How to Get a Occupational Therapist License in Hawaii
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Hawaii is a premium market with some of the highest median home prices in the nation, making it an excellent place to start a career as a occupational therapist. Licensing in Hawaii is overseen by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy. The process requires 3500 hours of pre-license education and costs between $84,500 and $85,500 in total. You'll need to pass the NBCOT OTR Exam (administered by Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy) with a score of at least 70%.
At 3500 hours, Hawaii has one of the higher pre-license education requirements in the country. This is close to the national average of 3500 hours. Budget between $84,500 and $85,500 for the total licensing process, including education, application, and exam fees. Most aspiring occupational therapists complete the entire process in 4-7 months, depending on how quickly they move through the coursework and exam preparation.
Hawaii Occupational Therapist License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-License Education | 3500 hours |
| Degree Required | No |
| Exam Required | Yes — NBCOT OTR Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Background Check | Yes |
| Broker Sponsorship | Not required |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $555 |
| Governing Body | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy |
| License Reciprocity | Partial |
Reciprocity:
Steps to Get Your Occupational Therapist License in Hawaii
- 1
Earn a Master's or Doctoral Degree in OT
Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy program. Entry-level OT requires a master's degree (MOT) or higher.
Time: 6-7 years (4-year bachelor's + 2-3-year master's) Cost: $350 - 2
Pass the NBCOT OTR Exam
Register and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. The exam covers evaluation, intervention, and management of OT services. The exam fee is $555.
Time: 2-4 weeks to schedule Cost: $555 - 3
Apply for State Licensure
Submit your application to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy. Include NBCOT certification, transcripts, and the application fee of $175.
Time: 2-6 weeks for processing Cost: $175 - 4
Complete Background Check
Submit fingerprints and pass any required background check through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy.
Time: 2-4 weeks Cost: $50 - 5
Begin Your OT Career
Once licensed, you can practice occupational therapy in Hawaii. OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, home health, and private practice.
Time: Immediate once licensed
Key Things to Know
- Education requirement: . Many providers offer online options, giving you flexibility to study on your own schedule.
- The licensing exam: The NBCOT OTR Exam is administered by Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy. You'll need to score at least 70% to pass. Study materials and practice exams are available from most education providers.
- Background check required: Hawaii requires a criminal background check as part of the application process. Plan for additional processing time and fees.
- Online application available: Hawaii accepts online applications, which can speed up processing time.
- Ongoing requirements: Once licensed, you'll need 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. .
How Hawaii Compares
Hawaii requires 3500 hours of pre-license education for occupational therapists. This is close to the national average of 3500 hours. The average total cost in Hawaii is around $85,000, compared to the national average of $73,960.
How Much Does a Occupational Therapist License Cost in Hawaii?
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $300 - $700 |
| Application Fee | $175 |
| Exam Fee | $555 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $84,500 - $85,500 |
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Continuing Education: 24 hours
- CE Details:
- Renewal Fee: $175
Tips for Success
- Choose your education provider carefully: Compare prices, format (online vs. in-person), and reviews. Some providers offer exam prep materials bundled with the course, which can save you money. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy website for a list of approved providers.
- Don't rush the exam: With 3500 hours of required coursework, consider a structured schedule — completing one course at a time helps avoid burnout. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before scheduling your test date.
- Diversify your Level II fieldwork placements: Your two Level II fieldwork rotations (each 12 weeks minimum) shape your career trajectory. Choose different settings — pediatrics, acute care, hand therapy, mental health — to broaden your skill set.
- Prepare thoroughly for the NBCOT exam: The NBCOT pass rate for first-time takers is around 80%. Use the official NBCOT practice exams and commercial study tools like TherapyEd or AOTA exam prep. Study for 2-3 months after fieldwork.
- Budget approximately $85,500 for your Hawaii license: This includes $175 in application fees, $555 for the exam, and education costs. Once licensed, plan for $175 in renewal fees every 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a occupational therapist license in Hawaii?
Most people complete the process in 3-6 months total. The pre-license education (3500 hours) takes the longest. After completing education, the exam and application process typically adds 2-6 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a occupational therapist license in Hawaii?
The total cost ranges from $84,500 to $85,500, including pre-license education, the application fee ($175), and the exam fee ($555).
Can I get a Hawaii occupational therapist license with a criminal record?
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may affect your eligibility. Contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy for guidance before applying.
Do I need a college degree to become a occupational therapist in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not require a college degree. You only need to complete the 3500 hours of approved pre-license courses.
Can I take the pre-license courses online in Hawaii?
Many approved education providers offer pre-license courses online, allowing you to study at your own pace. Check the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Occupational Therapy website for a list of approved providers.