Professional & Vocational Licensing Division

A description of PVL’s mission

The Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) is responsible for implementing the licensing regulations for 52 different professions and vocations.  Twenty-five (25) licensing regulatory boards and commissions are administratively attached to DCCA/PVL, as well as twenty-six (27) licensing programs (those without a board or commission).  The division provides staff support to the licensing regulatory boards, handles applications, licenses, reviews and processes renewals, and maintains license records.  The division provides guidance for proper implementation of the licensing laws and administrative rules for the 52 licensing areas.

PVL is divided into four branches:

Licensing Branch is comprised of the Applications Section and the Records Section.  The Applications Section reviews and processes all applications for licensure and maintains records of licensing applications.  The Applications Section staff conducts highly intensive reviews of all initial licensing applications, determines the status of such applications, and makes the final determination to either issue or deny licenses.   The Records Section is responsible for issuing new licenses, renewing licenses, and maintaining records of all licensees.  The Records Section staff is also involved with performing customer service duties by assisting the public with licensing information at the walk-in counter and over the telephone.

Further, the Licensing Branch accesses the computerized licensing database to provide immediate information.  Inquirers may obtain information on whether a person or entity is licensed, the original date of licensure, the current status of licensure, the expiration date of the license, Hawaii disciplinary sanctions imposed on the licensee, and, if applicable, whether mandatory insurance (e.g., workers compensation, liability insurance) is current and in effect.

Examination Branch arranges for the administration of all the licensing examinations, confirms the validity and reliability of exams, revises board constructed examinations to ensure its continued validity and reliability, and advises boards on all technical aspects of examinations.

Administration Branch serves as the liaison between the director of the department and the 25 boards and commissions administratively attached to DCCA.  On a daily basis, the Administration Branch handles board affairs such as the coordinating, preparing, facilitating and recording of board meetings; ensuring board compliance with applicable laws that guide and direct their conduct; and implementing board decisions on applications, policies and procedures, and disciplinary actions.  The Administration Branch also responds to requests for interpretation of the licensing laws and rules; oversees licensing and examination activity; and guides and assists with regulatory compliance issues.  The same activities are done for the 27 programs (absent the necessity of board meetings) on behalf of the director of the department.  There are also substantial coordination and facilitation activities performed by the Administration Branch with other state, county, and federal agencies involved with licensing and regulatory issues.

Real Estate Branch serves as the liaison between the director of the department and the Real Estate Commission, and performs the same functions as the Administration Branch for real estate licensing and regulation, and condominium property regimes.  With the largest volume of applicants, licensees, and registrations, the Branch administers the Real Estate Recovery Fund, Real Estate Education Trust Fund, and the Condominium Education Trust Fund.  The Branch also administers education and research programs in the field of real estate and condominiums.

In summary , all Branches within PVL work toward efficient and expedient processing of applications, licenses, and renewals to ensure the public has choices amongst competent, licensed practitioners.

PVL continues to forge ahead with its initiatives to improve accessibility to licensing services and information, and to deregulate and streamline the licensing process without compromising consumer protection.  PVL is committed to working with licensees and the public to achieve the optimum balance between thoughtful and fair regulation, and consumer protection.  In these difficult economic times, PVL is mindful of the strain on Hawaii’s businesses and seeks to integrate licensing measures and procedures that will facilitate business.  Ultimately, PVL’s goal is to achieve and facilitate a fair marketplace for the State of Hawaii.