Construction / Specialty Contractor License / Hawaii
- Hawaii
- Specialty Contractor
- C-6, C-12 & C-15
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Hawaii Specialty Contractor License
How to qualify, apply, pass both exams and renew a Hawaii specialty contractor license, covering the C-6 Carpentry Framing, C-12 Drywall and C-15 Electronic Systems classifications.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Hawaii Contractors License Board requirements
Application fee
$50
Plus $80 per PSI exam (two exams)
Exam time
4–5 hrs
Business & Law (3 hrs) + trade exam (1–2 hrs)
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4 years of supervisory experience, then Board approval and exams
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE for these classifications
Overview
Do you need a Hawaii specialty contractor license?
In Hawaii, carpentry framing, drywall and electronic systems work each fall under their own specialty contractor classification. To contract for that work, you need a license from the Hawaii Contractors License Board in the matching class.
License required when
- You contract for wood or metal framing, siding, wood trusses or roof sheathing (C-6)
- You lay out and install nonstructural metal stud framing or gypsum wallboard systems, including taping and texturing (C-12)
- You install electronic systems such as fire and burglar alarms, public address, intercom, CATV or clock systems (C-15)
Common exceptions
- The C-15 license does not cover installing conduit for those systems
- Work outside your classification’s scope needs a different license class
- Owner-builder and other exemptions aren’t covered in our research, so confirm them with the Board
Penalties for unlicensed work
Contracting without the right license can lead to Board action, fines and trouble getting paid for the work. Call the Professional & Vocational Licensing Division at 808-586-3000 if you’re unsure whether a job needs a license.
Your fast-track Hawaii specialty contractor license checklist
The Hawaii application, one page
- 4 years of supervisory experience in the last 10
- Experience certificates
- Chronological history of projects form
- Credit report and entity appointment
- Proof of insurance on file with the Board
- Passing scores for Business & Law and your trade exam
Types
Hawaii specialty contractor license types and classifications
Hawaii licenses specialty contractors by C classification. Every applicant takes the Business & Law exam plus the trade exam for their class. The requirements to qualify are the same for all three classes below.
C-6
Framing
Carpentry Framing
Wood and metal framing, siding, wood trusses, roof sheathing and other work accepted in the industry as carpentry framing.
Exam
B&L + C-6 (60 questions)
Limit
Not stated
C-12
Interiors
Drywall
Nonstructural metal studs, channel and joist framing, and all gypsum wallboard systems, including taping, texturing and incidental spray-on barriers.
Exam
B&L + C-12 (25 questions)
Limit
Not stated
C-15
Low voltage
Electronic Systems
Electronic equipment and controls such as fire and burglar alarms, public address, intercom, CATV, clock systems and electric door openers. Excludes conduit.
Exam
B&L + C-15 (28 questions)
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Hawaii specialty contractor license requirements, class by class
The qualifications are identical across these classes. What changes is the trade exam: its length, and whether you can bring books.
| Requirement | C-6 Carpentry Framing | C-12 Drywall | C-15 Electronic Systems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Experience | 4 years supervisory in the last 10 | 4 years supervisory in the last 10 | 4 years supervisory in the last 10 |
| Business & Law exam | 80 questions, 3 hrs, 75% | 80 questions, 3 hrs, 75% | 80 questions, 3 hrs, 75% |
| Trade exam | 60 questions, 2 hrs | 25 questions, 1 hr | 28 questions, 1 hr |
| Trade exam books | Closed book | Closed book | Open book (NEC 2020, NFPA 72 2016) |
| Documents | Experience certificates, project history, credit report, entity appointment | Experience certificates, project history, credit report, entity appointment | Experience certificates, project history, credit report, entity appointment |
| Insurance | Continuous coverage on file with the Board | Continuous coverage on file with the Board | Continuous coverage on file with the Board |
Steps
How to get your Hawaii specialty contractor license, step by step
- Pick your classificationBefore you start
Match your work to C-6, C-12 or C-15, and make sure you have 4 years of supervisory experience within the last 10 years. - Gather your documentsBefore you apply
Collect experience certificates, the chronological history of projects form, a credit report and your entity appointment, plus proof of insurance. - Apply to the Board for pre-approvalApplication fee
Submit a complete application through the Board’s application page or call 808-586-3000. You can’t schedule exams until the Board approves you. - Schedule your exams with PSIAfter approval
Book the Business & Law exam and your trade exam with PSI or by calling 833-333-4754. Test centers are in larger cities around the state. - Pass both examsExam day
Business & Law is 80 questions in 3 hours, closed book, and needs 75%. Your trade exam runs 1–2 hours. - Keep insurance in placeOngoing
Maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout licensure and keep evidence on file with the Board.
Exam
What to expect on the Hawaii specialty contractor exam
Every applicant takes two exams through PSI: Business & Law and the trade exam for their class. Business & Law is closed book. The C-6 and C-12 trade exams are closed book too, while C-15 lets you bring approved code books.
