{"id":50824,"date":"2024-10-18T20:38:51","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T20:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=50824"},"modified":"2024-10-18T20:38:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T20:38:52","slug":"delaware","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/hvac\/delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"HVAC License Requirements in Delaware"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware&#8217;s heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration industry is booming. With cold winters and hot summers, there\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, you\u2019ll find everything you need to know to obtain a Delaware HVAC license and begin your career in the heating and cooling equipment business.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-list\"><li><a href='#what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Delaware?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#apprentice' class='toc-link'>Apprentice<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#journeyman' class='toc-link'>Journeyman<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#master-technician' class='toc-link'>Master Technician<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#hvac-contractor' class='toc-link'>HVAC Contractor<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#epa-license' class='toc-link'>EPA License<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#nate-certificate' class='toc-link'>NATE Certificate<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#benefits-of-getting-an-hvac-license' class='toc-link'>Benefits of Getting an HVAC License<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#average-hvac-salaries-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>Average HVAC salaries in Delaware<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Delaware?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>How to get an HVAC license in Delaware<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#exams-required-for-a-delaware-hvac-license' class='toc-link'>Exams Required for a Delaware HVAC License<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#insurance-and-bonding-requirements-for-delaware-hvac-contractors' class='toc-link'>Insurance and bonding requirements for Delaware HVAC contractors<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#delaware-hvac-licensing-and-renewal-requirements' class='toc-link'>Delaware HVAC Licensing and Renewal Requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-hvac-licenses-in-delaware\">What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Delaware?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/boards\/plumbers\/examinations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues HVAC licenses in Delaware. It is an office of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/delpros.delaware.gov\/OH_HomePage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Division of Professional Regulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Delaware has three types of HVAC licenses, and you must complete the requirements for each one before advancing to the next level.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"apprentice\">Apprentice<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in licensing is obtaining your Apprentice Certificate. Register with the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.delaware.gov\/divisions\/employment-training\/apprenticeship-and-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, then complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This agency has job-seeker information <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.delaware.gov\/divisions\/employment-training\/apprenticeship-and-training\/faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on the website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other tips to help you find a school near you, within your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"journeyman\">Journeyman<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you complete an apprenticeship program, you may apply for the Journeyman\u2019s Certificate. To earn the Journeyman\u2019s 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&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OR, if you have seven years of work under a Master Technician and pass the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/boards\/plumbers\/examinations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u200b (DE DPR)\u200b\u200b, you may also qualify for the Journeyman\u2019s Certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"master-technician\">Master Technician<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you earn your Journeyman\u2019s 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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heating \u2014 hydronic systems and gas piping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heating \u2014 forced air systems; ventilation; and gas piping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air-conditioning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refrigeration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas piping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial hood systems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hvac-contractor\">HVAC Contractor<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to start your own HVAC or HVACR business, you must be a registered contractor. Once you\u2019ve passed the HVACR Master exam, you may register as a contractor through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/revenue.delaware.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware Division of Revenue<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"epa-license\">EPA License<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An EPA <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/section608\/section-608-technician-certification-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 608 Technician Certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019s optional in Delaware, although many HVAC professionals find it broadens their ability to work on more complex jobs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nate-certificate\">NATE Certificate<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/natex.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North American Technical Excellence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"benefits-of-getting-an-hvac-license\">Benefits of Getting an HVAC License<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"average-hvac-salaries-in-delaware\">Average HVAC salaries in Delaware<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average hourly wage for HVAC techs and mechanics in Delaware ranges from<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/hvac-technician\/salaries\/DE?from=top_sb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$18.95 to $45.00<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/hvac-supervisor\/salaries\/DE?from=top_sb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$146,210 per year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-delaware\">How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Delaware?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The application fees for the HVACR Master and HVACR Master Restricted licenses are both $153.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of the EPA Section 608 Certification varies, depending on which exam you take, but ranges from $20 to $120.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NATE Certification costs vary depending on which certification you wish. The Ready-to-Work Certification starts at $25.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-an-hvac-license-in-delaware\">How to get an HVAC license in Delaware<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtaining an HVACR License in Delaware is a multi-step process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Basic requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, hold a high school diploma or a GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gain work experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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\u2019s Adult Education Department to learn more about HVAC training programs in your area:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sussex Tech Adult Education Division (Sussex County): 302-856-9035<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PolyTech Adult Education (Kent County): 302-697-4545<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Castle County Adult Education (New Castle County): 302-683-3652<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Submit application<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Create an account on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/delpros.delaware.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DELPROS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and submit the HVAC contractor license application with necessary fees and supporting documentation, including proof of work experience and education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pass examinations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/aboutagency\/applyingforlicense\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit your<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request to sit for the HVACR exams to the state licensing board. You\u2019ll also need to include proof of your work experience and proof of completed apprenticeship and Journeyman requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obtain insurance and surety bond<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"exams-required-for-a-delaware-hvac-license\">Exams Required for a Delaware HVAC License<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The HVACR Master and HVACR Master Restricted licenses each require a passing score of 70%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EPA Section 608 Certification exam also requires a passing score of 70%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NATE Certification passing scores depend on the certification and type of exam you\u2019re taking, but most require a passing score of 70%-75%.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"insurance-and-bonding-requirements-for-delaware-hvac-contractors\">Insurance and bonding requirements for Delaware HVAC contractors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bond<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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\u20135% of the bond total and is based on the contractor&#8217;s credit history.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Workers&#8217; Compensation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you own your own HVAC business and have employees, you must, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onestop.delaware.gov\/Operate_Contractors#:~:text=Private%20parties%20include%20individuals%2C%20homeowners,have%20questions%20about%20Worker's%20Compensation?&amp;text=Delaware%20law%2C%20with%20limited%20exceptions,have%20questions%20about%20Unemployment%20Insurance?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">per Delaware law<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, carry Workers\u2019 Compensation insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"delaware-hvac-licensing-and-renewal-requirements\">Delaware HVAC Licensing and Renewal Requirements<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware HVAC licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years. You can renew your license online through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/boards\/plumbers\/renew\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DELPROS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; if you renew late, you pay an extra 50% of your renewal fee.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Delaware&#8217;s heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration industry is booming. With cold winters and hot summers, there\u2019s 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\u2019ll find [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":39896,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-license.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"industry":[548],"resource_type":[562],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-50824","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","industry-hvac","resource_type-licensing"],"acf":{"page_partner":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50824"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50824\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=50824"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=50824"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=50824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}