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How to get a plumber license in Delaware

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for Delaware plumbing licenses, pulled from official DE sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: Delaware Board of Plumbing and HVACR Examiners (Division of Professional Regulation)
  • State journeyman license: No (Delaware does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. A “Journeyman Certificate” is an apprenticeship completion credential used toward Master Plumber licensure. The Board licenses Master Plumbers (and HVACR classes).)
  • Master Plumber: With a Journeyman Certificate from a federally approved plumbing apprenticeship: ≥2 years verified experience under a licensed plumber after the certificate. Without a Journeyman Certificate: ≥7 years verified experience under a licensed plumber, then Board approval for the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam (≥70%) before Master exam eligibility. Apply via DELPROS.
  • Exam: see below, via Board of Plumbing and HVACR Examiners (after Board approval)
  • Code edition: Board must approve you before the Master exam (offered quarterly). Apprenticeship by-pass exam path requires ≥70% at a Delaware tech/apprenticeship school before Master exam eligibility.

Requirements by license

Master Plumber

ExperienceWith a Journeyman Certificate from a federally approved plumbing apprenticeship: ≥2 years verified experience under a licensed plumber after the certificate. Without a Journeyman Certificate: ≥7 years verified experience under a licensed plumber, then Board approval for the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam (≥70%) before Master exam eligibility. Apply via DELPROS.Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of · 24 Del. Admin. Code 1800 § 2.0: regulations.delaware.gov
ExamBoard of Plumbing and HVACR Examiners (after Board approval). Board approval required before sitting for the Master exam (quarterly). Candidate information packet sent after approval. Reciprocity available from listed states with substantially similar standards (CT, IA, MD) or with additional experience for other listed states.Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of
Fees
  • Plumber (Master) application: $173
  • Temporary plumber/HVACR: $40
Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of · Renewal fee amount is disclosed at renewal time in DELPROS; late fee is 50% of the renewal fee.
RenewalEvery 2 years. Plumbing/HVACR licenses expire October 31 of even years. Renew in DELPROS; late renewal allowed up to 1 year after expiration (illegal to practice while expired). After 1 year, license terminates — reapply as new.Not confirmedSource: dpr.delaware.gov · as of · Renewal dollar amount notified at renewal (fee schedule).
CE to renew5 hours per biennial renewal period (through Oct 31 even years)
  • Board-approved CE (course list posted for period ending Oct 31, mid 2028)
CE courses on the Board listing are typically 5-hour plumbing packages. Confirm the exact topic split in 24 Del. Admin. Code 1800 § 5.0 for your license type. Dual plumber/HVACR licensees may need additional hours.
Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of · Renewal timing: dpr.delaware.gov

License types in Delaware

  • No statewide journeyman plumber license
  • Journeyman Certificate (apprenticeship completion — credential, not a Board license)
  • Master Plumber
  • Master HVACR / Master Restricted HVACR
Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

CT, IA, MD treated as substantially similar (no extra experience). AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, MI, NH, NJ, NC, OH, RI, SC, VA, WV require ≥7 years practice as Master after licensure. Other jurisdictions: Board evaluates laws/regs.Source: dpr.delaware.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does Delaware issue a statewide journeyman plumber license?

No. Delaware licenses Master Plumbers. A Journeyman Certificate is an apprenticeship credential used toward Master licensure.

How do you qualify for Master?

Journeyman Certificate + 2 years under a licensed plumber, or 7 years experience then by-pass exam, then Board-approved Master exam.

Already licensed? See Delaware plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.