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Pest Control
Total cost: $400
4
License Categories
Yes
Exam Required?
12 hrs
CE Hours
$400
Total Initial Fees
Experience required for pest control operator license
Experience
Required
EPA Certification
Hawaii offers 4 pest control license categories. Available: General Pest Control, Termite/WDO, Fumigation, Turf and Ornamental. Choose the category that matches the services you plan to provide.
Gain supervised work experience in pest control. Required: Experience required for pest control operator license. Uncertified workers must be under direct supervision of certified applicator
Pass the Hawaii pest control licensing exam. Administered by State-administered by HDOA; $50 per exam. Format: Multiple choice, closed book. Passing score: 70%. Exam categories: Core Exam, Category-specific exams. Exam fee: $50.00 per examination.
Obtain EPA certification for applying restricted-use pesticides. Categories: Category 7 - Industrial/Institutional/Structural, Category 3 - Turf and Ornamental. Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Obtain general liability insurance (minimum $300,000) and a surety bond of Bond required for pest control operator license as required by Hawaii.
Submit your application to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Application fee: $100.00 per initial certification card issued. Technician license fee: $50. Operator license fee: $100. Total initial fees: $400.
Hawaii requires a separate business license for pest control companies. Requirements: Hold HDOA commercial applicator certification, Apply for Pest Control Operator license from DCCA, Obtain required insurance and bonding. Business license fee: $100.
Renew your license every 3 years. 12 CE hours required per renewal cycle. Renewal fee: $100.
Total Initial Licensing Fees
$400
Includes application, exam,
and license fees
Application Fee
$100.00 per initial certification card issued
Exam Fee
$50.00 per examination
Technician License
$50
Operator License
$100
Business License
$100
Renewal Fee
$100.00
3 years
Additional costs: General liability insurance (min. $300,000) and surety bond (Bond required for pest control operator license) may also be required.
Exam required
Exam required
Exam required
Additional Training
VerifiedAdditional fumigation safety training required
Exam required
State-certified to apply pesticides commercially in Hawaii
Requirements
License from DCCA to operate a pest control business
Requirements
Exam Requirements
VerifiedState Exam Required
Examination Requirement
Exam Categories
Exam Provider
State-administered by HDOA; $50 per exam
Passing Score
70%
Exam Format
Multiple choice, closed book
Retake Policy
May retake after waiting period
Overall licensing difficulty: 2/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Pest Control Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
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Experience required
Experience required for pest control operator license
Experience Required
Supervision Details
Uncertified workers must be under direct supervision of certified applicator
Not Required
Training
Approved Programs
University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension provides study materials
Apprenticeship
Work under certified applicator supervision
EPA certification required
EPA Categories
Details
Federal EPA certification is required for any applicator using restricted-use pesticides. State certification covers general-use pesticides.
Required
GL Insurance
Min: $300,000
Required
Surety Bond
Amount: Bond required for pest control operator license
Required
Business License
Yes
Separate from Individual
Requirements
Not sure if you need a pest control license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100.00 per initial certification card issued |
Exam Fee | $50.00 per examination |
Technician License Fee | $50 |
Operator License Fee | $100 |
Business License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100.00 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $400 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Categories
Renewal Fee
$100
Regulatory Board
Pest control licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering integrated pest management, pesticide safety, environmental regulations, and applicable state/federal law updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Hawaii does not offer reciprocity due to unique pest challenges.
Pest control license reciprocity varies by state. Some states accept credentials from other states with equivalent requirements, while others require applicants to pass the state exam regardless of prior certification.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Hawaii with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
IPM not specifically mandated
Details
IPM is encouraged but not mandated.
Additional certification required for RUP
Requirements
Must obtain HDOA certification to apply restricted-use pesticides.
Hawaii involves two agencies: HDOA certifies pesticide applicators while DCCA licenses pest control operators. No reciprocity is offered due to Hawaii's unique island ecology and pest challenges.
Hawaii has two agencies involved: HDOA for certification and DCCA for pest control operator licenses.
Unique island ecology requires Hawaii-specific pest knowledge.
No reciprocity due to unique pest challenges.
Online/quiz credits limited to 75% of CE requirements.
There is no interstate compact for pest control operators. EPA restricted-use pesticide certification is a separate federal requirement.
Pest Control requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (you) | $400 | 4–20 wks | |
| California | $680 | 4–20 wks | → |
| Alaska | $130 | 4–20 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Hawaii
See how Hawaii compares: Pest Control License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Hawaii compare to other states for pest control? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your pest control license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Hawaii.
Moving to Hawaii? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Pest Control license to Hawaii →
Hawaii requires passing a state exam for pest control licensing. EPA certification is also required. All licensing is managed through the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
Requirements vary by state and license category. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.