To provide HVACR services independently in Delaware, you must be licensed by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. This guide covers the two license types the Board issues, the experience and examination requirements, reciprocity for out-of-state licensees, and the continuing-education requirements taking effect for the 2026 renewal.
Do You Need an HVACR License to Work in Delaware?
Yes. Under Delaware law, a person may not provide HVACR or HVACR restricted services, or hold themselves out as a master HVACR or master restricted HVACR licensee, unless they are licensed by the Board (or exempt). The exception is for individuals working under the supervision of a master HVACR or master restricted HVACR licensee — apprentices and journeymen may work in this way without holding a Board license, but they are not independently licensed practitioners.
What HVACR Licenses Does Delaware Issue?
The Board issues two HVACR license types: Master HVACR and Master HVACR Restricted. There is no separate Board-issued apprentice, journeyman, or "HVACR contractor" license tier in the HVACR licensure law.
Master HVACR
A Master HVACR license authorizes the full scope of HVACR work — heating, ventilation, air conditioning, commercial hood systems, hydronic systems, refrigeration, and gas piping. It is the credential required to practice independently and to supervise others performing HVACR work.
Master HVACR Restricted
A Master HVACR Restricted license limits the holder to one specialty within the HVACR trade rather than the full scope of work.
How to Qualify for a Master HVACR License in Delaware
To qualify for a Master HVACR (or Master HVACR Restricted) license, you must meet the experience, examination, and refrigerant-certification requirements set out in Title 24, Chapter 18 of the Delaware Code.
Experience
There are two qualifying experience paths:
- Journeyman certificate plus two years. Hold a journeyman certificate earned in any state after completing a qualifying apprenticeship, then perform HVACR or HVACR restricted services for two years under the supervision of a master HVACR or master restricted HVACR licensee.
- Seven years of services. Perform HVACR or HVACR restricted services for at least seven years under the supervision of a master HVACR or master restricted HVACR licensee. This path requires passing a Board-approved apprenticeship equivalency test.
Examination
Applicants must achieve a passing score on a written, standardized examination designated by the Board and approved by the Division.
Refrigerant (CFC/EPA) Certification
Applicants must be certified at the appropriate level for handling chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by a testing organization approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. This corresponds to the federal EPA Section 608 Technician Certification required of anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants.
What Does a Delaware HVACR License Cost?
The application fee for a Master HVACR or Master HVACR Restricted license is $173, per the Board fee schedule.
The fee schedule separately lists a Commercial Hood System Examination fee of $50. It does not publish a general Master HVACR examination fee. Budget separately for EPA Section 608 training and testing, whose costs vary by provider.
Renewing Your Delaware HVACR License
Delaware HVACR licenses are renewable biennially. Renewal requires payment of the appropriate fee, submission of the renewal form, and proof that the licensee has met any continuing-education requirements established by the Board.
Continuing Education
The Board has adopted regulation updates clarifying continuing-education requirements that take effect for the 2026 renewal. The specific number of CE hours and any completion deadline were not identified in the reviewed rules, so confirm the current requirements directly with the Board.
Delaware HVACR License Reciprocity
Delaware evaluates out-of-state Master HVACR licensees through its reciprocity process, and the requirements depend on whether your home jurisdiction's standards are considered substantially similar to Delaware's.
Substantially similar jurisdictions
The Board recognizes Connecticut and Maryland as substantially similar. Applicants licensed in these states do not need to submit proof of experience.
Case-by-case jurisdictions
For jurisdictions that are not substantially similar, applicants must submit proof of practicing a minimum of seven years after receiving licensure as a master in the reciprocating jurisdiction. The Board's HVACR licensure page applies this requirement to applicants from Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.