Licensing Guides
Delaware HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Delaware
HVAC, DE
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Delaware?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Delaware
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Delaware?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Delaware employs 1,790 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Delaware, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 12% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America , “Construction employment in Delaware in July 2025 totaled 24,700, an increase of 600 (2.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 1,400 (6%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. In Delaware, licensing is uniform statewide.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Delaware
Is a license required for HVACR Professionals in Delaware? Yes. You must possess a Delaware Master HVACR license or be training under the direct supervision of someone who holds a license to legally perform any HVACR services in the state.
The state of Delaware licenses HVAC professionals through the Division of Professional Regulation. Specifically, the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners licenses and regulates the industry. Its website states that the purpose of the board is to “protect the public from unsafe practices and practices which tend to reduce competition or fix prices for services. The Board must also maintain standards of professional competence and service delivery.”
Types of HVAC Licenses in Delaware
What are the different HVACR license types in Delaware?
There are two types of HVACR licenses in Delaware:
Master HVACR — Qualifies an individual to design, install, construct, maintain, service, repair, alter, or modify a product or equipment including gas piping in heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, or process cooling or heating systems.
Master HVACR Restricted — Qualifies an individual to provide HVACR services limited to one of the following specialties:
Heating – Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, and Gas Piping
Heating – Hydronic Systems and Gas Piping
Commercial Hood Systems
Refrigeration
Air Conditioning
Gas Piping
While not licensed, the Board also regulates apprentices and journeymen.
HVAC Apprentice — HVAC apprentices are required to register with the State of Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, and enroll in an approved training program.
HVAC Journeyman — Delaware requires journeymen to obtain a Journeyman Certificate of Completion from an apprentice program that combines four years of hands-on training with at least 144 hours of education for each of those years, and at least two years of work under the direct supervision of a Master HVACR licensee. The only other option is to work for seven years under the supervision of a Master HVACR licensee and pass the Apprentice By-Pass Exam.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be at least 16 years old.
Must enroll in an approved apprenticeship program that combines four years of training with at least 144 hours per year of education.
Journeyman
Must be at least 18 years of age.
After apprenticeship, must work for two years under the direct supervision of a Master HVACR licensee.
If you choose not to complete a registered apprenticeship, you must work for seven years under the direct supervision of a Master HVACR licensee and pass the Apprentice By-Pass exam to receive the Journeyman Certificate of Completion.
Master HVACR
Must have Journeyman Certificate of Completion or seven years documented experience under a licensed Master HVACR.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must pass exam: either Master HVACR or the Restricted exam in your chosen discipline.
You need a Master Plumber license in addition to a Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license if you design, install, construct, replace, service, repair, alter, or modify the pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus used for bringing the water supply into a building and removing liquid and water-carried wastes from a building.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Delaware
Must enroll in an approved apprenticeship program that combines four years of training with at least 144 hours per year of education and register with the Delaware Department of Labor.
Complete registered apprenticeship and work for two years under the direct supervision of a Master HVACR licensee to receive Journeyman Certificate of Completion; or
Work for seven years under direct supervision of a Master HVACR licensee and pass the Apprentice By-Pass exam to receive the Journeyman Certificate of Completion.
Must apply online to take the Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted exam and pay application fee.
Upon approval from the board, pay a testing fee and pass the exam to be awarded your Master level license.
If you wish to own your own HVACR contracting business, you must be licensed as a contractor through the Delaware Division of Revenue. This will involve securing unemployment insurance if you have any employees, general liability insurance, and additional fees.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Delaware
There are many benefits to getting your Delaware HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most important, it is required by law in Delaware to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work without being under the supervision of a licensed Master HVACR professional.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Delaware?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Delaware is $64,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Delaware, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,500
Senior (4-7 years): $78,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $91,800
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Delaware?
It can cost very little to get started as an HVAC professional in Delaware. If you figure out this is your intended path while you’re still in high school, you can begin free of charge as a high school student through the Career Technical Education System. Three vocational-technical school districts in the state are: New Castle County Vo-Tech in New Castle County, PolyTech in Kent County, and Sussex Tech in Sussex County.
If you have graduated from high school and decide you want an HVACR career in Delaware, you will need to find an apprentice position or program. The tuition at any of the vocational technical schools will be waived for you as long as you are in a recognized apprentice program. There are also apprenticeships through union and trade organizations. UA Local 74 offers a five-year apprentice program for which tuition is fully covered as well.
Once you’re ready to pursue licensure, you’ll pay a $173 license application fee and a $100 exam fee.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Delaware
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your HVAC skills and experience develop. In Delaware, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Delaware requires you to gain experience as an apprentice before becoming licensed.
Apprenticeships are sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. If you get one of the coveted apprentice openings through your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs, it’s like getting a scholarship to college. UA Local 74 serves Delaware out of Wilmington and has a five-year apprentice program. The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee receives applications in the spring, usually in April and May. Call for exact deadlines — 302-636-7400. New classes begin every September.
