How to get a Journey Worker Electrician license in Hawaii
Hawaii licenses electricians statewide through the Board of Electricians and Plumbers.1 For the Journey Worker Electrician license you need at least 240 clock hours2 of education, at least 10,000 hours of on-the-job training2, a passing score on the Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $40 for the application3, $306 for the initial license (License issued in the 1st year of the triennium)3 and $204 for the initial license (License issued in the 2nd year of the triennium)3, each a separate charge. You renew every 3 years4.
Who issues it
Board of Electricians and Plumbers
Training and experience
Training: at least 240 clock hours2
Experience: at least 10,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Exam
Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Fees the board lists
Application fee: $403
Initial license fee (License issued in the 1st year of the triennium): $3063
Initial license fee (License issued in the 2nd year of the triennium): $2043
Initial license fee (License issued in the 3rd year of the triennium): $1023
Renewal
Every 3 years4
From another state
No reciprocity route3
On this page
- Hawaii electrician licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journey Worker Electrician license
- Requirements for a Journey Worker Electrician license
- Renewal and continuing education
- Journey Worker Industrial Electrician
- Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
- Maintenance Electrician
- Supervising Electrician
- Supervising Industrial Electrician
- Supervising Specialty Electrician
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Electrician licenses in other states
Hawaii electrician licenses
Hawaii issues 7 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Worker Electrician | Performs electrical work (installation, alteration, reconstruction or repair of electrical wiring).5 | Training 240 clock hours2 Experience 10,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Journey Worker Industrial Electrician | – | Training 200 clock hours2 Experience 8,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Journey Worker Specialty Electrician | Performs specialty electrical work: electronic, sound/PA and communication systems (other than 1-2 family dwellings), master antenna, sound recording, burglar and fire alarm, low-voltage remote control and communication signal systems; not the attachment of lighting and power circuits.5 | Training 120 clock hours2 Experience 6,000 hours2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Maintenance Electrician | Electrical maintenance work: repair and operation of existing installations and extensions of not more than one branch circuit; no new installations or permitted work.5 | Training 80 clock hours2 Experience 1 year2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Supervising Electrician | Directs or supervises electrical work.5 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Supervising Industrial Electrician | – | Experience 3 years2 | Yes5 | $403 |
| Supervising Specialty Electrician | Directs and supervises specialty electrical work (same systems as EJS).5 | Experience 2 years3 | Yes5 | $403 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Hawaii electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
1. Every license level (all 7)
Requirements
- Background check
- Background check required3
Applicants answering yes to the conviction question submit a statement, court documents and a Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center record check dated within 6 months (plus other states where convicted).3 - Residency or citizenship
- Applicants are asked whether they are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or alien authorized to work in the U.S.; no Hawaii residency requirement is stated.3
- Social Security number
- SSN required3
- Also required
- An electrician license does not allow contracting; a contractor license under HRS 444 is required (the FAQ notes a narrow exception for jobs of $1,000 or less with no permit).3
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $403 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | Not refundable. Effective October 10, 2016 |
| Initial license fee | $3063 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | License issued in the 1st year of the triennium (incl. compliance resolution fund) |
| Initial license fee | $2043 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | License issued in the 2nd year of the triennium |
| Initial license fee | $1023 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | License issued in the 3rd year of the triennium |
| Compliance resolution fund | $1507 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | Triennial CRF; (annual CRF $50 for partial terms). Effective October 10, 2016 |
| Service charge for dishonored payments | $253 | Board of Electricians and Plumbers | – |
Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, PSI Services, LLC6, when you schedule.
