Delaware HVAC License Requirements (2026)

The Delaware Board of Plumbing, HVACR, and Master Pipefitters, under the Division of Professional Regulation, licenses heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors under Delaware Code Title 24 Chapter 18, Subchapter V. Delaware issues two Master HVACR classes: Restricted (limited to systems under a defined BTU threshold or specific scope such as residential-only) and Unrestricted (authorized for any HVACR work). Delaware does not issue a separate Journeyperson HVACR license; technicians work under a Master HVACR until they qualify to sit for the Master examination themselves. All HVACR work involving refrigerants additionally requires federal EPA Section 608 certification. A Master HVACR who contracts for work must also hold a Delaware Division of Revenue business license.

The Licensing Authority

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) is the statutory authority responsible for issuing and enforcing this license under Delaware Code Title 24 (Professions and Occupations); Title 30 (Business License, Division of Revenue). The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation administers the trade licensing boards for electricians, plumbers, HVACR, and master pipefitters. Delaware does not issue a state general contractor license — any person doing contracting work in Delaware must instead hold a Delaware Business License from the Division of Revenue.

Official portal: https://dpr.delaware.gov/
Address: Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 203, Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 744-4500

Baseline Eligibility

The threshold requirements are straightforward: age 18 or above, plus a valid Social Security Number. No Delaware residency requirement.

Good moral character

The Board conducts a fitness review on every applicant. Criminal convictions are reviewed individually under 24 Del. C. § 1820.

Background investigation

Mandatory criminal history disclosure on the application. The Board may require a state and federal background check.

Experience and Education Requirements

The experience bar is 7 years of Master HVACR Unrestricted requires seven years of practical HVACR experience under a licensed Master HVACR, with at least 10,000 hours of documented hands-on work. Master HVACR Restricted requires five years of practical HVACR experience limited to the restricted scope., and it must be backed by verifiable records — typically payroll, tax, project, or supervisor documentation covering the claimed period.

Accepted proof of experience or eligibility

Board Experience Verification Form signed by each licensed Master HVACR supervisor
W-2 statements, pay stubs, or 1099 records for the qualifying period
Approved HVACR apprenticeship completion certificate (where applicable)
EPA Section 608 certification card

Education substitution

Completion of a U.S. Department of Labor registered HVACR apprenticeship or accredited HVACR trade school program may substitute for portions of the experience requirement at the Board's discretion.

The Licensing Examination

Testing is handled by Prometric (under contract to the Delaware Board of Plumbing, HVACR, and Master Pipefitters). The applicant has to pass each part listed here before the credential is granted:

Delaware Master HVACR Examination — International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, refrigeration principles, and business and law — 100 questions, 240 minutes, passing score 75%

Examination fee: $79 examination fee paid to Prometric at scheduling.

Retake policy: Failed examinations may be re-taken by paying a new Prometric fee. The application remains valid for one year from Board approval.

Financial Security and Insurance

There is no statewide surety bond tied to this credential in the cited record. Bonding can still surface at the project level — permit, license, or public-works bonds — so check before you bid.

General liability

Delaware does not impose a state-level general liability minimum for HVACR contractors. Commercial owners commonly require $1,000,000/$2,000,000.

Workers' compensation

Workers' compensation coverage is mandatory under Delaware Code Title 19 Chapter 23 for any employer with one or more employees.

Additional financial requirements

No financial statement is required by the Board.

Fee Schedule

Fee	Amount
Application (non-refundable)	$174
Examination	$79
Initial license	$174
Renewal (every 2 years)	$174

License Renewal

The Delaware Master HVACR (Board of Plumbing, HVACR, and Master Pipefitters) must be renewed every 2 years. The fee to renew is presently $174. Delaware HVACR licenses renew every two years on June 30 of odd-numbered years.

Continuing education: Ten hours of Board-approved continuing education per two-year renewal cycle, including code updates.

Downloadable Asset

2026 Delaware HVAC License Roadmap (PDF) — a printable step-by-step checklist for the application process.

Download the PDF roadmap →

Reciprocity Map

Delaware grants no NASCLA reciprocity for this classification.

