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How to become a licensed pest control operator in Hawaii. State exam required. EPA certification required. Experience: Experience required for pest control operator license. Total initial fees: $400. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Pest Control
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
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
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
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
Exam Fee | $50 per exam |
Technician License Fee | $50 |
Operator License Fee | $100 |
Business License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on categories and license type | $400 |
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Hawaii.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#41 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Pest Control Workers (SOC 37-2021)
Entry Level
$37,940
25th percentile
Median
$48,420
+8% vs. national avg ($44,730)Experienced
$58,240
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
730 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Pest Control Workers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+5,700
over 10 years
Annual Openings
10,100
per year (avg.)
95,600 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for pest control operator and pesticide applicator licensing exams.
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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.