Applicants must apply in person at:
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 74 office 203 Executive Drive Newark, DE 19702
Alternatively, you can find an apprenticeship through the Delaware Department of Labor Division of Employment and Training. The website explains the benefits of apprenticeship and allows you to search for registered sponsors. Or you can find an entry-level job and ask your employer to act as your apprentice sponsor. Your employer must agree to register you with Delaware’s Apprenticeship program, which meets the U.S. Department of Labor standards that are recognized nationwide, so your credentials move with you. You will be required to attend classes at night or on weekends to get the requisite theoretical training, but you’ll be getting your academic instruction in tandem with your practical experience, and you probably won’t be paying for it. In fact, the State of Delaware pays the tuition at vo-tech schools for apprentices whose Delaware companies have registered them with the Delaware Department of Labor.
The only other path is to work seven years under the supervision of a Master HVACR licensee and pass the Apprentice By-Pass exam.
APPLY FOR EXAMINATION/LICENSE: The type of license you hold determines the HVACR services that you are permitted to provide. A Master HVACR can design, install, construct, maintain, service, repair, alter, or modify a product or equipment including gas piping in heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, or process cooling or heating systems. A Master HVACR Restricted can provide HVACR services limited to one of the following specialties:
Heating — forced air systems, ventilation, and gas piping
Heating — hydronic systems and gas piping
Commercial hood systems
Refrigeration
Air conditioning
Gas piping
If you wish to provide services in more than one of these specialties, you must apply for a Master HVACR license. If you already hold a restricted license, you must apply to upgrade to an unrestricted license. Once you determine the type of license you are seeking, you will apply to sit for the appropriate exam. You will need to submit your license application to the licensing board along with all supporting documents such as your Journeyman Certificate, your apprenticeship program Certificate of Completion, and proof of work experience after receiving the certificate. The application fee is $173, and the exam costs $100. If you pass the exam with at least a 70%, you will receive your Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license from the state board.
CONSIDER BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Delaware, then you will also need to register as a general contractor with the State of Delaware Department of Revenue. You will need workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. A professional license from the Division of Professional Regulation is not the same as a business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue. Most businesses, including HVAC contractors, need both licenses to operate in Delaware. For information about Delaware business licenses, see One Stop Business Registration and Licensing.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Delaware?
As an HVACR apprentice in Delaware you begin working and learning the trade under a licensed master from day one. Apprentice programs for HVACR take at least four years of on-the-job training and 144 classroom hours for each of those years. Then you will need to work for two more years under the direct supervision of a master licensee. At that point, you can be certified as a journeyman. To get your master license, you will need to pass the Master HVACR exam. So, from apprenticeship through master licensing, you’re looking at about six years total to complete that process.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are certified at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
Delaware HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Delaware, and they are located all over the state.
Most HVAC technicians hold some kind of postsecondary degree or certificate, and classroom instruction is a required piece of a registered apprenticeship. There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
There are no schools in Delaware that are accredited by HVAC Excellence at this time, but PAHRA has accredited one.
Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Delaware.
HVACClasses.org breaks down the credit hour requirements for this and some other programs across the state. There are also Delaware Tech campuses in Dover, Stanton, and Wilmington.
The vocational-technical school districts offer adult education/classroom instruction for HVACR apprentices, too. There are a number of ways you can get started. Contact your local vocational-technical division to register for class at night. The tuition will not be waived until you are a registered apprentice and sponsored by an employer, but this will begin the necessary classes. You also may meet other apprentices who can inform you of employer sponsors who are hiring. Additionally, vocational-technical schools may have career services departments that may be able to assist you with employment with a sponsor. Contact numbers for local vocational-technical schools in each county are below so you can get information on tuition, programs, and registration/class start dates.
Sussex Tech Adult Education Division (Sussex County): 302-856-9035
PolyTech Adult Education (Kent County): 302-697-4545
New Castle County Adult Education (New Castle County): 302-683-3652
You could also create an account on joblink.delaware.gov and search for employers hiring in your field. In your job search, explain to employers that you are interested in taking advantage of the State’s Registered Apprenticeship program. Doing this in either order is totally acceptable.
Tuition: Tuition varies from school to school. For instance Delaware Tech charges in-state students $152.50 per credit or $2,287.50 per full-time semester.
At PolyTech, tuition costs $1,545 per semester, but tuition will be waived as long as you are a registered apprentice.
Apprenticeship: There are different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Delaware. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through UA Local 74 out of Newark or UA Local 486 out of Seaford.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Delaware. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: Most apprenticeships require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Delaware, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Delaware.
