How to Get Your
Hawaii Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Hawaii. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career in the Aloha State.
Hawaii Plumbing License Quick Facts
Experience Required
5 years (Journeyman)
Working Hours
10,000 hours minimum
Application Fee
$40 + $90 exam
Licensing Body
DCCA - PVLD
Renewal Period
Every 3 years (June 30)
Renewal Fee
$306
Are you prepared to leverage a lucrative career in Hawaii's plumbing industry?
In Hawaii, obtaining a plumbing license is not only necessary for employment but also opens up several taps of opportunities. Licensed plumbers are essential to the state's infrastructure, working on everything from new construction to remodels and repairs. It's actually the right time to think about pursuing this career path because Hawaii's population is growing, and so is the construction.
We will offer you helpful tools and advice to succeed and realize your ambition of getting a Hawaii plumbing license. This article is for you, whether you are just starting out or have been in the plumbing business for a while. Don't pass up your chance to learn more and begin your path to a rewarding and secure career as a plumber in Hawaii.
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii?
Hawaii Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs - Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
DCCA - PVLDIssues and oversees plumbing licenses throughout the state of Hawaii
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii
There are two types of plumbing licenses in Hawaii. Each has a different set of licensing requirements to meet to become a licensed plumber.
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Journeyman Plumber
Entry-level license to install, repair, maintain, and extend plumbing systems including sanitary vents, gas systems, water supply, fixtures, drains, and waste.
Key Requirements
- 5 years or 10,000 working hours of experience
- Compliance with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- Worker's compensation certificate
Master Plumber
Advanced license to supervise or perform all types of master plumbing contracting jobs.
Key Requirements
- 2 years of experience as Journey Worker
- Experience in the country, state, or another country
- Worker's compensation certificate
Hawaii Plumbing License Requirements
State Requirements
Hawaii Plumbing License Requirements
1Journeyman Plumber
Entry-level professional license
Journeyman Plumber
Entry-level professional license
- 5 years but not less than 10,000 working hours on Hawaii plumbing apprentice jobs
- Due compliance with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- Worker's compensation certificate
- Certificate showing liability coverage for Property Damage ($50,000) and Bodily Injured per person ($100,000) + per occurrence ($130,000)
2Master Plumber
Advanced professional license
Master Plumber
Advanced professional license
- 2 years of experience as a Journey Worker in the country, state, or another country
- Worker's compensation certificate
- Certificate showing liability coverage for Property Damage ($50,000) and Bodily Injured per person ($100,000) + per occurrence ($130,000)
To complete 10,000 hours and become eligible for a journey worker license, you must get enrolled in a plumbing apprenticeship through:
- A state-registered apprenticeship program
- A union apprenticeship
- On-the-job training under a licensed or member employer
- An approved participating college
Besides, you may also connect with Honolulu Joint Apprenticeship or Training Committee for plumbing and pipefitting industry.
Find plumbing apprenticeships through the following websites using the search term "Plumber helper" or "Plumber apprentice":
- Ziprecruiter.com
- Simplyhired.com
- Glassdoor.com
- Indeed.com
- Monster.com
Plumbing License Costs in Hawaii
State Fees
Hawaii License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeyman Application fee + exam fee | $90 | $40 | $306 |
| Master Plumber Application fee + exam fee | $90 | $40 | $306 |
Irrespective of license type and date of issue, every plumbing license expires every three years and requires renewal on or before June 30. The plumbing license renewal fee is $306.
Renewal Requirement: Attach your completion of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code continuing competency test.
Hawaii Plumbing Exam Details
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Trade Exam Structure
Hawaii Journeyman Plumbing Examination
Water distribution and supply
Waste drainage systems
Venting systems
Gas system installation
General plumbing knowledge
Sewer systems
Special waste systems
Sizing and calculations
The Journeyman exam consists of 100 questions and is a closed book exam. You have 3 hours to complete it and need 75 correct answers to pass.