Format
Computer, at PSI centers
Questions
80 + 25 to 60
Passing score
75% (Business & Law)
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Business & Law: 80 questions, 180 minutes, 75% to pass, closed book. Covers contracts, estimating, labor law, lien law, licensing, taxes, OSHA safety and public works law
- C-6: 60 questions, 120 minutes. Walls, floors, ceilings and stairs, roofs, estimating, layout, metal framing, OSHA
- C-12: 25 questions, 60 minutes. Installation, taping and finishing, materials, estimating and plan reading
- C-15: 28 questions, 60 minutes, open book with NEC 2020 and NFPA 72 (2016). Power supplies, grounding, fire alarm circuits, burglar alarms, access control
- Trade exam passing scores: Not stated
Retake policy
- Each attempt is a new $80 PSI exam fee; you may be able to retest within two business days
- You can schedule only after the Board approves your application
- Schedule or reschedule with PSI at 833-333-4754
- Failing can mean substantial delays before you can work under your license
Exam references · Varies
The Business and Law exam and the C-6 Carpentry Framing and C-12 Drywall trade exams are closed book, so their books are for studying only. The C-15 Electronic Systems trade exam is open book, and the approved code books can go into the exam with you.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) — C-15 Electronic Systems exam | 2020 | Allowed in exam |
| NEC Handbook — C-15 Electronic Systems exam | 2020 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code — C-15 Electronic Systems exam | 2016 | Allowed in exam |
| NTC Blue Book: Low Voltage Systems — C-15 Electronic Systems exam | Not stated | Study only |
| NTC Yellow Book: Video Security Systems — C-15 Electronic Systems exam | Not stated | Study only |
| OSHA 1926 Construction Regulations — C-15 and C-6 exams | Not stated | Study only |
| International Building Code (IBC) — C-6 Carpentry Framing and C-12 Drywall exams | 2018 | Study only |
| Carpentry and Building Construction, Student Edition — C-6 and C-12 exams | 2016 | Study only |
| The Gypsum Construction Handbook — C-6 and C-12 exams | 7th edition | Study only |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (Hawaii) — Business and Law exam | 1st edition | Study only |
| Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 103: Expenditure of Public Money and Public Contracts — Business and Law exam | Not stated | Study only |
| Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 104: Wages and Hours of Employees on Public Works — Business and Law exam | Not stated | Study only |
| Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 12, Chapter 22: Wage Determinations — Business and Law exam | Not stated | Study only |
Our sources list the NTC Blue Book, NTC Yellow Book and OSHA 1926 as not allowed in the C-15 exam room.
Prep
Best Hawaii specialty contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Hawaii specialty contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $50 |
| Business & Law exam (PSI) | Fixed | $80 |
| Trade exam (PSI) | Fixed | $80 |
| Initial license fee (sole proprietor or entity) | Fixed | $663 or $494 |
| Credit report | Variable | Varies |
| Insurance | Variable | Varies |
| Code books (C-15 open-book references) | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Application, two PSI exams and the sole proprietor or entity license fee; excludes credit report and insurance | $704–$873 |
Fees from the Hawaii Contractors License Board application and FAQ, HAR §16-53-17 and the PSI Hawaii contractor candidate bulletin, checked October 2026. The license fee is $663 if you’re licensed October 1 of an even year through September 30 of an odd year, and $494 otherwise ($438 or $334 for a responsible managing employee).
Reciprocity
Does Hawaii accept out-of-state specialty contractor licenses?
Our research doesn’t show any reciprocity agreement that waives Hawaii’s exams for these classifications.
No reciprocity agreements
Plan to apply as a new applicant, meet the experience requirement and pass both exams. Check with the Board if you hold a license in another state.
Local
Do Hawaii cities and counties have their own specialty contractor licensing rules?
Your state license covers all of Hawaii, but counties still control permits and inspections on your jobs.
State handles
- Specialty contractor licenses and classifications
- Application review and exam pre-approval
- Exams, through PSI
- Renewals and insurance records
City & county handle
- Building permits
- Inspections
- Local job-site requirements
Governance
Who regulates specialty contractors in Hawaii
Licensing authority
Hawaii Contractors License Board
Professional & Vocational Licensing Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
808-586-3000
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews applications and pre-approves candidates for exams
- Issues and renews contractor licenses by classification
- Keeps contractors’ insurance evidence on file
- Runs the two-year renewal cycle ending November 30 of even years
Maintenance
How to renew your Hawaii specialty contractor license and keep it active
Every Hawaii contractor license expires on November 30 of even-numbered years, no matter when you were licensed. Send your renewal to the Board before that date. There’s no continuing education requirement. The biennial renewal fee is $353 for a sole proprietor or contracting entity and $208 for a responsible managing employee.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years (Nov 30, even years)
CE hours
None
Renewal fee
$353 ($208 RME)
Late penalty
$50 plus renewal fee
FAQ
Hawaii specialty contractor license FAQs
How much experience do I need for a Hawaii specialty contractor license?
Four years of supervisory experience within the last 10 years. The same rule applies to C-6, C-12 and C-15.
What exams do I take?
Two: the Business & Law exam (80 questions, 3 hours, 75% to pass) and the trade exam for your classification. Both are scheduled through PSI after the Board approves your application.
Are the Hawaii contractor exams open book?
Business & Law, C-6 and C-12 are closed book. The C-15 Electronic Systems exam is open book with NEC 2020 and NFPA 72 (2016).
Does a C-15 license let me install conduit?
No. The C-15 covers electronic equipment and controls, such as alarm and intercom systems, but not the conduit for them.
Is continuing education required?
No. These classifications have no CE requirement, but you must renew before November 30 of each even-numbered year.
When do Hawaii contractor licenses expire?
All of them expire on November 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal applications must reach the Board before that date.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You must keep continuous insurance coverage throughout licensure, with evidence on file with the Board.
Sources
Official sources for the Hawaii specialty contractor license
- Hawaii DCCA, Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
- Hawaii Contractors License Board, Applications and publications
- PSI Exams, candidate scheduling
- HRS Chapter 103, Expenditure of Public Money and Public Contracts
- HRS Chapter 104, Wages and Hours of Employees on Public Works
- HAR Title 12, Chapter 22, Wage Determinations (PDF)
- Hawaii Contractors License Board, Requirements and Application, Sole Proprietor (PDF)
- Hawaii Contractors License Board, Contractor FAQ (fees) (PDF)
- HAR Title 16, Chapter 53, Fees (PDF)
- PSI, Hawaii Contractor Examinations Candidate Information Bulletin
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Hawaii Contractors License Board.