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Hawaii HVAC License: How to Become a HVAC Contractor in Hawaii
HVAC, HIHow Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Hawaii?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Hawaii
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Hawaii employs 1,110 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, doesn’t offer a projected growth rate for Hawaii.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Hawaii in July 2025 totaled 40,600, an increase of 1,300 (3.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 2,900 (8%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. The Aloha State requires HVAC licensing at the contractor level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Hawaii
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Hawaii?
Yes, but only at the contractor level.
If you are going to own your own HVAC business or act as the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) for a contractor, you will need to be a licensed specialty contractor in at least one of several specialized categories. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing (PVL) Division is responsible for 25 professional boards and commissions and 27 licensing programs including for contractors, plumbers, and electricians.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Hawaii
What are the different HVAC license types in Hawaii?
For HVACR-related work, you need to hold a Class C Specialty Contractor License issued by the state board. There are a few that relate to heating and cooling systems, so you’ll need one that covers the type of work and the systems you’ll be installing or repairing. Specialty Contractor licenses for HVAC include:
C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor License: Allows the allows the holder to fabricate, assemble, and install:
Warm-air heating and air cooling systems
Heating and cooling solar systems
Complete ventilating systems and complete air conditioning systems including, but not limited to, piping, non-electrical controls, instrumentation, building automation, energy management, and trenching, backfilling, patching, and surface restoration in connection with the installation of air conditioning systems
Thermal and acoustical insulation necessary to maintain heat, or sound, or both, within the systems
Heat pumps related to the air conditioning system
C-40 Refrigeration Contractor: Allows the holder to install devices, machinery, and units, including temperature insulation units, ducts, blowers, registers, humidity, and thermostatic controls for the control of air temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in refrigerators, refrigerator rooms, and insulated refrigerator spaces; and to construct walk-in refrigerator boxes.
C-44 Sheet Metal Contractor: Allows the holder to fabricate, assemble and install ductwork, metal flues, and free-standing fireplaces and chimneys.
The requirements for any of the above licenses are:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing.
Obtain liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Have four years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years attested to by fellow employees, an employer or other professional with direct knowledge of your work.
Fill out an application, and pay the applicable fee.
Pass a contractor exam in the appropriate classification.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Hawaii
Meet employer expectations by being 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, a driver’s license, and basic math and reading skills.
Enroll in a training program — either a college degree program or an apprenticeship makes you a more attractive job candidate.
Get EPA Certification if you will be handling refrigerant.
Work indefinitely as an HVAC tech for a licensed contractor.
Or get licensed as a specialty contractor after accumulating at least four years of supervisory experience if you would like to own your own business or serve as the RME for another contractor.
Apply for license, including at least three certificates of support of supervisory years of work experience and paying application fee.
Receive notice of eligibility to test.
Pay for, take, and pass the state-mandated exam.
Pay for and receive your Class C Specialty Contractor license.
Maintain continuous liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Hawaii
There are many benefits to getting your Hawaii HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Hawaii to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at the contractor level.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Hawaii?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Hawaii is $67,280, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Hawaii, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $56,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,200
Senior (4-7 years): $80,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $94,200
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Hawaii?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. If you start by getting some kind of college degree or certificate, you’ll have tuition expenses. According to Community College Review, the average tuition among Hawaii community colleges is approximately $2,815 per year for in-state students and $7,663 for out-of-state students.
Apprentice programs have different tuition costs. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
If you choose to become a licensed contractor, you’ll pay a $50 license application fee and $150 for the exam ($75 for the business and law portion; $75 for the trade portion).
Contracting entity or sole proprietor: If you are licensed between Oct. 1 of an even‑numbered year and Sept. 30 of the following odd‑numbered year, the license fee is $663. If licensed outside of this window, the fee is $494.
Responsible managing entity: Pay $438 if licensed between Oct. 1 of the even-numbered year and Sept. 30 of the odd-numbered year; $334 if licensed between Oct. 1 of the odd-numbered year and Sept. 30 of the even-numbered year.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Hawaii
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Hawaii, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: The most common path to enter the HVAC field in Hawaii is enrolling in a trade school or apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships are sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. If you get one of the coveted apprentice openings through your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs, it’s like getting a scholarship to college. UA Local 657 based in Honolulu offers Plumbing, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Fire Sprinkler Fitter, and Steam Fitter Welder apprenticeships that are five-year programs consisting of 10,000 work hours plus 10 semesters of related classroom instruction.
