DELAWARE · plumber
Master Plumber
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners →Scope of Work
A Delaware Master Plumber is authorized to perform, contract for, and supervise plumbing installation work and to pull plumbing permits. The Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, within the Division of Professional Regulation, administers plumber and HVACR licensure under 24 Del. C. Chapter 18 and 24 DE Admin. Code 1800. Source: Delaware Board of Plumbing, HVAC and Refrigeration Examiners (https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/).
Experience and Training
Two qualifying pathways for licensure by examination: (a) with qualifying Journeyman certificate: completion of an approved plumbing apprenticeship program plus at least 2 years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber after obtaining the Journeyman certificate (approximately 4,000 hours of post-certificate experience); or (b) without qualifying Journeyman certificate: at least 7 years (approximately 14,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master Plumber. Apprentice registration through the Delaware Department of Labor is a prerequisite to counting hours. Source: Delaware Master Plumber Licensure (https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/newlicense/).
Exam
Administered by Prov, Inc. Content covers the plumbing code currently adopted in Delaware, 24 Del. C. Chapter 18, and Board rules. Source: Delaware DPR Candidate Information Bulletin (https://provexam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Delaware-Division-of-Professional-Regulation-CIB-2022.03.08.pdf).
Renewal and CE
2-year renewal cycle. Delaware requires plumbing licensees to complete continuing-education hours approved by the Board; verify current requirements on the Board's FAQ page. Source: Delaware Board FAQ (https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/faqs/).
Reciprocity
Delaware maintains reciprocal arrangements with specific states for Master Plumber licenses obtained by examination. Applicants licensed in another state should submit a license-verification letter and confirm current terms with the Board. Source: Delaware Board of Plumbing, HVAC and Refrigeration Examiners (https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/).
Union and Non-Union Pathway
Delaware plumbing apprenticeships run through UA-affiliated Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 74 (Delaware and Eastern Shore) and through non-union programs registered with PHCC of Delaware and ABC Delaware. Delaware Technical Community College provides plumbing curricula. Presented neutrally; verify current intake with each program.
Scope Limitations
Only a Delaware Master Plumber (or a firm employing one as Master of record) may contract for plumbing work and pull plumbing permits in Delaware. Out-of-state licensees have no automatic authority in Delaware; they must qualify and test through the Board.