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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 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Public Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $67,820 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #47 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$67,820

Hourly estimate

$32.61
17% below national median

Difference: -$13,860

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,050
  • P2525th percentile$59,120
  • P50Median$67,820
  • P7575th percentile$87,530
  • P9090th percentile$108,520

State vs National Median

State: $67,820
National: $81,680

Total employment: 4,940 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#47 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York101,780
#2New Jersey101,340
#3Massachusetts96,580
#4California96,360
#5Washington96,180

Nearby States Comparison

Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$67,820Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
California$96,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$81,130Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Washington$96,180Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Alaska$81,950Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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.
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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

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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Hawaii

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$100,370Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$94,970Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$75,680Specific course required6-24 months
Funeral Director$38,040No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. 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 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/.