Hawaii Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the Hawaii electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Hawaii.
NEC Edition Notice: Hawaii currently tests on NEC 2020. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the Hawaii licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the Hawaii electrician license exam, expect 70 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2020. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $95. Hawaii electricians earn about $79,440 per year ($38.19 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: April 4, 2026 • Sources: Hawaii Licensing Board, PSI Testing Portal
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:70
- Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$95
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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Hawaii Electrician License Overview
Hawaii licenses electricians through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL). Hawaii issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses. Hawaii's island geography creates unique logistical challenges and a self-contained construction market, all materials and many skilled workers must be imported. The hotel, resort, and tourism infrastructure sector; military facility construction; state government buildings; and renewable energy (Hawaii has mandated 100% clean energy by 2045) all drive sustained electrical demand.
Hawaii Electrician License Types
Hawaii Journeyman Electrician
Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.
Requirements: 5 years and at least 10,000 hours of residential or commercial wiring experience, plus 240 hours of approved electrical academic coursework (University of Hawaii Community College program or accepted equivalent). Must pass the Hawaii Journeyman exam (PSI, open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through Hawaii DCCA-PVL.
Hawaii Master Electrician
Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.
Requirements: Must hold a Hawaii Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the PSI Master exam.
Electrical Contractor (C-13)
State contractor license for electrical contracting businesses in Hawaii.
Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Pass the DCCA C-13 contractor exam. Meet bonding and insurance requirements.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
5 years and at least 10,000 hours of residential or commercial wiring experience, plus 240 hours of approved electrical academic coursework (University of Hawaii Community College program or accepted equivalent).
Master Requirements
Must hold a valid Hawaii Journeyman license. Pass the PSI Master exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Hawaii has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Honolulu (IBEW Local 1186). Given Hawaii's island setting, apprenticeship options are concentrated on Oahu with limited options on neighbor islands.
License Reciprocity
Hawaii participates in limited reciprocity with some states. Contact Hawaii DCCA-PVL at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Triennial, on or before June 30 every three years
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl
Renewal Fee
Verify current renewal fees at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl
Important Notes
Hawaii electrical licenses renew on or before June 30 every three years.
HawaiiElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$79,440/year
$38.19/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $50,840 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $110,180 (90th percentile)
Hawaii employs approximately 6,000 electricians. Hotel and resort construction and renovation (particularly on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island), military facility work (Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hickam AFB, Schofield Barracks), renewable energy (rooftop solar, utility-scale solar, and wind), and Hawaii's ongoing push for 100% clean energy by 2045 all drive strong demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Hawaii DCCA Board of Electricians and Plumbers for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI at https://test-takers.psiexams.com/hitrade
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Hawaii-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Hawaii Electrician License FAQ
Does Hawaii have a statewide journeyman license?
Yes. Hawaii DCCA-PVL issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses valid throughout Hawaii.
How much do electricians make in Hawaii?
The statewide average is about $79,440/year ($38.19/hr). IBEW Local 1186 journeymen earn more, the total wage and benefit package is among the highest in the Pacific region, regularly exceeding $90/hr in total compensation.
Is the Hawaii electrician exam open book?
Yes. Hawaii exams are open book and administered by PSI. The passing score is 70%.
What is Hawaii's 2045 clean energy mandate and how does it affect electricians?
Hawaii law requires 100% renewable electricity by 2045, the most aggressive clean energy mandate in the US. This is driving massive investment in rooftop solar, utility-scale solar, offshore wind, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure, all requiring licensed electricians for installation and maintenance.
Can I use a California license in Hawaii?
Hawaii participates in limited reciprocity with some states. Contact the DCCA-PVL to confirm current eligibility.
Common Questions About the Hawaii Electrician License
How much does the Hawaii electrician license exam cost?
The Hawaii electrician exam fee is $95, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the Hawaii electrician license exam?
The Hawaii DCCA Board of Electricians and Plumbers oversees electrician licensing in Hawaii, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in Hawaii?
Hawaii electricians earn about $79,440 per year ($38.19 per hour). Entry level pay is around $50,840 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $110,180 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Hawaii?
5 years and at least 10,000 hours of residential or commercial wiring experience, plus 240 hours of approved electrical academic coursework (University of Hawaii Community College program or accepted equivalent).
Does Hawaii have electrician license reciprocity?
Hawaii participates in limited reciprocity with some states. Contact Hawaii DCCA-PVL at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how Hawaii's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
Hawaii Electrician License: Requirements & Exam Guide
Hawaii DCCA requirements, journeyman and master license paths, and exam details.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Hawaii exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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