Delaware HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: Master HVACR · Issued by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

❄️ HVACDE ✔ Verified 2026-07-11

In Delaware, HVAC contractors must hold the Master HVACR, issued by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Delaware

Follow these steps to earn your Master HVACR. Every figure is verified against the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 2 years under master licensee supervision (with HVACR journeyman certificate) or 7 years under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70%; reciprocity applicants from CT or MD with substantially similar standards require no experience; other reciprocal states require 7 years as Master in home jurisdiction
Pass the Master HVACR Licensure Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Clear the background check. Required - criminal background check with no convictions substantially related to HVACR services (except waivable violations), no felony sexual offense convictions, no drug/alcohol impairment affecting job performance, no pending disciplinary proceedings in other jurisdictions, CFC certification required
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners — $173 application fee. Processing time: On or before the next scheduled Board meeting (held second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m., except June and December) once complete application submitted via DELPROS.
Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours if licensed on or after 11/1 in even years through 11/1 in odd years; 0 hours if licensed 11/1 odd years through 7/1 even years).

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

Delaware HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in Delaware — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official delpros.delaware.gov database →

License types

Master HVACR — Design, installation, maintenance, service, repair, alteration, or modification of heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, or process cooling/heating systems including gas piping
Master HVACR Restricted — Limited to one specialty: Heating (forced air systems, ventilation and gas piping), Heating (hydronic systems and gas piping), Commercial Hood Systems, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, or Gas Piping

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	2 years under master licensee supervision (with HVACR journeyman certificate) or 7 years under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70%; reciprocity applicants from CT or MD with substantially similar standards require no experience; other reciprocal states require 7 years as Master in home jurisdiction
Application fee	$173
License fee	—
Renewal fee	Not published by the board
Renewal period	2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Continuing education	5 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours if licensed on or after 11/1 in even years through 11/1 in odd years; 0 hours if licensed 11/1 odd years through 7/1 even years)
Bond required	None required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Required - criminal background check with no convictions substantially related to HVACR services (except waivable violations), no felony sexual offense convictions, no drug/alcohol impairment affecting job performance, no pending disciplinary proceedings in other jurisdictions, CFC certification required
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Connecticut; Maryland; Alabama; Arkansas; District of Columbia; Florida; Georgia; Michigan; New Hampshire; New Jersey; North Carolina; Ohio; Rhode Island; South Carolina; Virginia; West Virginia · compare all states
Processing time	On or before the next scheduled Board meeting (held second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m., except June and December) once complete application submitted via DELPROS

What a Delaware hvac license costs

Application fee	$173.
Master HVACR Licensure Exam	$100 (ProV computer-based exam); the Commercial Hood System exam is $50 through the Board.
Surety bond	None required.
Renewal fee	Not published by the board.
Renewal period	2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years).

Exams

Master HVACR Licensure Exam	Provider: ProV Exam · Passing: 70% · Fee: $100 (ProV computer-based exam); the Commercial Hood System exam is $50 through the Board

Renewing a Delaware HVAC contractor license

The Master HVACR renews on a fixed cycle set by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal fee	Not published by the board
Continuing education	5 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours if licensed on or after 11/1 in even years through 11/1 in odd years; 0 hours if licensed 11/1 odd years through 7/1 even years)
Where to renew	Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Delaware hvac license cost?

Application: $173. Renewal: Not published by the board.

How do I look up a hvac license in Delaware?

Search the official license database at delpros.delaware.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do hvacs in Delaware need a surety bond?

None required

What experience is required for a Delaware hvac license?

2 years under master licensee supervision (with HVACR journeyman certificate) or 7 years under master licensee supervision without a journeyman certificate followed by passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass (equivalency) Exam with at least 70%; reciprocity applicants from CT or MD with substantially similar standards require no experience; other reciprocal states require 7 years as Master in home jurisdiction

How long does it take to get a Delaware hvac license?

Processing time: On or before the next scheduled Board meeting (held second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m., except June and December) once complete application submitted via DELPROS.

Is a background check required for hvacs in Delaware?

Background check: Required - criminal background check with no convictions substantially related to HVACR services (except waivable violations), no felony sexual offense convictions, no drug/alcohol impairment affecting job performance, no pending disciplinary proceedings in other jurisdictions, CFC certification required.

How often must a Delaware hvac license be renewed?

2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years). Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (3 hours if licensed on or after 11/1 in even years through 11/1 in odd years; 0 hours if licensed 11/1 odd years through 7/1 even years).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-11 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners before applying. This is not legal advice.