Hawaii Plumber Licensing FAQs

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Hawaii?

To perform plumbing work in Hawaii, a plumber's license is required by law. The plumbing license, however, does not allow you to contract to perform plumbing work. You'll need a specialty contractor's license* if this is the intent. The plumbing licenses available are for master plumber and journeyman worker plumber. To work as a licensed plumber, you'll require a journey worker plumber license. To operate a plumbing business, you'll need a master plumber license.

*Visit the State Contractor's Board to learn more

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Hawaii?

• Journey Worker Plumber
• Master Plumber

Does Hawaii have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Hawaii?

• Application: $40
• Examination: $90
• License: prorated based on year within renewal cycle
  • 1^st year of triennium: $306
  • 2^nd year of triennium: $204
  • 3^rd year of triennium: $102
• Renewal: $306

When do I need to renew my Hawaii plumbing license?

All plumbing licenses, regardless of issuance date, renew on June 30th every 3 years (2021, 2024, 2027, etc).

How do I renew my plumbing license in Hawaii?

Steps to renew:

1. Submit renewal application
2. Pay renewal fee
3. Submit proof of completing the continuing competency requirement

A reminder postcard will be mailed to you approximately 60 days prior to June 30^th. You may renew your license online at https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov or request a hardcopy renewal form from the board.

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Hawaii?

Yes, all licensed plumbers must complete a continuing competency course with University of Hawaii Community College.

Plumbers licensed within one year of the renewal date are not required to complete the continuing competency.

My Hawaii plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

Forfeited licenses may be restored within 1 year and are subject to meeting restoration requirements.

Failure to restore a forfeited license within 1 year after the license expiration date will result in the termination of the license and the person must apply as a new applicant and meet current licensing requirements.

1. Complete an application for licensure
2. Complete an experience verification form
   1. 5 years but not less than 10,000 hours of plumbing work in compliance with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is required
3. Submit forms along with $40 application fee
4. Upon board approval, take and pass the applicable license exam
5. Pay applicable license fees

• Application: $40
• Examination: $90
• License: prorated based on year within renewal cycle
  • 1^st year of triennium: $306
  • 2^nd year of triennium: $204
  • 3^rd year of triennium: $102

3 hour time limit

100 Questions – Closed book exam

• 25 questions: General Knowledge
• 20 questions: Water Supply Systems
• 20 questions: Drainage, Waste and Sanitary Vents
• 10 questions: Size and Estimating
• 10 questions: Medical and Fuel Gas Systems
• 10 questions: Indirect and Special Waste
• 5 questions: Building Sewers

• Administration
• Definitions
• General Regulations
• Plumbing Math
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Appendices
• Hands-On Practical Application

• Maui
• Kauai
• Big Island

Your score report will be mailed to you approximately 10 business days after your exam date, along with information regarding the next steps in the licensure process.

If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a retake exam registration form and retake procedure information with your score report.

1. Complete an application for licensure
2. Complete an experience verification form
   1. 2 years experience as a licensed journey worker plumber or equivalent* is required
3. Submit forms along with $40 application fee
4. Upon board approval, take and pass the applicable license exam
5. Pay applicable license fees

*Equivalent experience in the trade means having been licensed as a journey worker or master level plumber for at least 2 years in another county, state, or country when requirements for licensure are substantially equivalent to those in Hawaii.

• Application: $40
• Examination: $90
• License: prorated based on year within renewal cycle
  • 1^st year of triennium: $306
  • 2^nd year of triennium: $204
  • 3^rd year of triennium: $102

3 hour time limit

80 Questions – Closed book exam

• 25 questions: General Knowledge
• 25 questions: Drainage, Waste and Sanitary Vents
• 19 questions: Sizing and Estimates
• 13 questions: Fuel and Medical Gas Systems
• 6 questions: Fixtures and Trim
• 6 questions: Excavation
• 6 questions: Building Sewers

• Administration
• Definitions
• General Regulations
• Plumbing Math
• Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution
• Sanitary Drainage
• Indirect and Special Waste
• Vents
• Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
• Storm Drainage
• Appendices
• Hands-On Practical Application

• Maui
• Kauai
• Big Island

Your score report will be mailed to you approximately 10 business days after your exam date, along with information regarding the next steps in the licensure process.

If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a retake exam registration form and retake procedure information with your score report.

Yes, all licensed plumbers must complete a continuing competency course with University of Hawaii Community College.

Plumbers licensed within one year of the renewal date are not required to complete the continuing competency.

Licensees have the option of allowing the University of Hawaii Community College to transmit their course completions automatically, or it may be done manually by submitting your course completion certificate to the board.

No, at this time the only courses approved for continuing competency in Hawaii are offered through the University of Hawaii Community College system.

Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!

Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.

You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you've entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!

Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10–15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.

Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.

It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!

Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!

After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).

It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.

Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.

No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don't pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.

You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.