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How to get an HVAC license in Hawaii

Hours, exam, fees and renewal for HVAC work in Hawaii. Taken from official HI pages and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing — Contractors License Board (C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning)
  • State journeyman license: No (Hawaii licenses contracting entities and RMEs by classification — no separate statewide HVAC journeyman card.)
  • C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor: Board applications require documented experience in the classification (commonly framed as supervisory experience for the RME/sole proprietor). Entity must employ a principal RME who files a separate application if not already licensed.
  • Exam: see below, via Board examination vendor
  • Code edition: After Board approval, qualifying individual completes Part I Business & Law and Part II trade exams within six months. Specialty exam fee $80 (A/B general $85).

Requirements by license

C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor

ExperienceBoard applications require documented experience in the classification (commonly framed as supervisory experience for the RME/sole proprietor). Entity must employ a principal RME who files a separate application if not already licensed.Source: cca.hawaii.gov · as of · Confirm exact year/hour experience table on the current requirements PDF before you apply.
ExamBoard examination vendor. Submit by first Tuesday of the month for next-month Board review. After approval, finish exams within 6 months, then pay license fees and file insurance/bond as required.Source: cca.hawaii.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application (nonrefundable): $50
  • Specialty classification exam (C-52): $80
  • Entity/sole proprietor license (Oct even–Sep odd window): $663
  • Entity/sole proprietor license (Oct odd–Sep even window): $494
  • RME license (Oct even–Sep odd): $438
  • RME license (Oct odd–Sep even): $334
  • On-time renewal entity/sole (active): $338
  • On-time renewal RME (active): $208
Source: cca.hawaii.gov · as of · Renewal dollars also on the Board page for the Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2028 period.
RenewalEvery 2 years. All licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. Entity/sole proprietors need a current DOTAX tax clearance (name must match). Restore within 60 days or reapply as new.Source: cca.hawaii.gov · as of
CE to renewBoard FAQ/renewal pages emphasize tax clearance and insurance — no C-52 CE hour requirement listed there.Not confirmedSource: cca.hawaii.gov · as of

License types in Hawaii

  • No statewide HVAC technician license
  • C-52 Ventilating and air conditioning contractor (entity / sole proprietor)
  • Responsible Managing Employee (RME) for the entity
  • Related classifications (e.g. C-4 boiler/steam) as needed
Source: cca.hawaii.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Hawaii contractor licensing is classification- and exam-based through the Board. Ask PVL about out-of-state experience credit; don’t assume automatic reciprocity.Not confirmedSource: cca.hawaii.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Hawaii HVAC license?

C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning contractor (entity + RME). No statewide tech card.

Exams?

Business & Law + trade after Board approval; specialty exam $80.

Already licensed? See Hawaii HVAC license renewal & CE.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.