To legally perform plumbing services in the Aloha State, you'll need to secure one of Hawaii's specific plumbing licenses, either a Journeyman Plumber (PJ) or Master Plumber (PM), issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division's Board of Electricians and Plumbers. This is a distinct requirement for individual plumbers, often confused with the general contractor licenses a business might hold. This guide provides a step-by-step path to obtaining your PJ or PM license, covering experience requirements, application procedures, and examination details.
Do You Need a Plumbing License in Hawaii?
Yes, a state-issued license is required to perform plumbing work in Hawaii. The Board of Electricians and Plumbers oversees the licensing of Journeyman Plumbers (PJ) and Master Plumbers (PM) to ensure public safety and professional standards. Per Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR § 16-80), plumbing work performed by an unlicensed individual within five feet of any building must be done under the supervision of a licensed journey worker or master plumber. Apprentices must be registered and work under proper supervision.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Hawaii
Hawaii offers two main license tiers for individual plumbers, plus a registration for apprentices, each with a distinct scope of work.
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Journeyman Plumber (PJ): This license allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the general supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. They are certified to handle the practical installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
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Master Plumber (PM): This is the highest tier for individual plumbers. A Master Plumber is authorized to plan, lay out, supervise, and perform all types of plumbing work. They can also supervise Journeyman Plumbers and registered apprentices.
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Plumbing Apprentice (Registration): An apprentice is an individual learning the trade who must be registered with the state and work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber.
Hawaii Plumber License Requirements by Tier
All applicants must meet specific experience thresholds to qualify for examination and licensure.
General Requirements for All Applicants
- Good Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character.
- Age and Education: The Board's application materials set minimum age and education requirements; confirm the current age and high school/GED thresholds with the Board of Electricians and Plumbers before applying.
Journeyman Plumber (PJ) Requirements
To qualify for the Journeyman Plumber license, you must provide satisfactory evidence of experience totaling:
- At least five years of full-time work as a plumber's apprentice or equivalent.
- This experience must total no less than 10,000 hours.
These requirements are established per Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) § 448E-5.
Master Plumber (PM) Requirements
To qualify for the Master Plumber license, an applicant must meet one of the following criteria per HRS § 448E-5:
- Have been registered with the board as a licensed Journeyman Plumber for at least two years.
- Provide evidence of equivalent experience as determined by the board.
Plumbing Apprentice Registration Requirements
Individuals starting in the trade must register as an apprentice. This process typically involves submitting a registration form to the appropriate state body and securing employment under a licensed plumber who will supervise the training.
Hawaii Plumbing License Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your Journeyman or Master Plumber license in Hawaii.
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Gather Documentation: Complete the Application for License - Electrician or Plumber (Form EP-01). You will also need to provide notarized Experience Verification forms signed by licensed contractors or supervisors to document your qualifying work hours.
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Submit Application and Fee: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. A non-refundable application fee of $40 must be included.
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Board Review and Approval to Test: The Board will review your application to ensure you meet the minimum experience requirements. Once your application is approved, you will receive notification that you are eligible to sit for the licensing examination.
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Schedule and Pass the Examination: Upon receiving approval, you must contact the state's authorized testing service to schedule your exam. After passing, you will receive your score report.
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Pay Initial License Fee: After passing the exam, you must pay the initial license fee to have your license issued. The fee is prorated based on when you are licensed within the three-year cycle.
Hawaii Plumber Licensing Exam Details
The Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers examinations are delivered through the testing service PSI Services.
- Scheduling: Once your application is approved by the Board, you will receive instructions on how to register and schedule your exam with PSI.
- Exam Content: The exams cover topics such as plumbing theory, installation practices, safety, and the Hawaii Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
- Format and Scoring: The specific number of questions, time limit, and passing score are published by the Board and PSI. Confirm these details when scheduling your exam.
- What to Bring: You will need to present valid government-issued identification at the testing center.
Hawaii Plumber License Fees
The following fees are set by the Hawaii DCCA PVL and are subject to change.
