Construction / HVAC License / Delaware
- Delaware
- HVACR License
- Journey, Master & Restricted
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Delaware HVACR License
Here’s how to qualify for a Delaware Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license: the experience paths, the open-book exam, how to apply through DELPROS and which states offer reciprocity.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners requirements
Application fee
$173
Plus $100 exam fee
Exam time
4 hrs
100 questions, open book
Time to get license
2–7 yrs
2 yrs after an apprenticeship, or 7 yrs without one
Continuing ed
Not required
For Master HVACR licenses
Overview
Do you need a Delaware HVAC license?
Yes, if you design, install, service or repair heating, air conditioning, refrigeration or ventilation systems in Delaware. The state Board licenses HVACR work at the Journey, Master and Contractor levels, and a Master license is what lets you run that work yourself.
License required when
- Designing or installing heating and air conditioning systems
- Servicing, repairing or modifying refrigeration, ventilation or process cooling and heating systems
- Installing gas piping that’s part of an HVACR system
- Doing work in a single specialty, such as refrigeration or commercial hood systems (Master HVACR Restricted)
Common exceptions
- Work done under the supervision of a master licensee while you build experience
- Our sources don’t list other exemptions, so confirm with the Board before you take on work
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalty amounts. The Board can refuse, discipline or deny licenses, so don’t take on HVACR work until your license is issued.
Your fast-track Delaware HVAC license checklist
The Delaware application, one page
- DELPROS account and started application
- Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion, or proof of 7 years under a master
- Verification of Employment form
- Copy of your CFC certification card
- License verifications from every state you’ve been licensed in
- Passing Master HVACR exam score
Types
Delaware HVAC license types and classifications
Delaware’s Board covers Journey, Master and Contractor HVACR licensing. Most people on this page are aiming for Master HVACR, or Master HVACR Restricted if they only work in one specialty.
MST
Full scope
Master HVACR
Design, install, construct, maintain, service, repair, alter or modify heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and process cooling or heating systems, including gas piping.
Exam
Master HVACR exam
Limit
All HVACR work
MST-R
One specialty
Master HVACR Restricted
Limited to one specialty: forced-air heating, ventilation and gas piping; hydronic heating and gas piping; commercial hood systems; refrigeration; air conditioning; or gas piping.
Exam
Master HVACR exam
Limit
Chosen specialty only
JRY
Path to Master
Journey HVACR
Tied to completing an apprenticeship program. Journey certificate holders can move up to Master after 2 years of work under a master licensee.
Exam
Not stated
Limit
Works under a master
Requirements
Delaware HVAC license requirements, class by class
There are two experience paths to a Master license. Which one you take depends on whether you already hold a Journeyman Certificate.
| Requirement | Master, with Journeyman Certificate | Master, no Journeyman Certificate | Master Restricted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years under a master after your certificate | 7 years under a master | Same paths as Master |
| Training proof | Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion | Verification of Employment form | Same paths as Master |
| Extra exam | None | Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam | Depends on your path |
| Master HVACR exam | Required | Required | Required |
| CFC certification card | Copy required | Copy required | Required for refrigeration or air conditioning |
| License verifications | From every state where you’ve held a license | From every state where you’ve held a license | From every state where you’ve held a license |
| Minimum age | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your Delaware HVAC license, step by step
- Build your experienceBefore you apply
Work under a master licensee: 2 years after finishing an apprenticeship, or 7 years if you don’t hold a Journeyman Certificate. - Start your application in DELPROSBefore you apply
Create an account on the DELPROS portal through the state’s Division of Professional Regulation site and begin the application for licensure. - Send your documentsBefore you apply
Upload your CFC card and Verification of Employment form, and have every state where you’ve held a license send a verification straight to the Board. - Get Board approvalEmail notice
Once the Board approves your application, you’ll get an email saying you can sit for the exam, then a separate email with the exam registration form. - Take the By-Pass Exam if neededNo Journeyman Certificate
If you’re on the 7-year path, schedule the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam with New Castle County VoTech, PolyTech H.S. in Kent County or Sussex Tech in Georgetown. - Pass the Master HVACR examExam day
100 questions in 4 hours, open book, 70% to pass. Test centers are in Dover-Harrington and Newark. - Receive your licenseAfter approval
With your exam passed and documents accepted, the Division of Professional Regulation issues your license.
