Delaware Plumber Licensing FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Delaware’s plumber licensing and continuing education
How to Get a Delaware Master Plumber License
- Possess both:
- A Journeyman’s Certificate from a Federal apprenticeship program
- 2 years work experience as a Journeyman
- OR possess:
- 7 years of verified experience under the supervision of a licensed plumber
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Upon verification of qualifications, the board will grant your license
Delaware Plumber Renewal Requirements
Renewal Deadline: Licenses expire on October 31st of even-numbered years
Continuing Education: There is currently no continuing education requirement for Delaware plumbers
Getting Licensed
Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Delaware?
The Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Examiners must issue you a license to do any plumbing or HVACR work in Delaware.
What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Delaware?
- Master Plumber
Does Delaware have reciprocal licensing with other states?
Reciprocity is automatically granted from the following states:
- Connecticut
- Iowa
- Maryland
Reciprocity is not automatically granted, and proof of 7 years’ experience must be provided for the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
For any other state, the board must evaluate the licensure criteria
What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Delaware?
- Application: $153
- Renewal fee: Provided at time of renewal
- Late renewal fee: 50% of renewal fee in addition to the original renewal fee
Renewing a License
When do I need to renew my Delaware plumbing license?
Plumbing licenses expire on October 31st of even-numbered years.
How do I renew my plumbing license in Delaware?
A few months before the expiration date of your license, a renewal notice will be sent to the email address on the record. The notice will explain how to access your renewal application online.
My Delaware plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?
If you do not renew your license by the expiration date, your license will expire. It is illegal to practice in Delaware while your license is expired.
You may file a late renewal application for up to one year after the expiration date. You must pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. Even though you can file a late renewal application, it is illegal to practice until the license is actually renewed. The late period is not a “grace period.”
If you fail to renew within one year after the expiration date, your license will terminate. To resume practicing in Delaware, you must reapply as a new applicant.
How do I get my master plumbing license in Delaware?
- Possess both:
- A Journeyman’s Certificate from a Federal apprenticeship program
- 2 years work experience as a Journeyman
- OR possess:
- 7 years of verified experience under the supervision of a licensed plumber
- Apply for approval to take the exam
- Upon verification of qualifications, the board will grant your license
What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Delaware?
- Application: $153
- Renewal fee: Provided at time of renewal
- Late renewal fee: 50% of renewal fee in addition to the original renewal fee
Where can I take the Delaware master plumber exam?
- Dover-Harrington
- Newark
What happens if I fail my exam?
You can sit the exam two more times without further board approval. If you don’t pass after the third time, you must reapply to the board for permission to retake the exam. You cannot reapply until one year from the date you last sat the exam.
What is professional development?
Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!
Is professional development the same as continuing education?
Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.
Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
Cannon Building, Suite 203
861 Silver Lake Blvd
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 744-4500
customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/
Once I order a course, how long before I can start?
You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!
Once I start an online course, can I start and stop it at any time?
Our courses are available online, 24/7, and you can log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, we recommend that you log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.
How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you go at your own pace!
Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, while others like to re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!
How long do I have access to my courses?
After you purchase a course, you have unlimited access for six months. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).
Do your courses have tests?
It depends on course type and location. Most continuing education courses include quizzes.
Exam prep courses have a short quiz at the end of each lesson and a longer practice test at the end of the course. These quizzes and tests are there to help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to review more.
If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?
No. Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.
Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?
You can review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you have access to the courses.