How to apply
- File the Electrician and Plumber application (EP-01) with the $40 fee and supporting documents at least 7 days before a board meeting.3 Form (PDF, cca.hawaii.gov)8
- After board approval, register with PSI for the exam (online or by phone).6
- Pass the exam, then pay the license fee for the current year of the triennium.3
- Application form
- Form (PDF, cca.hawaii.gov)8
- Processing time
- Applications are reviewed at board meetings (usually February, April, June, August, October and December); exams are usually held the month after the meeting.3
Renewal
- How often
- Every 3 years4
- When it expires
- All electrician licenses expire June 30 every three years (2026, 2029, 2032); the current period runs July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.4
- Renewal fee
- $3067 (Triennial, active status)
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $4067 (restoration within 1 year of expiration, active status)
Late renewal fee: $1124 (restoration within 1 year, inactive status)
Electrician (All) – inactive status (renewal): $124 (renewing on inactive status)
Reinstatement fee: $367 (returning an inactive license to active) - If it expires
- An unrenewed license is forfeited; it can be restored within 1 year (renewal + $100 penalty, continuing competency met). After 1 year the person must apply as a new applicant (the board may waive re-examination for good reason).4
Licenses not renewed by the expiration date are unlicensed and may not practice.4 - Renew online
- mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov4
2. Every license level except Maintenance Electrician
Renewal
- Required topics
- Proof of completing the continuing competency course on the updates to the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) (stated for the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026 period).9
- Approved courses
- Honolulu Community College (UH community colleges) or the Hawaii Electricians Training Fund; the FAQ also names ABC courses as deemed equivalent.10
- Exemptions
- One-time exemption if the license was issued within one year of the expiration date; inactive licensees are not subject to the requirement.9
3. Every license level except Supervising Electrician, Supervising Industrial Electrician and Supervising Specialty Electrician
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 18 years old2
How to apply
- Complete the required electrical academic coursework at, or have it accepted by, a University of Hawaii Community College (check the approved-curricula list first).3 Form (PDF, cca.hawaii.gov)8
- Have each licensed electrician who supervised you complete and notarize the Experience Verification – Electrician form (EP-03).3 Form (PDF, cca.hawaii.gov)8
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity: Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction; all applicants must meet the same requirements and pass the Hawaii exam.3
- Conditions
- Out-of-state experience counts if verified on the Experience Verification form by a licensed electrician (or by the licensed contractor where the other state licenses only contractors); a License Verification form is needed from every jurisdiction where a license was held.3
4. Journey Worker Electrician, Journey Worker Industrial Electrician and Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
Requirements
- Also required
- Apprentices and trainees do not need a license when supervised by an appropriately licensed electrician who is physically present at the project site.1
5. Supervising Electrician, Supervising Industrial Electrician and Supervising Specialty Electrician
How to apply
- Document your years as a licensed journey worker (or equivalent out-of-state license) on the Experience Verification form; attach License Verification forms from other jurisdictions.3 Form (PDF, cca.hawaii.gov)8
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity: Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction; all applicants must meet the same requirements and pass the Hawaii exam.3
- Conditions
- Out-of-state experience counts if verified on the Experience Verification form by a licensed electrician (or by the licensed contractor where the other state licenses only contractors); a License Verification form is needed from every jurisdiction where a license was held.3
For supervising categories, "equivalent experience" can be at least 4 years licensed as a journey worker or supervising electrician (EJ, EJS, ESS) in another county, state or country with substantially equivalent requirements.3
Who needs a Journey Worker Electrician license
Performs electrical work (installation, alteration, reconstruction or repair of electrical wiring).5
Requirements for a Journey Worker Electrician license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
- Education or training
- At least 240 clock hours2
Electrical academic coursework conducted or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (240 hours for EJ)2
Who may teach it: Coursework must be conducted by or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (Honolulu CC reviews outside programs such as apprenticeships and military training).3 - Experience
- At least 10,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Residential or commercial wiring under a journey worker or supervising electrician: 5 years full-time, not less than 10,000 hours2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11 - Exam
- Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Hawaii Journey Worker Electrician license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Journey Worker Industrial Electrician
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 200 clock hours2
Electrical academic coursework conducted or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (200 hours for EJI)2
Who may teach it: Coursework must be conducted by or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (Honolulu CC reviews outside programs such as apprenticeships and military training).3 - Experience
- At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Industrial electrical work: 4 years full-time, not less than 8,000 hours2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11 - Exam
- Hawaii Journey Worker Industrial Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
Journey Worker Specialty Electrician
Performs specialty electrical work: electronic, sound/PA and communication systems (other than 1-2 family dwellings), master antenna, sound recording, burglar and fire alarm, low-voltage remote control and communication signal systems; not the attachment of lighting and power circuits.5
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 120 clock hours2
Electrical academic coursework conducted or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (120 hours for EJS)2
Who may teach it: Coursework must be conducted by or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (Honolulu CC reviews outside programs such as apprenticeships and military training).3 - Experience
- At least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training2
Specialty trade experience under a journey worker/supervising (specialty) electrician: 3 years full-time, not less than 6,000 hours2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11 - Exam
- Hawaii Journey Worker Specialty Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 under Applies to every license level.