- Application Fee: $40 (non-refundable)
- Initial License Fee (Prorated):
- If licensed in the first year of a triennium: $306
- If licensed in the second year of a triennium: $204
- If licensed in the third year of a triennium: $102
- Triennial Renewal Fee:
- Active Status: $306
- Inactive Status: $12
- Restoration Fee (within one year of expiration):
- Active Status: $406
- Inactive Status: $112
- Dishonored Payment Fee: $25
Plumbing License Renewal and Continuing Education in Hawaii
A Hawaii plumbing license must be renewed triennially (every three years) to remain active. The renewal deadline is June 30th of the renewal year (e.g., 2027, 2030, 2033).
To renew an active license, plumbers must complete a continuing competency requirement. The Board of Electricians and Plumbers publishes the current hour requirements and a list of approved providers on its official website. Failure to renew on time may result in the license expiring and additional restoration fees.
Does Hawaii Offer Plumbing License Reciprocity?
Hawaii does not reciprocate with any other jurisdiction for plumbing licenses. All out-of-state applicants must apply as new candidates and meet Hawaii's full experience and examination requirements to obtain a license.
According to the official application form, "Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction." However, the Board does provide a method for applicants to document out-of-state experience using a notarized Experience Verification form signed by a licensed contractor from their previous state.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Hawaii Plumbers
Hawaii does not impose a uniform statewide bond or insurance requirement for an individual to hold a Journeyman or Master Plumber license. However, liability insurance is typically required by local county building departments to pull permits for projects. Furthermore, if you operate a plumbing business, you will need to carry commercial liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by law. Always confirm specific insurance requirements with the county where you plan to work and an insurance professional.
Verifying a Hawaii Plumbing License
You can verify the status of a Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber license through the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) public license search tool. This online database allows you to search for licensed professionals by name or license number to confirm that their license is active and in good standing.
Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Hawaii
Performing plumbing work without the required state license is illegal in Hawaii. Unlicensed activity can result in significant fines and other disciplinary actions imposed by the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. The state's Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) investigates complaints against unlicensed individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my master plumbing license in Hawaii?
To get a Master Plumber (PM) license in Hawaii, you must first have been a licensed Journeyman Plumber (PJ) in the state for at least two years or have equivalent experience approved by the Board. You must then submit an application, pay the required fees, and pass the Master Plumber examination administered by PSI Services.
How do I get a Hawaii Journey Worker Plumbing License?
To get a Journey Worker (Journeyman) Plumber (PJ) license, you must document at least five years and 10,000 hours of experience as a registered apprentice or equivalent. After the Board approves your application, you must pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
Do you need a plumber license to offer plumbing services in Hawaii?
Yes, any individual performing plumbing work in Hawaii must hold a valid Journeyman Plumber (PJ) or Master Plumber (PM) license issued by the Board of Electricians and Plumbers. Apprentices must be registered and work under supervision.
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Hawaii?
The primary fees include a $40 non-refundable application fee, an examination fee paid directly to the testing provider, and an initial license fee that is prorated ($306, $204, or $102) based on the year you are licensed within the three-year cycle.
When do I need to renew my Hawaii plumbing license?
Plumbing licenses in Hawaii must be renewed every three years by June 30th. The current triennium ends in 2027, with subsequent renewals in 2030, 2033, and so on.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Hawaii?
To renew your license, you must complete the required hours of continuing education from a board-approved provider, submit a renewal application, and pay the triennial renewal fee of $306 for an active license.
Is a plumbing license transferable to another state?
Whether your Hawaii plumbing license is transferable to another state depends entirely on the laws of that specific state. Hawaii does not have reciprocity agreements to accept licenses from other states, and you must check with the licensing board of the state you are moving to regarding their requirements.
Does Hawaii offer reciprocity for plumbing licenses?
No. The Hawaii Board of Electricians and Plumbers explicitly states that it "does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction." All out-of-state plumbers must meet Hawaii's full requirements for experience and examination.