Business and Law Exam
Required for Contractors
Business and Law Examination
Business finances
Contract administration
Project oversight
Cost estimation
Workplace safety
Business structure
Tax compliance
Mechanic's liens
Public contract laws
Risk mitigation
License requirements
The Business and Law exam consists of 80 questions and is a closed book exam. You have 3 hours to complete it and need 60 correct answers to pass.
Master Plumber Exam
Advanced Trade Exam
Hawaii Master Plumbing Examination
Advanced venting systems
Advanced plumbing theory
Advanced sizing calculations
Gas system design
Sewer system design
Fixture installation
Excavation procedures
Water supply design
The Master Plumber exam consists of 80 questions and is a closed book exam. You have 3 hours to complete it and need 60 correct answers to pass.
Steps to Get Your Hawaii Plumbing License
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Hawaii
Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program
Get enrolled in a plumbing apprenticeship through a state-registered program, union apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or approved college.
Complete Required Working Hours
Gain 5 years or 10,000 working hours of experience as a plumbing apprentice with due compliance with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Obtain Insurance Coverage
Get Worker's compensation certificate and liability coverage for Property Damage ($50,000) and Bodily Injury per person ($100,000) + per occurrence ($130,000).
Application FormSubmit Your Application
Fill out the application form and mail it along with verification of experience (duly signed by your employer and notarized) to DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing Branch with $40 application fee.
Application FormRegister for the Exam
Once approved, you'll receive an Examination Registration Form. Fill it out, include the $90 examination fee, and send it to Prometric at 345 Uluniu St., Suite 308, Kailua, HI 96734.
Pass the Licensing Exam
Take and pass the plumbing examination. Journeyman requires 75 out of 100 correct answers. Master Plumber requires 60 out of 80 correct answers.
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!
You are now a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Hawaii and can install, repair, maintain, and extend plumbing systems.
Gain Journey Worker Experience (Optional)
To become a Master Plumber, gain 2 years of experience as a Journey Worker in the country, state, or another country.
Apply for Master Plumber License
After gaining the required experience, apply for the Master Plumber license and pass the Master Plumbing examination.
Congratulations! You're a Master Plumber!
You can now supervise or perform all types of master plumbing contracting jobs in Hawaii.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, you will require a plumber license to offer plumbing services in Hawaii. The Hawaii State Board of Plumbing is in charge of issuing and overseeing the state's plumbing licenses.
The time it takes to become licensed as a plumber in Hawaii will vary depending on your unique circumstances, including your amount of expertise and aptitude for passing the plumbing exam. Typically, you'll need 5 years or 10,000 working hours to qualify for the Journeyman license. It may vary from a few months to a year or longer may pass once you apply.
In order to become a licensed plumber in Hawaii, one must first fulfill the following conditions:
- Possess a minimum of 5 years or 10,000 hours of plumbing apprentice experience
- Pass the plumbing exam in Hawaii (Journeyman or Master level)
- Show proof of worker's compensation and liability insurance
- Submit a complete application with the required $40 application fee and $90 exam fee
It's also important to remember that the state of Hawaii mandates that plumbers renew their licenses every three years and complete continuing education requirements to keep their licenses current.
Yes. To renew licenses, plumbers in Hawaii must complete continuing education (CE). You must attach your completion of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code continuing competency test when renewing your license.
In Hawaii, renewing a plumber's license usually entails the following steps:
- Check when your current license will expire (licenses expire every 3 years on June 30)
- Complete the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code continuing competency test
- Submit a completed renewal application and the required $306 renewal fee
- Provide evidence of liability and, if necessary, worker's compensation insurance
- Wait for your renewal application to be approved
It's crucial to remember that based on the type of license held and the specific guidelines established by the Hawaii Plumbing and Gas Board, the procedure and requirements for renewing a plumber's license in Hawaii may change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in order to be licensed as a plumbing contractor in Hawaii, a plumber aspirant must meet certain years of experience and educational requirements, pass the state exam, show proof of insurance, and submit an application along with the required fees.
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