Delaware HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Delaware requires an examination for Master HVACR licensure. You must receive permission to sit for the Master HVACR exam from the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. A full explanation of how to apply for the exam is on the website. Exams are issued via Prov and cost $100 each. The Candidate Information Bulletin provides details about registration, exam fees, testing centers, the reference material for each exam, and rescheduling your appointment. All exams are open-book, and a passing score of 70% is required.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Delaware?
Prov recommends familiarizing yourself with the subject areas listed in each exam description to prepare. In addition, you can highlight sections in your reference materials or use tabs so sections are easier to find during the timed exam.
The Master HVACR exam consists of 100 questions, and must be completed in four hours. Subject areas include:
General knowledge
Piping
Equipment
System sizing and installation
Ventilation and exhaust systems
Testing and inspection
Master HVACR Restricted exams differ based on the type of work. The Master HVACR Restricted - Refrigeration exam consists of 75 questions, which must be completed in the three-hour time limit. Topics include:
General knowledge
Piping 19
Systems and sizing
Maintenance
Testing and inspection
The Master HVACR Restricted - Air Conditioning exam includes 95 questions, and has a four-hour time limit. Topics include:
General knowledge
Plan reading
Systems and sizing
Piping
Equipment
Maintenance
The Master HVACR Restricted - Heating - Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, and Gas Piping exam includes 70 questions and has a three-hour time limit. Topics include:
General knowledge
Piping
Systems and sizing
Equipment
Maintenance
Plan reading
Finally, the Master HVACR Restricted - Heating - Hydronic Systems and Gas Piping exam has 80 questions and a three-hour time limit. Topics include:
General knowledge
Hydronic systems
Piping, pumps, valves
Fuel gas and oil
Boilers - low and high pressure
Water
Testing and inspection
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Delaware?
The Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners issues Master HVACR and Master Restricted HVACR licenses in Delaware. The board falls under the purview of the Division of Professional Regulation and makes sure that heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration professionals meet all standards for competency, adjudicates complaints against practitioners and, when necessary, imposes disciplinary sanctions.
Does My Delaware HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Delaware doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states. Some states may offer a streamlined path to licensure if their licensing requirements are similar to those in Delaware.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Delaware?
Although Delaware doesn’t offer reciprocity agreements, out-of-state applicants can apply by reciprocity under certain conditions. A chart on the Master HVACR and Master HVACR Restricted Licensure web page explains that if none of the jurisdictions where you hold a current license has licensure standards that are “substantially similar” to those of Delaware, proof of experience is required.
If you hold a current HVACR license in Connecticut or Maryland where licensure standards are substantially similar, you do not need to submit any proof of experience. If you hold a current license in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia, you will need to submit proof of your experience under the supervision of a master licensee for at least seven years after licensure. If you hold a current license in any other state or territory, the licensure standards must be evaluated by the board, and you must submit a copy of the other jurisdiction’s law and regulations for evaluation.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Delaware, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Delaware
Delaware Plumbing and HVACR licenses expire on Oct. 31 of even years. A few months before the expiration date of your license, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. This notice will explain how to access your online renewal application in DELPROS, the online professional licensure system. To complete the online renewal application, you must log in to your account, answer questions, and use a credit card to pay your renewal fee. You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal. When you submit a renewal application after the expiration date, you must pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The late fee is 50% of the renewal fee.
All notices about professional licenses, such as renewal and audit notices, will be sent by email only. It is important to keep your contact information up to date so that all the notices reach you. To check and update your contact information online, click on the Manage Profile link in DELPROS.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Delaware?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships in Delaware.
Most registered apprenticeship programs cover the cost or waive tuition entirely, making the programs highly affordable for HVAC professionals in training. Both UA Local 74 and UA Local 486 offer apprenticeships with fully paid tuition.
The Delaware SEED Scholarship covers free tuition for Delaware residents pursuing an associate degree or workforce training certificate, including HVAC trades.
You can also apply for national scholarships through organizations such as the EGIA Foundation and Women in HVACR, which can be used at institutions in Delaware.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Delaware?
To verify your HVACR license in Delaware, anyone (including employers, clients, or licensing boards in other states) can use the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) license verification system.
To verify a license:
Visit the online verification website.
Select “Individual” or “Facility.”
Search by name or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Delaware?
A suspended HVAC license means that the individual is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Delaware HVAC license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVAC professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Delaware HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Delaware?
Performing HVAC work in Delaware without a license is illegal.
Financial penalties include:
First offense: Fine between $500 and $1,000
Second or subsequent offense: Fine between $1,000 and $2,000
The Division of Professional Regulation may issue cease-and-desist orders requiring an unlicensed individual to stop work and comply by a set deadline. Violating such an order may lead to up to $5,000 in daily fines per continuing violation, per 24 Del. C. § 2825.
Some municipalities in Delaware, such as Lewes, have additional penalties for performing unlicensed HVAC work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Delaware HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for the Delaware HVACR license. However, you’ll still want to stay up to date on HVAC industry updates.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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