Exam
What to expect on the Delaware HVAC exam
The Master HVACR exam is open book. You can tab and highlight your bound references, so knowing where things are in your books matters as much as knowing the material.
Format
Open book
Questions
100
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
Prov
Scoring & content
- 100 questions, 4 hours, 70% to pass
- Topics: general knowledge, piping, equipment, system sizing and installation, ventilation and exhaust, testing and inspection
- References include the 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code and ACCA Manual J
- All references must be bound; tabs and highlighting are allowed
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Each exam attempt costs $100, paid to Prov; ask the Board about waiting periods before you book
- Applicants without a Journeyman Certificate must also pass the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam
Exam references · Open book
Delaware’s Master HVACR exam is open book: the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and used during your test, but every reference must be bound.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | 22nd edition | Allowed in exam |
| Low Pressure Boilers | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| ACCA Manual J: Residential Load Calculation | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
An ACCA duct calculation slide rule is also on the permitted list.
Prep
Best Delaware HVAC exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Delaware HVAC license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $173 |
| Master HVACR exam | Fixed | $100 |
| Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam (if needed) | Fixed | Not stated |
| Commercial Hood System exam (if needed) | Fixed | $50 |
| Code books and references | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | $173 application plus $100 exam; excludes the By-Pass Exam, code books and renewal | $273 |
Fees from the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners fee schedule and the Prov candidate information bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Delaware accept out-of-state HVAC licenses?
Delaware has full reciprocity for Master HVACR with three states and limited agreements with many more. Limited agreements may still require part of the normal process, so confirm details with the Board.
Connecticut — reciprocity agreement
Full Master HVACR reciprocity.
Iowa — reciprocity agreement
Full Master HVACR reciprocity.
Maryland — reciprocity agreement
Full Master HVACR reciprocity.
Limited agreements — partial waivers
Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and meet Delaware’s experience and exam requirements.
Local
Do Delaware cities and counties have their own HVAC licensing rules?
Your Master HVACR license comes from the state, but local building departments still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Journey, Master and Master Restricted HVACR licenses
- Application review and exam approval
- Reciprocity agreements
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Mechanical and building permits
- Job-site inspections
- Apprenticeship By-Pass Exams at county vo-tech schools
Governance
Who regulates HVACR contractors in Delaware
Licensing authority
Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
Division of Professional Regulation
302-744-4500
Oversight responsibilities
- Reviews applications and approves candidates for the exam
- Issues Journey, Master and Contractor HVACR licenses
- Sets experience requirements and reciprocity agreements
- Disciplines licensees
Maintenance
How to renew your Delaware HVAC license and keep it active
Delaware doesn’t require continuing education for Master HVACR licenses. You’re told the renewal fee when you renew, and renewing late adds a late fee of 50% of the renewal fee. Check the renewal cycle in DELPROS.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
Set at renewal
Late penalty
50% of renewal fee
Renewing your license?
See the Delaware CE guide: hours, deadline, required topics and how to renew.
FAQ
Delaware HVAC license FAQs
How many years of experience do I need for a Delaware Master HVACR license?
2 years under a master licensee after finishing an apprenticeship, or 7 years under a master if you don’t hold a Journeyman Certificate.
Is the Delaware HVACR exam open book?
Yes. You can bring bound references that are tabbed and highlighted. The exam has 100 questions, a 4-hour limit and a 70% passing score.
What is the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam?
It’s an extra exam for applicants without a Journeyman Certificate who are approved on the 7-year experience path. It’s offered at Delaware vo-tech schools in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.
Do I need a CFC card?
Yes. Master applicants submit a copy of their CFC certification card, and it’s required for the Restricted refrigeration and air conditioning specialties.
Does Delaware require continuing education for HVACR?
No. Delaware doesn’t require continuing education for Master HVACR licenses.
Does my out-of-state HVACR license transfer to Delaware?
Delaware has full reciprocity with Connecticut, Iowa and Maryland, and limited agreements with 14 other states and DC. Everyone else applies as a new applicant.
Sources
Official sources for the Delaware HVAC license
- Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
- Delaware DELPROS licensing portal
- Board Verification of Employment form
- Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners fee schedule
- Prov Candidate Information Bulletin, Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.