Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Hawaii
Roofing, HI
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Hawaii
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Hawaii?
Types of Roofing Licenses in Hawaii
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Hawaii
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Hawaii?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Hawaii?
Hawaii Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Hawaii Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Do I Need to Renew My Hawaii Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Hawaii Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
National Roofing Certifications
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to be qualified. Many states require roofers to be licensed, while others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Hawaii employs 770 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Hawaii.
Roofing License Requirements in Hawaii
A contractor license is required in Hawaii to perform residential, commercial, and public works valuing more than $1,000 in labor and materials, including roofing. Specifically, you need a Specialty Contractor license with C-42 Roofing Contractor license classification.
You may apply either as a sole proprietor or as a contracting entity. If applying as an entity, you must complete the responsible managing employee (RME) application.
Licensing requirements include obtaining 4 years of supervisory experience under a licensed contractor. In addition, roofing applicants are required to pass an exam and purchase general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance (if they have employees), and a bond.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Hawaii?
Licensing is overseen by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Hawaii
Hawaii doesn’t issue a general contractor license. Instead, Hawaii offers a General Engineering Contractor license for fixed-work projects and a General Building Contractor license for the construction of residential, commercial, or industrial structures involving more than two unrelated building trades.
The state also offers a Specialty Contractor license for contractors with specific skills, including plumbers, electricians, and roofers.
C-42 Roofing Contractor license
In Hawaii, a C-42 Roofing Contractor license is required to perform roofing work, which includes the installation, repair, and maintenance of roofing systems. It includes the installation of shingles, adding waterproofing, applying sealants and coatings, and installing gutters and downspouts.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Hawaii
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must obtain 4 years of supervisory experience working for a licensed contractor.
Demonstrate competency by passing the Business and Law and Trade examinations.
Submit current reviewed or audited financial statements prepared by a licensed public accountant.
Provide a clean credit report covering at least the previous five years.
Obtain required insurance coverage to cover bodily injury (workers’ compensation insurance) and property damage (liability insurance).
Pay the application fee and license fee.
Submit the contractor license application online at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl or mail the application form to a Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division office in Honolulu.
According to the PVL, you should expect the application processing period to take 45-60 days.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
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 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 Roofing License in Hawaii?
The application fee is $50. The required exams cost $160 total. Once those are passed, the license fee runs $483 to $633, depending on the time of year you file the application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Hawaii?
Hawaii contractors need a minimum of 4 years of supervisory work experience to qualify for licensure. However, you can gain work experience and also get paid by working for a licensed contractor.
Hawaii Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Hawaii that offer these types of programs, including:
Honolulu Community College | Honolulu — 2 years
Kauai Community College | Kauai | — 2 years
Hawaii Roofing Licensing Exam Details
You must take and pass the Hawaii Business and Law exam and Trade exam. Both exams are administered via PSI and Prometric and include an $80 examination fee.
Do I Need to Renew My Hawaii Roofing License?
Yes, all licenses expire on Sept. 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal applications are mailed to all current licensees before Aug. 15. Licensees must submit their renewal application, renewal fee, and all required documents and fees by Sept. 30.
Business entities and sole proprietors must submit a current tax clearance or a letter from the State Department of Taxation confirming a tax payment arrangement with their renewal application.
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Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for a Hawaii contractor license. However, it’s important to stay informed about emerging technology in the industry.
Does Hawaii Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
No, Hawaii does not offer reciprocity agreements with other states for roofing licenses. All applicants must meet the same licensing and examination requirements.
National and State Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Hawaii through the Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, Plumbing, General Contractor, or Electrical license in Hawaii, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