Apprentices are mentored on the job by experienced technicians and go to school to learn trade-specific subjects. These apprenticeships are very competitive, so you will need to distinguish yourself if this is the path you want to take.
Another way to begin the process of becoming an HVAC tech in Hawaii is to get a certificate or degree in the field. Many employers express a desire for job applicants to have formal education in the trade and EPA certification. There are many programs from which to choose. An associate of applied science degree will take about two years, and certificate programs can take six months to a year. This can distinguish you from other candidates for one of those union apprentice openings or make you a more desirable candidate for an entry-level job with an HVAC employer.
You may also simply look for an entry-level job and work for a licensed mechanical contractor. Again, though, most employers state in job postings that HVAC training is preferred. Some employers will act as a sponsor in a registered apprenticeship through Hawaii’s Workforce Development Division, which maintains a list of registered apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. You will be required to attend classes at night or on weekends to get the requisite theoretical training, but you’ll be getting your academic instruction in tandem with your practical experience, and you probably won’t be paying for all of it.
You may work indefinitely as an HVAC technician in Hawaii without pursuing a state-level specialty contractor license.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: Once you’ve accrued the four years of supervisory experience required to become licensed as a specialty contractor, you can apply for the category that aligns with the work you perform. The forms can be found on the state website.
TAKE EXAM: After applying, you’ll receive notice of eligibility to take the required exam. Pass both the business and law and trade portions to receive your license.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Once you've been awarded your HVAC contractor license, you may work for a contracting business and serve as the Responsible Managing Employee, or if you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Hawaii, you will need to register your business with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division. You'll also need a surety bond and liability and property damage insurance.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Hawaii?
It takes a minimum of four years to meet the supervisory experience requirement for licensure. To get to that level, applicants may choose to pursue schooling or an apprenticeship. Certificate programs vary in length. Some are only six months. Most Associate of Applied Science degree programs will take about two years. Apprenticeships are typically five years long.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
Hawaii HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Schooling is one of the paths you can take to gain the required HVAC experience in Hawaii. There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Currently, neither has accredited any programs in Hawaii. However, there are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC technician there.
One option is Honolulu Community College, which offers both a certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology. The tuition is $131 per credit for residents and $345 for non-residents.
There is also an Apprenticeship and Journey Worker Training program offered through Honolulu Community College, which provides related instruction to those on Oahu who are apprenticing in various construction and mechanical trades. Courses are offered during weekday evenings and Saturday mornings in several occupational areas including: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Fitter, Boilermaker, Plumber, and Sheet Metal Worker. Upon completion of an approved apprenticeship program, hours from this program may be applied toward an associate degree.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Hawaii
Apprenticeship: The alternative to beginning your HVACR training with a college education certificate or degree program is to look for an HVAC apprenticeship. You can look for a union or non-union apprenticeship. UA Local 675 is based in Honolulu. The Plumbing, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Fire Sprinkler Fitter, or Steam Fitter Welder apprenticeships through this union branch combine 10,000 work hours and 10 semesters of related instruction.
The State of Hawaii Workforce Development Division website offers apprenticeship information to job seekers as well as employers to help apprentices find openings and help employers find apprentices. The site includes a list of current registered apprenticeship programs. Many employers will also sponsor you in an apprenticeship. You can seek them out through job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Tuition: Apprenticeships usually have some upfront costs for books or tools, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college can range from a few thousand dollars for an online program or at a community college to $50,000 per year at a state or private school.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED and demonstrate mastery of basic high school level math. You may also need a driver’s license, a clean bill of health, and to pass a drug test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
Hawaii HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The state of Hawaii has contracted with Prometric, a third-party testing service, to conduct all of its licensing examinations. Each of the contractor license exams costs $75. Every applicant for a contractor’s license must pass both a Business and Law (Part I) exam and a Trade-Specific (Part II) exam. A score of 75% or higher is needed to pass.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Hawaii?
