How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Delaware
Plumbing License Requirements in Delaware
Plumbers in Delaware must obtain licenses before they start doing any kind of plumbing work. Apprentices must be licensed before they begin on-site training, as well.
You can get your Delaware plumbing license by working for a licensed master plumber for 7 years, or you can pass an exam that tests your knowledge of the plumbing industry.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Delaware
Delaware has four types of plumbing licenses. The first is an apprentice license, which can be obtained by registering with the State of Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. Apprentices must enroll in approved training programs.
Journeyman plumbers must complete at least four years of hands-on training and 144 hours of education during their apprenticeships before they can obtain a Certificate of Completion and apply for a license. The alternative is to spend seven years in the employment of a master plumber. This track to getting a journeyman plumbing license also requires passing the Apprentice By-Pass Exam.
Master plumbers must be certified as journeymen before taking and passing the master plumbing exam. Master plumbers can also apply for plumbing contractor licenses through the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Delaware
Once plumbers complete their training and become journeyman, they must also pay to take the licensing exam to become master plumbers. The master plumber license costs $153. The renewal fee is the same and must be paid every two years.
Licensing Exams
Delaware only requires an exam for master plumbers. To sit for it, journeyman plumbers need permission from the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners. The exam is issued through Prometric. An applicant must pass the exam with a score of at least 70% to b1e issued a master plumbing license.
The process of applying for and being approved to take an exam is currently handled 100% online. Exam applicants must create Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service (DELPROS) accounts upon being accepted to take the exam.
Their accounts will then offer the information required to schedule and prepare for the exam, including a registration form. The applicant then has to take all of that information and submit it to Prometric online, by phone, or by mail and include payment information. Prometric then issues the exam and, if the applicant gets a passing score, alerts the board. A plumbing license can then be issued immediately.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Delaware?
In Delaware, plumbing licenses are issued by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. The Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners is responsible for both issuing licenses and enforcing industry regulations for plumbers and HVAC professionals.
The exception is the plumbing contractor license, which must be obtained through the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Plumbing Certifications
Delaware doesn’t issue plumbing certifications. However, there are national organizations that do. Getting certified by the ASSE or the NITC can give master plumbers and plumbing contractors an edge over their competition by proving their competence to potential clients.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Delaware?
Yes, you can transfer a plumbing license to Delaware if you hold a current license in another jurisdiction (U.S. state, territory or District of Columbia) where the licensure requirements are substantially similar to Delaware’s requirements. This is called reciprocity. Delaware offers reciprocity for plumbing licenses with Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland.
Reciprocity Requirements:
- Proof of experience is not required if the licensure standards are substantially similar.
- Applicants must meet all state requirements,
If the licensure standards are not substantially similar, you may need to provide proof of experience. You may also need to submit a copy of the other jurisdiction’s law and regulations.
Related Links
- Delaware Plumbing Jobs
- Delaware Plumbing Schools
- Delaware Plumbing Salaries