Construction / Plumber Continuing Education / Delaware
- Delaware
- Plumber CE
- Licensed Plumbers
- Updated Oct 2026
Delaware Plumber Continuing Education: Hours, Deadline and Approved Courses
Delaware plumbers need 5 hours of approved CE every 2 years, covering code changes, safety and cross connections and backflow, by October 31 of even-numbered years starting in 2026.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners requirements
Hours per cycle
5 hrs
3 hrs code changes, 1 hr safety, 1 hr cross connections and backflow
Cycle
2 years
Licenses expire October 31 of even years
Deadline
Oct 31, even years
Starting in 2026
Online allowed?
Not stated
Confirm with the state before you enroll
Who needs CE
Who needs continuing education for a Delaware plumber license?
Delaware licensed plumbers need CE to renew once they’ve held the license for at least a year. Renewal is handled by the state through the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.
CE applies to
- Licensed plumbers
- Dual plumbing and HVACR licensees (6 hours)
- Licensees in their first renewal period (reduced hours)
Exemptions
- Licensed less than 1 year: no CE at your first renewal
- The board may waive CE or accept partial hours on a written hardship request made before your renewal deadline
Delaware plumber CE at a glance
Delaware plumber renewal, one box
| Renewed with | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| CE required? | Yes, after your first year licensed |
| Hours per cycle | 5 hrs (6 for dual plumbing and HVACR licensees) |
| Cycle | 2 years |
| Required topics | Code changes, safety, cross connections and backflow |
| Online allowed? | Not stated |
| Deadline | Oct 31, even years |
| Who reports | Licensee attests at renewal |
| Carryover | No |
| Grace period | None; late renewal allowed up to 1 year with a late fee |
| Renewal fee | Shown at renewal; late fee is 50% of the renewal fee |
| Last updated | October 28, 2026 |
Hours
How many CE hours does a Delaware plumber license need?
A full renewal period needs 5 hours: 3 hours on code changes, 1 hour on safety and 1 hour on cross connections and backflow. Dual plumbing and HVACR licensees need 6 hours. Newer licensees need fewer hours at their first renewal.
| Class | Total | Required topics | Electives | Delivery limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber (full period) | 5 hrs | 3 hrs code changes, 1 hr safety, 1 hr cross connections and backflow | None | Not stated |
| Dual plumbing and HVACR licensee | 6 hrs | 3 hrs code changes (alternating plumbing and HVACR each period), 1 hr safety, 1 hr cross connections and backflow, 1 hr energy code | None | Not stated |
| Licensed 1 to 2 years (first renewal) | 3 hrs | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Licensed less than 1 year (first renewal) | 0 hrs | None | None | Not stated |
The CE requirement starts with the 2026 renewal. You only get credit the first time you take a course in a licensing period.
Deadline
When is the Delaware plumber license renewal deadline?
Delaware plumbing licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years, and the CE requirement starts with the 2026 renewal. Finish your hours and renew by then.
| Deadline rule | October 31 of even-numbered years |
| Cycle | 2 years |
| Next deadlines | October 31, 2026; October 31, 2028 |
| Grace period | None. Late renewal is allowed up to 1 year after October 31 |
| Late penalty | Late fee of 50% of the renewal fee, and every late renewal is audited for CE |
| CE completion deadline | October 31 of even-numbered years |
Steps
How to renew a Delaware plumber license, step by step
- Take approved CEBy Oct 31
Complete 5 hours of board-approved CE: 3 on code changes, 1 on safety and 1 on cross connections and backflow, or 3 hours if it’s your first renewal after 1 to 2 years. - Get your certificateSame day
Save the certificate of completion for each course you finish. - Confirm it’s reportedAt renewal
You report your own hours by attesting electronically when you renew. You only send certificates if you’re picked for audit. - Pay the renewal feeFee shown at renewal
Renew online in DELPROS by October 31 of the even year. The fee is shown when you renew, and the late fee is 50% of it. - Check your license statusAfter renewal
Look up your license in DELPROS to confirm your new expiration date.
Providers
Approved Delaware plumber license CE providers
We haven’t compared CE providers for this license yet. Use the board’s approved provider list to confirm a course counts before you pay. Hours must be approved CE to count.
Approval
How to check a Delaware plumber CE course is approved
Courses must be approved by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners to count, and approved courses are posted on the Division of Professional Regulation website.
- Confirm the course is approved for Delaware plumbing CE before you pay.
- Check that your hours include 3 on code changes, 1 on safety and 1 on cross connections and backflow.
- Work out whether your first renewal needs 0, 3 or the full 5 hours.
Reporting
How Delaware plumber CE is reported, and what happens in an audit
You report your own CE by attesting electronically when you renew. Starting with 2026 renewals, the board randomly audits 5% of renewal applications and audits every licensee who renews late.
- Keep a certificate of completion for every course.
- Track your hours by topic.
- If you’re selected for audit, you’ll be told within 60 days and must send your CE documentation by the date on the notice.
Cost
How much does Delaware plumber license renewal cost?
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| License renewal fee | Shown at renewal | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| Late renewal fee | 50% of the renewal fee, on top of the renewal fee | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| Inactive status change request | $45 | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| CE courses (3 to 6 hours) | Varies by provider | CE provider |
Fees from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation plumbing and HVACR fee schedule, checked October 2026. The renewal amount is shown when you renew.
Late or lapsed
Late, expired or inactive Delaware plumber license
Delaware plumbing and HVACR licenses expire on October 31 of even years. There’s no grace period: you can renew late for up to a year, and after that the license terminates.
Late renewal
You can renew up to 1 year after October 31 by paying the renewal fee plus the late fee. Every late renewal is audited for CE, and you can’t work until the license is actually renewed.
Terminated license
If you don’t renew within 1 year after the expiration date, your license terminates.
Inactive status
Request it through a DELPROS Service Request before your late renewal period ends (October 31 of odd years). It can stay inactive for up to 5 years; reactivate with a Service Request.
Makeup CE
You still need your required hours before you can renew.
Who controls
Who controls Delaware plumber license renewal?
Renewal authority
Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Cannon Building, Suite 203, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Responsibilities
- Issues and renews Delaware plumbing and HVACR licenses
- Sets CE hours and required topics
- Approves plumbing CE courses
- Audits renewals for CE compliance
Getting licensed
Getting a Delaware plumber license
Need the license first? Our Delaware guide covers who needs a license, the classes, exams, fees and the steps to apply.
FAQ
Delaware plumber license CE FAQs
How many CE hours does a Delaware plumber need?
5 hours every 2 years: 3 on code changes, 1 on safety and 1 on cross connections and backflow. Dual plumbing and HVACR licensees need 6.
When is the deadline?
October 31 of even-numbered years, starting in 2026.
Is CE required for my first renewal?
Not if you’ve held the license for less than a year. If you’ve held it one to two years, you need 3 hours.
Can I take CE online?
Our sources don’t say. Confirm with the board that a course counts before you enroll.
Who reports my hours?
You do. You attest to your CE when you renew in DELPROS, and you send certificates only if you’re picked for audit.
Do hours carry over?
No. Extra hours don’t carry over to the next licensing period.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
There’s no grace period. You can renew late for up to a year with a late fee of 50% of the renewal fee, and every late renewal is audited for CE. After a year, the license terminates.
Sources
Official sources for Delaware plumber CE rules
- Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
- Plumbing/HVACR Board: License Renewal
- Plumbing/HVACR Board: Fee Schedule
- Plumbing/HVACR Board: Continuing Education and Audit Information
- 24 Del. Admin. Code 1800, Plumbing and HVACR Board rules
Last updated October 28, 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.