Delaware HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in DE

Delaware’s heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration industry is booming. With cold winters and hot summers, there’s always a demand for skilled HVAC professionals. Those who wish to start their own business may find Delaware business laws quite business-friendly. Salaries are competitive, and the job market in the state is stable.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to obtain a Delaware HVAC license and begin your career in the heating and cooling equipment business.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Delaware?

The Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners issues HVAC licenses in Delaware. It is an office of the Division of Professional Regulation. Delaware has three types of HVAC licenses, and you must complete the requirements for each one before advancing to the next level.

Apprentice

The first step in licensing is obtaining your Apprentice Certificate. Register with the Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, then complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This agency has job-seeker information on the website and other tips to help you find a school near you, within your budget.

Journeyman

Once you complete an apprenticeship program, you may apply for the Journeyman’s Certificate. To earn the Journeyman’s Certificate, you must have four years of training and 144 hours of education each year, plus two years of work under a Master Technician. Earning an associate’s degree in HVAC from a local community college or completing a trade school program for HVAC may satisfy much of the education requirement and give you practical experience opportunities.

OR, if you have seven years of work under a Master Technician and pass the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam​ (DE DPR)​​, you may also qualify for the Journeyman’s Certificate.

Master Technician

Once you earn your Journeyman’s Certificate, you are eligible to take the Master HVACR exam or the Master HVACR Restricted exam. The Master HVACR exam covers one of the following specialties:

• Heating — hydronic systems and gas piping
• Heating — forced air systems; ventilation; and gas piping
• Air-conditioning
• Refrigeration
• Gas piping
• Commercial hood systems

If you want to complete work in more than one of the above areas, then you must take the Master HVCAR exam, not the Restricted one.

HVAC Contractor

If you want to start your own HVAC or HVACR business, you must be a registered contractor. Once you’ve passed the HVACR Master exam, you may register as a contractor through the Delaware Division of Revenue.

EPA License

An EPA Section 608 Technician Certification permits HVAC techs and mechanics to work on refrigeration units or cooling systems that use refrigerants. This federal certification is valid in all 50 states. It’s optional in Delaware, although many HVAC professionals find it broadens their ability to work on more complex jobs.  

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) issues several professional certifications for HVAC professionals. The certifications are issued after you pass one or more of the exams, demonstrating a high technical knowledge and skill. The certification is voluntary and is recognized in all 50 states.

Benefits of Getting an HVAC License

Without a Delaware HVACR license, you cannot work on heating or cooling systems. If you only hold an HVACR Restricted License, your options for work are quite limited. Most employers prefer well-rounded HVAC mechanics and installers. Additionally, any work that an unlicensed HVAC tech completes may not be to the building code, which most residential and commercial property owners do not wish.

Average HVAC salaries in Delaware

The average hourly wage for HVAC techs and mechanics in Delaware ranges from $18.95 to $45.00, although most employees earn around the state median income of $29.20. If you work overtime or if your employer offers a higher rate for working weekends or nights, you may earn more. Additionally, the more education and experience you have, the higher wages you can expect.

The same considerations for salaried workers apply, too: If you have lengthy experience, a broad education, and niche skills, you may earn close to the highest HVAC manager salary of $146,210 per year; newer salaried professionals typically start at the lower end of the range, $72,555. The average annual salary for an HVAC field supervisor or service manager is $102,997.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Delaware?

The application fees for the HVACR Master and HVACR Master Restricted licenses are both $153.

The cost of the EPA Section 608 Certification varies, depending on which exam you take, but ranges from $20 to $120.

NATE Certification costs vary depending on which certification you wish. The Ready-to-Work Certification starts at $25.

Depending on the city or county you work in, you may need a separate license or certification. Check with your city or county to determine if you need a special license.

How to get an HVAC license in Delaware

Obtaining an HVACR License in Delaware is a multi-step process:

• Basic requirements: Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, hold a high school diploma or a GED
• Gain work experience: To pass from an apprentice HVAC tech to a Journeyman, you must have at least four years of experience, at least two of which are under a Master Technician. Journeyman licenses require additional work experience, usually about six to seven years.
• Complete education: Enroll in and complete an HVAC training program if needed to meet experience requirements, which is 144 hours of education per year. You can reach out to your county’s Adult Education Department to learn more about HVAC training programs in your area:
  • Sussex Tech Adult Education Division (Sussex County): 302-856-9035
  • PolyTech Adult Education (Kent County): 302-697-4545
  • New Castle County Adult Education (New Castle County): 302-683-3652
• Submit application: Create an account on the DELPROS website and submit the HVAC contractor license application with necessary fees and supporting documentation, including proof of work experience and education.
• Pass examinations: Submit your request to sit for the HVACR exams to the state licensing board. You’ll also need to include proof of your work experience and proof of completed apprenticeship and Journeyman requirements.
• Obtain insurance and surety bond: To work on residential and commercial HVAC systems, you may need general liability insurance and a surety bond; the amount of each often depends on the type of work and the scope.

Exams Required for a Delaware HVAC License

The HVACR Master and HVACR Master Restricted licenses each require a passing score of 70%.

The EPA Section 608 Certification exam also requires a passing score of 70%.

NATE Certification passing scores depend on the certification and type of exam you’re taking, but most require a passing score of 70%-75%.

Insurance and bonding requirements for Delaware HVAC contractors

• Insurance: Contractors must have minimum general liability coverage of $300,000 and property damage liability coverage of at least $100,000, with both combined being at least $400,000.
• Bond: The type of license and cost of construction determine the surety bond amount, which can range from $3,000 to $200,000. The premium is usually 1–5% of the bond total and is based on the contractor’s credit history.
• Workers’ Compensation: If you own your own HVAC business and have employees, you must, per Delaware law, carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Delaware HVAC Licensing and Renewal Requirements

Delaware HVAC licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years. You can renew your license online through DELPROS; if you renew late, you pay an extra 50% of your renewal fee.