Hawaii requires a C-52 Specialty Contractor license with 4 years of supervisory experience and a 75% passing score on both the technical and business/law exams — one of the higher exam standards nationally.
At least 4 years of full-time supervisory HVAC experience within the preceding 10 years (as journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor)
Yes — two exams: C-52 Technical Exam plus Business & Law Exam. 75% passing score for both. Administered by Prometric.
None currently required. Licenses renew every 2 years by September 30 of even-numbered years.
Hawaii does not publish broad reciprocity agreements — verify directly with DCCA
Reciprocity agreements can change. Always verify current status directly with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs before relying on reciprocity for licensure.
Hawaii's higher 75% passing score and mandatory Business & Law exam distinguish its licensing process. General liability insurance required ($100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence / $50,000 property damage minimum). Workers' compensation required if contractor has employees.
EPA 608 Certification — Required in All 50 States
Regardless of Hawaii's state licensing rules, any technician who purchases, handles, or works with regulated refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. This is a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act that no state law can waive. EPA 608 Universal (covering Type I, II, and III) is the most versatile credential for most HVAC roles.
Browse EPA 608 Universal jobs in HawaiiHawaii's C-52 Specialty Contractor (Ventilating and Air Conditioning) license requires passing two separate Prometric-administered exams: the C-52 Technical Exam and the Hawaii Business & Law Exam. Both require a 75% passing score — one of the highest passing thresholds nationally. The technical exam focuses on HVAC system design, refrigeration principles, and Hawaii mechanical code requirements, while the Business & Law exam covers Hawaii contractor regulations, insurance requirements, and general business practices. Hawaii's tropical climate, island geography, and high humidity shape the technical exam's emphasis on cooling efficiency, corrosion protection, and salt-air equipment considerations.
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Last verified: 2026 · Always confirm current requirements with your state licensing board before starting work or submitting an application.
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) — Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
Visit official board websiteApproximate first-attempt pass rate: ~58% first-attempt pass rate; the 75% threshold and two-exam structure produce lower initial pass rates than most states
