fee amount, and required documents to:
Contractors License Board DCCA PVL Licensing Branch P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801.
Or, deliver in person at:
335 Merchant St. Room 301 Honolulu, HI 96813
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: If the Board approves the license application, you or your RME must take and pass the Contractor Business and Law ($80 examination fee) and Trade exam (C-37 - $80 fee). Applicants will receive an examination approval letter, which will include information on how to register for the contractor exams directly with PSI and the date that the examinations must be passed by.
SUBMIT LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: After passing the examination, submit the following license requirements to the Board:
If you have employees: certificate of workers' compensation insurance from an insurance company authorized to do business in Hawaii, along with a statement from the insurance carrier that the Board will be notified of any withdrawal, termination, or cancellation of the insurance.
Certificate of general liability insurance with a bodily injury liability amount of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, and a property damage coverage amount of $50,000 per occurrence.
Hawaii business address. A licensed contractor needs a definite place of business where the licensee may be served notice and legal process. Post Office Box number is not accepted as a place of business.
Contracting entity and sole proprietor: license fee of $633 if licensed between Oct. 1 of an even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of an odd-numbered year, or $494 outside of that timeframe.
Once all requirements are met, the Board will issue a license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Hawaii?
It will take a minimum of five years to complete a registered apprenticeship and then become licensed at the journey level in Hawaii. It will take an additional two years to meet the eligibility requirements to test for a license at the master level. The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
If seeking a Class C Specialty Contractor license, you must obtain at least four years of work experience in the license class for which you are applying.
Hawaii Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. Since the state of Hawaii requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii offers a Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program for individuals who plan to work in the trades. The course is free for qualified students and teaches worksite safety, blueprint reading, technical skills, and more. Students also receive OSHA-30, first aid, and CPR certifications.
The Hawaii Community College system offers a Foundations of Plumbing course. The program states, “In this self-paced course, you will learn how to work on modern plumbing systems from in-depth course material developed by industry experts and employers. After completing this plumbing foundation course, you will possess the specialized skills and technical knowledge needed to start a career in plumbing.” The course is also available in person at the University of Hawaii, Maui College.
Apprenticeship: There are many other kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing process in Hawaii, too. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers & Fitters UA Local 675 in Honolulu. Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawaii. Or simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead.
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you typically need to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Hawaii, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Hawaii.
Hawaii Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
All examinations, including for Journey Worker, Master, and Specialty Contractor are administered via PSI. Visit this link to register for any of the exams.
The Journey Worker exam contains 100 questions, costs $90, and you must score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Knowledge
Water Supply Systems
Drainage, Waste and Sanitary Vents
Size and Estimating
Medical and Fuel Gas Systems
Indirect and Special Waste
Building Sewers
The Master exam contains 80 questions, costs $90, and you must score at least 70% to pass. Exam topics include:
General Knowledge
Drainage, Waste and Sanitary Vents
Sizing and Estimates
Fuel and Medical Gas Systems
Fixtures and Trim
Excavation
Building Sewers
For a Class C Specialty Contractor license, you must pass both a Trade exam and Business and Law exam. Each exam costs $80, and you must score at least 75% to pass.
The Business and Law Exam is closed-book and made up of 80 questions with a time limit of three hours. It covers the following topics:
Business Organization
Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Contract Management
Project Management
Public Works Laws
Risk Management
Safety
Labor Laws
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Lien Law
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Hawaii?
All plumbing licenses are issued by the Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
Does My Hawaii Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, a Hawaii Journey Worker, Master, or Specialty Contractor license will not be accepted in any other states. Some states allow you to bypass exam and experience requirements under certain circumstances, so make sure to check licensing information if you plan to work in another state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not have reciprocal agreements with other states, but you may use out-of-state experience to meet licensing requirements.
Submit the standard Experience Verification Form completed and signed by a licensed plumber.
If your supervisor is licensed outside Hawaii, include a license verification showing the license’s effective date.
The licensed plumber must provide their license details and sign the form in the presence of a notary.
If the state where you gained experience doesn’t license Journey Worker or Master plumbers—but requires a contractor’s license—the board will accept a notarized Experience Verification Form signed by the licensed contractor. You must also submit license verification that includes the license’s effective dates.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Hawaii
Hawaii has a higher training threshold than many other states. In fact, many states require four years or less of required training to qualify for a journey-level license. In Hawaii, you need a minimum of five years of experience as a registered apprentice to qualify for a Journey Worker license.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Hawaii?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Water Service offers a scholarship between $2,500 to $10,000 for students who intend to pursue a two-year or four-year degree in the construction trades.
To qualify:
Must be a minimum of 16 years of age and a high school senior or high school graduate, have received GED certification, or be a current postsecondary undergraduate student.
Must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
Must not have already received a degree or diploma from an accredited four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.
Must not be the child of a current or former employee of Hawaii Water Service.
UA Local 675 offers a one-time scholarship of up to $1,500 to “high school seniors and prior-year graduates whose parent, grandparent or legal guardian is a member of UA Local 675 in good standing.”
The American Water Works Association - Hawaii Chapter offers three $3,000 scholarships annually. This scholarship is open to current AWWA members in good standing.
The Promise Scholarship offered through the Hawaii Community College system covers full tuition for qualified students.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Hawaii?
Your plumbing license can be verified through the online license search portal provided by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This portal allows for free and real-time verification of various professional licenses, including plumbing licenses.
Simply go to the official DCCA license verification page at https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search.
Input the necessary details, such as the license number, name, or other relevant information, into the search fields.
The system will then display the license information, including the license status, expiration date, and other relevant details, confirming if the license is valid.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Hawaii?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that an Hawaii plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Hawaii plumbing license regulations you can refer to the DCCA Administrative Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Hawaii?
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 487‑13, furnishing plumbing services without a required license is considered an unlawful act or practice. Civil penalties include:
$500–$2,500 per unlicensed act or practice, enforceable via civil suit by the Office of Consumer Protection or DCCA.
Any contract for unlicensed plumbing work is void, and the worker cannot recover payment for the work or materials.
You can also be charged with a misdemeanor and up to one year in jail. If the unlicensed work costs more than $20,000, you can be charged with a felony.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Hawaii plumbing license regulations you can refer to the DCCA Administrative Rules.
Continuing Education
Hawaii plumbing licenses expire on June 30 every three years. All licensed plumbers will need to provide proof of completing the continued competency requirement at the time of renewal.
The continuing competency requirement involves taking a four-hour course at one of the following community college locations:
Honolulu Community College
Hawaii Community College
Maui Community College
Kauai Community College
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
