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Verified by HI Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Experience and education requirements: Must be a high school graduate (or equivalent) AND have completed ONE of the following: 1) Minimum of 2 years full-time practical and mechanical optical work experience as an opticianry apprentice

    • OR 2) Graduation from an accredited opticianry course
    • OR 3) A current and valid license as a dispensing optician in another state or territory of the U.S.
  6. 6

    National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE).

  7. 7

    Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE).

  8. 8

    Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $218 (application $20, license $28, compliance resolution fund $100, $70 fee for the second year of the two-year period).

Exam and processing details

  • National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE)

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Dispensing Optician Program

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,250 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Opticianry Competence Exam (NOCE).
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, pay $218 (application $20, license $28, compliance resolution fund $100, $70 fee for the second y...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Dispensing Optician Program and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $66,250, Corrections Officers in Hawaii earn 14% above the national median of $57,970. Hawaii ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$66,250

Hourly estimate

$31.85
14% above national median

Difference: +$8,280

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$61,190
  • P2525th percentile$66,250
  • P50Median$66,250
  • P7575th percentile$66,250
  • P9090th percentile$78,320

State vs National Median

State: $66,250
National: $57,970

Total employment: 1,260 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#11 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$95,840
#2New Jersey$90,150
#3Oregon$83,120
#4Massachusetts$78,830
#5Illinois$78,750

Nearby States Comparison

Corrections Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$66,250Degree requiredThird-party exam required2 years
California$95,840Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$83,120Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$76,400Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Alaska$71,360Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Hawaii54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington78HighBoard-specific review required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Dispensing Optician Program

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$59,530Degree required2-12 years
Police Officer$89,390Specific course required3-18 years
Security Guards$41,770Specific course required1-18 years
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required1-4 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Corrections Officers in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.

What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Corrections Officer licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Hawaii is $66,250. Salaries range from $61,190 (10th percentile) to $78,320 (90th percentile).

How does the Corrections Officer salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Corrections Officers in Hawaii earn 14% above the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $66,250.

How many Corrections Officers work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 1,260 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Dispensing Optician Program. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/dispensingoptician/.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Hawaii?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.