Delaware HVAC Contractor License Guide

To get a HVAC contractor license in Delaware, apply for Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted through DELPROS, document required experience (2 years post-apprenticeship or 7 years without), pass the ProV Master exam (70%), and maintain CE. Business licensing and contractor registration are also required to operate.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-12

Requirement	Details
Licensing agency	Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Examiners (Master HVACR Licensure).
License types	Master HVACR (unrestricted) and Master HVACR Restricted (single specialty: heating FA hydronic, commercial hood, refrigeration, AC, or gas piping) (DPR licensure page).
Application portal & forms	Apply online in DELPROS. Typical uploads include EPA CFC card (for AC/Refrigeration), and Verification of Employment as directed on the licensure page.
Fees (application/other)	$173 application fee for Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted; renewal fee is provided at time of renewal in DELPROS; late renewal adds 50% late fee (DPR Fee Schedule).
Experience	EITHER (1) Journeyman Certificate from a federally approved apprenticeship + 2 years post‑apprenticeship experience under a master, OR (2) 7 years supervised experience without Journeyman, plus ABC “Apprenticeship Bypass” exams if required (DPR requirements; 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 §3.1.2).
Exam	Board‑approved Master HVACR exam administered by ProV; 70% minimum passing score; board approval required before scheduling (DPR Examinations).
Continuing education	5 hours each renewal period: 3 hours Code changes, 1 hour safety, 1 hour Energy Code (HVACR); first‑cycle proration applies (CE guidance; Regs §5.3).
Renewal cycle	All Plumbing/HVACR licenses expire October 31 of even‑numbered years; late renewal permitted up to 1 year with late fee, but practice is illegal until renewed (DPR Renewal).
Minimum age	Not expressly stated in statute/regulations; applicants must meet experience/exam standards (see 24 Del. C. §1821 and Board rules).
Insurance/bond	No liability bond/insurance is required for the DPR license. To perform construction services, you must register with the Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Contractor Registration and show workers’ compensation (if you have employees) (DOL Contractor Registration).
Other registrations to operate	Delaware Division of Revenue business license (contractor category; generally $75 per location) and gross receipts tax compliance (Division of Revenue—Contractors; 30 Del. C. §2502).

How to get a HVAC contractor license in Delaware

1. Create your DELPROS account. Start your application for Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted in the state’s online licensing system and select the correct license type (DELPROS).
2. Gather eligibility documents. Upload your EPA CFC certification (if applying for AC/Refrigeration), employment verification, and any Journeyman Certificate or proof of years of supervised experience as required (DPR licensure page).
3. Obtain Board approval to test. The Board must approve you to sit for the Master exam; some applicants without a Journeyman Certificate must first pass the ABC apprenticeship “Bypass” exams (DPR Examinations).
4. Pass the ProV Master HVACR exam (≥70%). After approval, ProV emails scheduling details and the Candidate Information Bulletin; test in‑person or online (exam process).
5. Receive your license. DPR issues your license after it receives passing scores and verifies all requirements. You’ll get an email once issued (post‑exam issuance).
6. Register to operate. Before performing work, secure a Delaware Division of Revenue business license and register with the DOL Office of Contractor Registration (fees: $200–$500 depending on public/private work) (Division of Revenue—Contractors; Contractor Registration).
7. Renew and keep CE current. Complete 5 CE hours (Code, safety, Energy Code) and renew by October 31 of even years (CE rules; renewal).

Delaware HVAC contractor license: exam, experience, and reciprocity

Delaware licenses individuals as Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted. Qualification pathways are precise: either a Journeyman Certificate plus two years of post‑apprenticeship supervised experience, or seven years of supervised experience plus approved “Bypass” exams where applicable (DPR requirements; Board regulations).

The Board uses ProV for licensure testing; you must be approved before ProV will schedule you, and a 70% score is required to pass. After DPR receives your score and verifies credentials, your license is issued (exam steps & scores).

Operating legally after you’re licensed

To perform HVAC work as a business, Delaware also requires a Division of Revenue business license (contractor category) and compliance with gross receipts tax; all contractors must register with the Department of Labor’s Office of Contractor Registration before work begins and show workers’ comp if they have employees (Revenue—Contractors; DOL Contractor Registration).

If you’re budgeting your startup, compare state fees and common third‑party costs using our breakdown in Delaware HVAC Contractor License Cost. For a sense of how Delaware handles professional licensing across very different trades, see our Delaware Cosmetology License guide for renewal and CE patterns you’ll also encounter.

Delaware HVAC contractor license renewal and CE

All Plumbing/HVACR licenses expire October 31 of even‑numbered years. CE totals 5 hours per period and must include Code changes, safety, and Energy Code (HVACR); first‑cycle proration applies. Keep certificates in case you’re randomly audited (renewal schedule; CE details).

Common pitfalls when applying for a Delaware HVAC license

Submitting pre‑apprenticeship experience

Experience earned before your Journeyman Certificate does not count toward the 2‑year requirement. Make sure your VOE dates reflect post‑apprenticeship work (Regs §3.1.2.1–.2).

Assuming state licensure equals business compliance

Your DPR license authorizes practice, but you still need a state business license and DOL contractor registration to operate, with separate fees and renewals (Revenue—Contractors; DOL).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a company license or an individual license?

Delaware issues individual Master HVACR licenses through DPR; to operate a business, you must also obtain a Delaware Division of Revenue business license and register as a construction contractor with DOL before work begins (DPR; Revenue; DOL).

How long does approval take after I apply?

DPR reviews complete applications and approvals to test on or before the next Board meeting; once passing scores arrive and requirements are verified, your license is issued by email (DPR FAQs; Exams).

What continuing education is required to renew?

5 hours per renewal: 3 hours Code changes, 1 hour safety, and 1 hour Energy Code for HVACR. First‑cycle CE may be prorated based on initial licensure date (CE guidance; Regs §5.3).

When do Delaware HVAC licenses expire?

October 31 of even‑numbered years. Late renewal is allowed for up to one year with a 50% late fee, but you cannot practice until renewed (DPR Renewal).

Is liability insurance required for the HVAC license?

No liability insurance is required to obtain the DPR license. However, contractor registration with DOL requires workers’ compensation coverage if you have employees (DOL Contractor Registration).

Need a step‑by‑step, personalized checklist? License Navigator can map your exact path, deadlines, and costs to get your Delaware HVAC business running fast.