Hawaii Carpentry License Requirements (2026)

Hawaii licenses carpentry through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Contractors License Board (CLB) under HRS Chapter 444. The board issues two carpentry classifications: C-5 Cabinet, Millwork, Carpentry Remodeling and Repairs, and C-5a Carpentry Framing. Both require a Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) with four years of supervisory carpentry experience within the last ten years, passing the PSI Hawaii Business and Law plus the C-5 trade exam, and proof of general excise tax registration. Hawaii does not allow sole-proprietor general handyman exemptions; any compensated carpentry contracted with a homeowner requires a CLB license.

Federal requirement: EPA Lead RRP Rule

Pre-1978 housing triggers the federal EPA Lead RRP Rule for any paint-disturbing renovation, repair, or painting work — a requirement that stands apart from whatever Hawaii does or does not license. See our complete EPA RRP Lead Certification guide for who needs firm and renovator certification, what it costs, and how renewal works.

Regulatory Body Profile

Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Contractors License Board (DCCA-PVL) is the statutory authority responsible for issuing and enforcing this license under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444; Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16 Chapter 77. The Contractors License Board licenses Class A General Engineering, Class B General Building, and Class C Specialty contractors statewide. The DCCA-PVL Board of Electricians and Plumbers separately licenses individual electricians and plumbers.

Official portal: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/
Address: King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, Room 301, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 586-3000

The Eligibility Audit

Eligibility begins with two baseline checks: the applicant must be 18 or older and must provide a valid Social Security Number. No Hawaii residency requirement.

Good moral character

Criminal history is reviewed case-by-case by the licensing authority.

Background investigation

Criminal history disclosure required on the application.

Experience and Education Standards

The experience bar is Four years of supervisory carpentry experience within the last ten years for the RME or RMO. Apprenticeship completion does not substitute for the supervisory requirement., and it must be backed by verifiable records — typically payroll, tax, project, or supervisor documentation covering the claimed period.

Accepted proof of experience or eligibility

Notarized experience affidavits from licensed supervising contractors
W-2s, 1099s, or payroll records covering the qualifying period
Apprenticeship completion certificate where applicable

Education substitution

Approved carpentry apprenticeship or accredited trade school coursework may substitute for part of the experience requirement.

The Exam Syllabus

The exam, administered by PSI Services LLC under contract to the DCCA Contractors License Board, breaks into the parts shown below — all must be passed before licensure:

Hawaii Business and Law — 80 questions, 240 minutes, passing score 75%
C-5 / C-5a Carpentry trade exam — 80 questions, 240 minutes, passing score 75%

Examination fee: $50 application fee plus $75 per PSI exam part.

Retake policy: Failed parts may be retaken after paying a new exam fee. Applications remain valid for one year.

Bonding, Insurance & Financial Security

Before the license is issued, the applicant must file a $5,000 contractor license surety bond in the form prescribed by the DCCA-PVL.

General liability

CLB requires general liability insurance with minimums of $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 property damage per HRS §444-9.5.

Workers' compensation

Workers compensation is mandatory under HRS §386 for any contractor with one or more employees. Sole proprietors may file an exemption.

Additional financial requirements

Applicants must show working capital sufficient to operate, but no minimum dollar threshold.

Schedule of Fees

Fee	Amount
Application (non-refundable)	$50
Examination	$150
Initial license	$535
Renewal (every 2 years)	$535

Renewal and Continuing Obligations

The Hawaii C-5 Cabinet, Millwork and Carpentry Remodeling Contractor / C-5a Carpentry Framing runs on a 2 years renewal cycle. The current renewal fee is $535. Biennial renewal on September 30 of odd years. Lapsed licenses must reapply after one year.

Continuing education: No statutory CE requirement, but CLB may impose remedial education after disciplinary action.

Downloadable Asset

2026 Hawaii Carpentry License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.

Download the PDF roadmap →

Out-of-State Reciprocity

For this classification, Hawaii does not recognize the NASCLA Accredited Examination.

Reciprocal State	Accepted Exam	Conditions
No formal bilateral reciprocity agreements identified.

Hawaii CLB has no formal reciprocity. Out-of-state carpenters must complete the full application, RME experience verification and exams.

Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares Carpentry license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.

The Application Roadmap

Designate the RME or RMO. Four years of supervisory carpentry experience required.
Register the Hawaii business entity. And obtain a General Excise Tax license.
Submit the CLB application. With $50 fee and experience verification forms.
Pass the PSI Hawaii Business and Law and C-5/C-5a trade exams. At 75 percent or better.
File GL insurance certificate. Meeting HRS §444-9.5 minimums.
File workers compensation certificate or exemption. Required for any business with employees.
Receive the CLB license number. Issued at the next board meeting after exam pass.
Renew biennially by September 30 of odd years. With current insurance and CE.

Recommended Study Materials

The list below collects the board's cited references and the materials applicants typically study from. CLR is not paid to recommend any of them.

Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 444 and HAR Title 16 Chapter 77 — State of Hawaii. Licensing law and rules.
International Building Code with Hawaii amendments — International Code Council. Open-book reference at PSI.
CLB Carpentry Contractor Candidate Information Bulletin — PSI Services. Free PDF of exam content outline.

Pre-Application Checklist

Ahead of submission to DCCA-PVL, confirm every item on this short list:

☐ Designated RME/RMO with four years supervisory experience
☐ Hawaii General Excise Tax license
☐ CLB application with $50 fee
☐ PSI Hawaii Business and Law and C-5/C-5a exam pass certificates
☐ GL insurance per HRS §444-9.5
☐ Workers compensation certificate or exemption
☐ Hawaii business entity registration

Where Applications Stall

These are the recurring mistakes that most often delay or reject a Hawaii Carpentry application, based on the official instructions cited here.

Letting the RME leave

If the qualifier departs, CLB allows 30 days to designate a replacement before suspending the license.

General Excise Tax registration

Hawaii GET registration is mandatory before invoicing any client. CLB checks GET status at renewal.

Lead RRP for pre-1978 trim

EPA RRP certification is required for any C-5 carpentry that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing.

Working without C-5a for new framing

Performing new structural framing under a C-5 (remodeling) license is unlicensed contracting under HRS §444-9.

Incomplete experience verification

CLB rejects experience signed by anyone other than a licensed Hawaii contractor or licensed mainland contractor.

Other Hawaii Trade Licenses

CLR maintains guides for additional Hawaii trades; the published ones are listed here:

Common Questions

What is the difference between C-5 and C-5a in Hawaii?

C-5 covers cabinet, millwork, finish carpentry, remodeling and repairs. C-5a covers structural carpentry framing for new construction.

Who is the RME or RMO?

The Responsible Managing Employee or Responsible Managing Officer is the individual with four years of supervisory carpentry experience who qualifies the license. The RME/RMO must be an actual full-time employee or officer.

Does Hawaii accept the NASCLA exam?

No. CLB requires the Hawaii-specific Business and Law exam and the C-5/C-5a trade exam through PSI.

What bond is required?

Hawaii does not require a state contractor surety bond, but CLB requires the GL insurance per HRS §444-9.5.

How often does the license renew?

Every two years on September 30 of odd years with continuing education.

Primary Sources

Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.

Verified 2026-05-09 · Next scheduled review 2026-08-07