Reciprocal State	Accepted Exam	Conditions
No formal bilateral reciprocity agreements identified.

Delaware does not maintain formal statutory HVACR reciprocity agreements. The Board may grant experience equivalency for applicants who hold an equivalent active master HVACR license in another state for at least two years.

Weighing more than one jurisdiction? The national hub compares HVAC license requirements in every state — exam, bond, fee, and experience thresholds side by side.

The Licensing Roadmap

Work under a licensed Delaware Master HVACR. Accumulate documented HVACR experience. Delaware does not issue an intermediate Journeyperson HVACR license.
Obtain EPA Section 608 certification. Federal refrigerant handling certification is required before handling refrigerants on the job.
Complete experience hours. Five years for Restricted or seven years (10,000+ hours) for Unrestricted.
Submit the Master HVACR application. File the Board application with documented experience, EPA 608 card, and Board fee.
Pass the Master HVACR exam. Prometric HVACR examination at 75% or higher covering IMC, IFGC, refrigeration, and business and law.
Receive the Master HVACR license. Board issues Restricted or Unrestricted class based on qualifying experience and exam scope.
Obtain the Delaware Business License. Register with the Division of Revenue before contracting HVACR work in Delaware.

Common Application Pitfalls

The errors below are the ones that most frequently cost Delaware HVAC applicants time, drawn from the cited board guidance.

Skipping EPA 608

EPA Section 608 is federal and required before handling any refrigerant. The Board rejects applications without proof of 608 certification.

Applying for the wrong class

Restricted applicants cannot perform full unrestricted HVACR work. Choose the class that matches your documented experience.

Undocumented experience

The Board requires verifiable supervised hours under a licensed Master HVACR. Undocumented or self-employed hours before licensure may be rejected.

Missing the business license

Master HVACR contractors must also carry a Division of Revenue business license to operate legally.

Letting CE slip

Ten CE hours per two-year cycle are required. Missed CE blocks renewal.

Before Filing: A Checklist

Have each of the following squared away before the packet goes to DPR:

☐ Documented HVACR experience (5 years Restricted, 7 years / 10,000 hours Unrestricted)
☐ EPA Section 608 certification
☐ Master HVACR application with Board fee
☐ Prometric Master HVACR exam pass at 75%+
☐ Delaware Division of Revenue business license
☐ Workers compensation coverage (if employees)

Preparation Resources

These materials are drawn from the regulator's own citations and the references applicants commonly use to prepare. CLR receives no compensation for listing them.

International Mechanical Code (Delaware-adopted edition) — International Code Council. Primary technical reference. Open-book at Prometric.
International Fuel Gas Code (Delaware-adopted edition) — International Code Council. Required for gas-fired equipment.
Delaware Code Title 24 Chapter 18 Subchapter V and Board Rules — State of Delaware. Licensing law and Board rules.

Other Delaware Trade Licenses

For a different Delaware credential, see these companion guides published by CLR:

Answers to Common Questions

What are the Delaware HVACR license classes?

Delaware issues Master HVACR Restricted and Master HVACR Unrestricted. Restricted limits scope (such as residential or BTU-capped systems). Unrestricted authorizes any HVACR work.

Does Delaware have a Journeyperson HVACR license?

No. Delaware does not issue an intermediate Journeyperson HVACR credential. Technicians work under a Master HVACR until they qualify for the Master exam.

How many hours does Delaware require for Master HVACR Unrestricted?

Seven years of practical HVACR experience with at least 10,000 hours of hands-on work under a licensed Master HVACR.

Is EPA Section 608 required in Delaware?

Yes. Federal EPA Section 608 certification is required for any work involving refrigerants regardless of state license status.

Do I need a business license to contract HVACR work in Delaware?

Yes. Any Master HVACR who contracts for work must also register with the Division of Revenue for a Contractor Business License.

Primary Sources

Regulatory requirements on this page are drawn from the official board, statute, and exam-provider materials listed below.

Verified 2026-06-18 · Next scheduled review 2026-09-16