Maintenance Electrician
Electrical maintenance work: repair and operation of existing installations and extensions of not more than one branch circuit; no new installations or permitted work.5
Requirements
- Education or training
- At least 80 clock hours2
Electrical academic coursework conducted or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (80 hours for EM)2
Who may teach it: Coursework must be conducted by or accepted by a University of Hawaii Community College (Honolulu CC reviews outside programs such as apprenticeships and military training).3
Alternative: Instead of 1 year experience + 80 hours: 2 years of schooling in the electrical trade with at least 1,000 hours of hands-on lab exercises.2 - Experience
- At least 1 year2
Electrical maintenance work: at least 1 year (plus 80 hours coursework), or instead 2 years of schooling in the trade with at least 1,000 hours of hands-on lab2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11 - Exam
- Hawaii Maintenance Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.
Supervising Electrician
Directs or supervises electrical work.5
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 4 years2
Registered with the board as a journey worker electrician for at least 4 years, or equivalent experience2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11
License you must hold first: Journey Worker Electrician (EJ)2 - Exam
- Hawaii Supervising Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Supervising Industrial Electrician
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 3 years2
Registered with the board as a journey worker industrial electrician for at least 3 years, or equivalent experience2
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11
License you must hold first: Journey Worker Industrial Electrician (EJI)2 - Exam
- Hawaii Supervising Industrial Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Supervising Specialty Electrician
Directs and supervises specialty electrical work (same systems as EJS).5
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 2 years3
Registered with the board as a journey worker specialty electrician for at least 2 years, or equivalent experience3
Supervision: Experience must be verified on a notarized Experience Verification form by each licensed electrician who supervised the applicant (self-employed contractors may self-attest).11
License you must hold first: Journey Worker Specialty Electrician (EJS)2 - Exam
- Hawaii Supervising Specialty Electrician licensing examination (open code book, NEC)3
Given by: PSI Services, LLC6
When you can take it: After the board approves the application (filed at least 7 days before a board meeting); approval letter is valid for 2 years.6
Time limit: Exam eligibility lasts 2 years from the approval letter; an application is abandoned after 2 consecutive years without progress.5
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire an electrician in Hawaii, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Hawaii is on the Hawaii license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov12
- File a complaint
- cca.hawaii.gov4
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
Rule changes since January 2024
- July 1, 2026: New triennial licensing period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029 began; renewal $306 active.4
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journey Worker Electrician license in Hawaii?
The rules set at least 240 clock hours2 and at least 10,000 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Applications are reviewed at board meetings (usually February, April, June, August, October and December); exams are usually held the month after the meeting.3
Can I transfer my electrician license to Hawaii?
No reciprocity: Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction; all applicants must meet the same requirements and pass the Hawaii exam.3 Conditions and forms.
Electrician licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- HRS 448E-9 Unlicensed activityHawaii State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- HRS 448E-5 Minimum requirementsHawaii State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Electrician and Plumber License Requirements and Application (PVL form 2026-06)Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- Board of Electricians and Plumbers home pageDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- HAR Title 16 Chapter 80 Electricians and PlumbersDepartment of Commerce and Consumer AffairsDated October 22, 2007Checked November 7, 2026
- Electrician and Plumber Application Deadline and Examination DatesDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- HAR Title 16 Chapter 53 Fees (Oct 2016)Department of Commerce and Consumer AffairsDated October 10, 2016Checked November 7, 2026
- Application Forms and PublicationsDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- Electrician Continuing Competency RequirementsDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- Board of Electricians and Plumbers FAQsDepartment of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- Experience Verification - Electrician (EP-03)Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Board of Electricians and Plumbers)Checked November 7, 2026
- MyPVLHawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionChecked November 7, 2026