Chapter 9 of 1060% of exam

Hawaii Laws, Rules & Licensing

This chapter covers the Hawaii-specific legal framework that supplements your national cosmetology theory. It focuses on who regulates the profession in Hawaii, the kinds of licenses issued, and the everyday rules every licensee must follow to keep a license in good standing.

The Regulating Authority

In Hawaii, cosmetology is regulated by the Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
It operates as a board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
The board sets the rules for licensing, sanitation, and professional conduct, and it can investigate complaints and discipline licensees.
Statutes and administrative rules—not individual salons—define what practitioners may legally do.

License Types & Scope of Practice

The board issues distinct credentials such as cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, and manicurist (nail technician) licenses.
Each license defines a scope of practice; you may only perform services your license authorizes.
Practicing without a valid license, or beyond your scope, is prohibited and subject to discipline.
Salon/shop and individual practitioner credentials are separate—registering a salon does not license its workers.

Display, Renewal & Prohibited Practices

Keep your current license displayed or available at your work station as the board requires.
Licenses are issued for a set term and must be periodically renewed to remain valid.
Renewing on time and meeting any continuing-education the board requires keeps a license active.
Prohibited acts include unlicensed practice, exceeding scope, fraud, and unsanitary conditions.
Do not present unpublished figures (hours, fees, exam length, passing score) as official—verify them with the board.

State-specific details

State exam facts

State regulator
Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (DCCA)
Exam vendor
PSI
Prelicensing education
1,800 hours (or a 3,600-hour apprenticeship)
Scored questions
110
Time limit
120 minutes
How many training hours does Hawaii require for a cosmetology license?

Hawaii requires 1,800 hours at an approved school, or a 3,600-hour apprenticeship. Confirm the current figure with the Board, as its administrative rules govern the exact requirement.

Who licenses cosmetologists in Hawaii?

The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), licenses cosmetologists. Hawaii moved its exam to PSI effective January 1, 2026.

Does Hawaii still require a practical exam?

Hawaii's PSI exam is the written theory portion (110 questions, 120-minute limit); there is no separate state-administered hands-on practical. Confirm current requirements directly with the Board before testing.

Sources: https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber/application-deadline-examination-dates/, https://www.psiexams.com/test-takers/psi-cosmetology-barber-national-exams/

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