Application Fee
See agencyVerified by HI Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Hawaii
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Hawaii, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Hawaii
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Public Accountancy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$67,820 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Public Accountancy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Hawaii
With a median salary of $67,820, Certified Public Accountants in Hawaii earn 17% below the national median of $81,680. Hawaii ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
-0.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,316Median annual salary
$67,820Hourly estimate
$32.6117% below national median
Difference: -$13,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $96,580 |
| #4 | California | $96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $67,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| California | $96,360 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $81,130 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Washington | $96,180 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alaska | $81,950 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Washington | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alaska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- 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 • Board of Public Accountancy
P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., Rm. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801
Phone: 8085863000
Related Careers in Hawaii
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $100,370 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,180 | Degree required | 2 years |
| Civil Engineer | $94,970 | Degree required | 2-12 years |
| Claims Adjuster | $79,370 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Hawaii?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Hawaii?
Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.
What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Hawaii?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Hawaii.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Hawaii?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Hawaii is $67,820. Salaries range from $49,050 (10th percentile) to $108,520 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in Hawaii earn 17% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of $67,820.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in Hawaii?
Hawaii employs approximately 4,940 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Hawaii from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in Hawaii?
The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Public Accountancy. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/accountancy/.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Hawaii?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.