HAWAII · welder
C-56 Welding Contractor
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Contractors License Board)Scope of Work
The C-56 Welding Contractor specialty classification authorizes a contractor to perform on-site job layout, cutting, assembling, and welding of metal products including but not limited to pipe lines, tanks, pressure vessels, guard rails, and fire escapes. Source: Hawaii DCCA Description of Contractor License Classifications (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2014/08/DescriptionofContractorLicenseClassifications.pdf), implementing HRS Chapter 444 and HAR Title 16 Chapter 77.
License Required
HRS §444-9 prohibits any person from acting, assuming to act, or advertising as a specialty contractor without a license issued by the Contractors License Board. The C-56 is a specialty contractor classification, not an individual journeyman welder credential — it authorizes a business entity to bid and contract for welding work. Individual welders performing the actual welding under a C-56 contractor must still meet the underlying weld qualification standard called for by project specification (typically AWS D1.1 / ASME Section IX).
Automatic Inclusion
Licensees who hold the A (General Engineering Contractor) classification automatically hold the C-56 Welding specialty classification without further examination or additional fee. Source: HAR Title 16 Chapter 77.
Experience and Education
At least 4 years of supervisory experience within the past 10 years in the specific trade is required of the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) for a specialty contractor license. The RME documents experience on Form CLB-08, Verification of Supervisory Experience.
Military Crosswalk
Hawaii recognizes verified active-duty supervisory experience toward the experience requirement under standard DCCA professional licensing practice. Pending editor verification of the specific welder-trade application of this crosswalk.
Exam
Two-part examination administered by PSI Services LLC (effective January 2023): (1) Business and Law exam, (2) C-56 trade exam. Both are multiple-choice, closed-book, with a 75% passing score. Application fee $50; examination fee $75; license fees range $334-$663 depending on classification, license type, and timing within the biennial cycle.
Reciprocity
Hawaii does not maintain a published reciprocity list for the C-56 classification. Out-of-state welding contractors apply through the standard DCCA application and must qualify their RME under Hawaii's experience and exam standards.
Renewal
2-year renewal cycle. All Hawaii contractor licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. DCCA mails renewal applications to current licensees before August 15 of the even-numbered year; renewal must be submitted with required documents and fees by September 30. Renewal fees (current published cycle): $353 for contracting entity / sole proprietor; $208 for Responsible Managing Employee. Source: DCCA Contractors License Board (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/).
Continuing Education
Hawaii does not impose a state-mandated continuing education requirement on C-56 specialty contractor licensees as of the most recent published rule cycle. Editor verification required before public launch.
Scope Limitations
The C-56 is a contractor / business credential. It does not by itself qualify a person to perform individual welder qualification tests required by AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, or ASME Section IX. Project-specific welder performance qualification remains the welder's responsibility under each governing code.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (Contractors License Board) before acting