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Verified by HI Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in Hawaii

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter 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

Renewal al every 2 years

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 2-12 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience

    • OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
    • OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services.

  7. 7

    Experience and education requirements: 1) Master's degree in engineering from an approved institution of higher education and a bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 3 years lawful experience

    • OR 2) Master's degree in engineering from an approved school or college of higher education & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 3) Bachelor's degree from an approved school or college of engineering & 4 years lawful experience
    • OR 4) Graduate of a 4-year engineering technology or arts and science curriculum with a math, science, or science-related major & 8 years lawful experience
    • OR 5) 12 years lawful experience.
  8. 8

    National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural).

  9. 9

    Application fee of $150 for endorsement, $100 for PE exam, $50 for FE exam, exam fees, $128 for 2-year license, and $100 for biennial compliance resolution fund.

  10. 10

    License renewal every 2 years is $104.

Exam and processing details

  • National Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disciplines (agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, or structural)

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license
Fee TypeAmount
License renewal every 2 years$104

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al every 2 years

  4. Salary Position

    $59,530 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Hawaii eligibility requirements for Firefighter 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 Council of Engineering Examiners (NCEES) exams: Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in one of the following disci....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; A Professional Engineer engages in the practical application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development and utili...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (License renewal every 2 years: $104).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch. and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al every 2 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $59,530, Firefighters in Hawaii earn 0% above the national median of $59,530. Hawaii ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-12 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$59,530

Hourly estimate

$28.62
0% above national median

Difference: +$0

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentileN/A
  • P2525th percentileN/A
  • P50Median$59,530
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $59,530
National: $59,530

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Hawaii$59,530Degree requiredThird-party exam required2-12 years
California$83,400Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
Oregon$73,270Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$93,490Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alaska$63,220Varies 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
Hawaii50LowState-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: Continuing education required 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 • Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.

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
Corrections Officer$66,250Degree required2 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 Firefighter in Hawaii?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-12 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Firefighters in Hawaii?

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

What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in Hawaii is $59,530.

How does the Firefighter salary in Hawaii compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Hawaii earn 0% above the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $59,530.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Hawaii from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Hawaii?

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Board of Engrs., Arch., Surveyors, Landscape Arch.. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/engineer/.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Hawaii?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al every 2 years.