Licensing Guides
Delaware Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Delaware
Plumbing, DE
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Delaware
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Delaware?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Delaware?
Does My Delaware Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Delaware?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Delaware?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed, because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Delaware employs 1,570 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Delaware, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly higher at 8% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
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 or 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.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Delaware has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Delaware
Is a license required for plumbers in Delaware? Yes.
It is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Delaware, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, masters, and contractors.
Delaware licenses plumbers through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) in Dover. Specifically, the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners licenses and regulates the industry.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Delaware
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Delaware?
There are three main plumber licenses in Delaware, starting with a plumbing apprenticeship program.
Apprentice Plumber — The state of Delaware begins regulating this workforce at the apprentice level. Plumbing apprentices are required to register with the State of Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and Training and enroll in an approved training program. “Registered Apprentices are sponsored by their employer and therefore typically work during the day and attend school at night. As Registered Apprentices increase their skills, they also experience an increase in wages,” the DOL website states.
Master Plumber — A Master Plumber can 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. A Master Plumber can also install and connect gas piping. To obtain Master level licensure, you must pass the Master Plumber exam.
Contractor — If you wish to own your own plumber contracting business, you must get a contractor license through the Delaware Division of Revenue. This will involve obtaining unemployment insurance if you have any employees, general liability insurance to cover any accidental property damage, and additional fees.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Must register with the State of Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and Training and enroll in an approved training program.
Must complete four years of training with at least 144 hours per year of classroom training.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must complete an apprenticeship, obtain two years of verifiable work experience as a journeyman plumber in another state under a licensed Master Plumber, or have seven total years of verifiable work experience.
Must provide documentation of any criminal convictions. Applicants with a felony conviction will be subject to review by the board to determine eligibility for licensure.
Must apply online to take the Master Plumber exam and pay the application fee.
Must file an application via DELPROS and submit appropriate fees.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Delaware
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must have either a Social Security number or a Federal Employer Identification Number.
You must specify your business type, such as LLC, corporation, or partnership, and obtain a Delaware business license. You also need to include the contact information for each person with financial interest in the contracting business.
You must register all employees with the Delaware Department of Labor.
Apply for the Contractor Registration online via the One Stop portal.
Provide documentation of workers’ compensation insurance, liability insurance, and unemployment insurance coverage.
Submit a Safety Plan compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or provide evidence you are creating a compliant plan.
Pay the Contractor Registration fee.
Secure contractor’s surety bond if registering as an out-of-state contractor.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Delaware
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Delaware plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Delaware to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing 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 and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Delaware?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Delaware is $67,020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Delaware those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,500
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,800
Senior (4-7 years): $76,700
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.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Delaware?
It costs very little to get started as a plumber 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 include 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 a plumbing 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. As an apprentice working for a private employer or a union job, you will be working full time and earning money while you are trained with increases as you learn more.
The fee for both the Master license is $173, and licenses must be renewed every two years. The Master exam fee is $100.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Delaware
Becoming a plumbing professional in Delaware isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: The state requires everyone who wants to join this profession to complete an apprenticeship and register with the State of Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and Training. To qualify for a Master license, you must complete an approved apprenticeship program, hold a journeyman license from another state and have worked for two years as a journeyman, or have seven years of verifiable work experience.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Delaware requires examination for Master Plumber licensure. To sit for the exam, you must receive permission 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. To apply to take the required exam, you must first create a DELPROS user account. Exams are administered by ProV and you must receive a passing score of 70% or higher.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing the Delaware Master Plumber exam, you can apply for licensure online via the DELPROS portal.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the licensee to pass a background check and provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If, after earning your Master license, you choose to apply to be a general contractor rather than work for a licensed contractor, you will need to meet several additional requirements that are explained in detail here.
All contractors in the state of Delaware are required to obtain liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. According to the Division of Revenue, “Delaware law, with limited exceptions, requires all employers to secure workers' compensation insurance to cover all their full-time, part-time, seasonal or occasional employees prior to hiring and working in the State.”
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Delaware?
It will take around seven years to qualify for a Master plumbing license. To register as a Contractor, you must hold a Master Plumber license or employ a Master Plumber.
Delaware Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. Since the state of Delaware requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree.
Typically, you will find an employer first and then register for classes through a vocational-technical school. However, if you have trouble finding an entry-level plumbing job, you can contact your local vocational-technical division to register for class first. The tuition will not be waived until you are a registered apprentice and sponsored by an employer. But this will begin the necessary classes, and you may meet other apprentices who can inform you of sponsors in your area who are hiring.
Additionally, vocational-technical schools may have career services departments that may assist you with finding 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 in the 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.
Apprenticeship: UA Local 74 in Newark offers a five-year apprenticeship that includes fully paid tuition and is very competitive. UA Local 486, located in Seaford, also offers a plumbing apprenticeship program. According to the union’s website, “This apprenticeship program will provide training in plumbing, HVACR, gasfitting and more. Not only will you walk away with certifications, and licensing, but you will have real-world experience that any employer would value.”
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you typically need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have 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 plumbing school options in Delaware, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Delaware.
Delaware Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Only the Master Plumbing license requires passing an examination. To sit for the exam, you must receive permission 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. To apply to take the required exam, you must first create a DELPROS user account. Exams are administered by ProV, and you must receive a passing score of 70% or higher. The Master Plumber exam is open-book and includes 100 questions. You have three hours to complete the test.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Delaware?
Delaware licenses plumbers through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Specifically, the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners licenses and regulates the industry.
Does My Delaware Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Some states may accept your Delaware license under certain conditions.
For example, many states allow licensed plumbers from other states to apply if they:
Have held a valid license for a certain number of years (usually 4+)
Can prove their training, work history, and exam results
Meet that state’s local code knowledge or pass a law/business exam
Make sure to check local regulations if you intend to work in another state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Delaware?
Delaware offers a process called “Apply by Reciprocity” for candidates from specific states and levels of experience.
For instance, if you hold a current Master Plumber license in Connecticut, Delaware, or Maryland, you do not need to submit any proof of experience.
If you hold a current Master Plumber 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 must submit proof of practicing a minimum of seven years after receiving licensure as a Master in the reciprocating jurisdiction.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Delaware
While many states require examination for all license classifications, Delaware only mandates Master plumbers pass a licensing exam. Contractors also do not need to pass an examination.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Delaware?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Delaware.
Most registered apprenticeship programs cover the cost or waive tuition entirely, making the programs highly affordable for plumbers 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 plumbing trades.
You can also search for employers who provide apprenticeship training, often at no cost, by searching the Delaware Department of Labor’s registry of apprentice sponsors.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Delaware?
To verify your plumbing 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 a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Delaware?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Delaware plumbing 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 plumbing 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 plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Delaware?
Performing plumbing 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 plumbing work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Delaware plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Delaware Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
Currently, there are no continuing education requirements for plumbers in Delaware. However, continuing education will be required for plumbers starting on Oct. 31, 2026. Licensees shall complete 5 hours of approved CE during each renewal period.
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.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