The Business and Law Exam is closed-book and made up of 80 questions with a time limit of three hours. It covers the following topics:
Business Organization
Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Contract Management
Project Management
Public Works Laws
Risk Management
Safety
Labor Laws
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Lien Law
The C-52 Ventilating and Air Conditioning Contractor exam is also closed-book and made up of 80 questions with a time limit of three hours. It covers the following topics:
Warm Air Systems
Air Conditioning Systems
Ventilation Systems
Gas and Refrigerant Piping
Controls
Insulation
General Estimating
Solar Systems
The C-40 Refrigeration Contractor exam is closed-book with a three-hour time limit. It includes the following topics:
Refrigeration
Commercial Refrigeration Controls
Sizing and Estimating
Test and Inspection
Walk-In Box Construction
Ventilation
Troubleshooting
The C-44 Sheet Metal Contractor exam is closed-book with a two-hour time limit. The 80 questions cover the following topics:
General Duct System Knowledge
Duct System Components
Metal Ducts
Flues and Vents
Gutters and Downspouts
Pre-Manufactured Metal Products
Welding and Cutting
Awnings, Skylights, and Canopies
Before you can take the exam you must apply and be approved by the board. Once the board approves your application, you will be sent an exam registration form and two approval letters. Submit your exam registration form, one approval letter, and the exam fee to Prometric by the deadline date. In return, you will receive an admission letter and exam appointment. Prepare for your exam using the Candidate Information Bulletin and other materials listed in it. There’s a breakdown of each type of trade exam online. Present your admission letter and required identification, then take the exam. If you pass, the board will mail you licensing information.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Hawaii?
The licenses that are required for contractors offering HVACR services in Hawaii are called Specialty Contractor Licenses, and they are issued by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division.
Does My Hawaii HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, your Hawaii HVACR/Mechanical license does not work in any other state. If you are licensed in Hawaii you will need to apply for a license in any other state following that state’s rules. Some states will accept your Hawaii license as proof of eligibility to test and apply for licensure.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Hawaii?
Hawaii does not reciprocate with any other state for its contractor licenses, so each application is evaluated individually. You may use experience gained in other states toward the four years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years as long as that work experience is attested to by fellow employees, an employer, or other professional with direct knowledge of your work signing off on the Chronological History of Projects Form.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Hawaii, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Hawaii
To keep your contractor license current, you’ll need to maintain liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if you have any employees, and renew the license by Sept. 30 of even-numbered years.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Hawaii?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Water Service offers a scholarship between $2,500 to $10,000 for students who intend to pursue a two-year or four-year degree in the construction trades.
To qualify:
Must be a minimum of 16 years of age and a high school senior or high school graduate, have received GED certification, or be a current postsecondary undergraduate student.
Must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
Must not have already received a degree or diploma from an accredited four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.
Must not be the child of a current or former employee of Hawaii Water Service.
The Promise Scholarship offered through the Hawaii Community College system covers full tuition for qualified students.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry. The application period runs from January until May 1, and then the scholarship committee selects the winners. In 2025, they plan to award $152,000 to 65 recipients. There are several steps involved in the process:
Fill out the application.
Provide required submission materials including a letter of recommendation.
Submit all materials online by May 1.
Applications are reviewed over the summer and winners are selected in late July.
All applicants are notified in mid-August.
In addition to these scholarships, HVAC students in Hawaii can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Hawaii community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Hawaii?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Hawaii through the online license search portal provided by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This portal allows for free and real-time verification of various professional licenses.
Simply go to the official DCCA license verification page at https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search.
Input the necessary details, such as the license number, name, or other relevant information, into the search fields.
The system will then display the license information, including the license status, expiration date, and other relevant details, confirming if the license is valid.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Hawaii?
A suspended HVAC contractor’s license means that the individual is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Hawaii HVAC licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVAC professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Hawaii HVAC license regulations you can refer to the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Hawaii?
Performing HVAC work in Hawaii without the supervision of a licensed contractor can result in legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as such activity can be classified as a misdemeanor or even a felony under Hawaii Revised Statutes. While HVAC technicians don't require a separate state license, they must work under the umbrella of a licensed contractor, and the work itself must not involve unlicensed contracting that exceeds $1,500 or requires permits, which is prohibited by state law.
Continuing Education
There is no continuing education renewal requirement in Hawaii, but you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the HVAC industry.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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