Rhode Island to Delaware: master HVAC technician license reciprocity
Delaware has a reciprocity agreement with Rhode Island: a Rhode Island master HVAC technician can get a Delaware license without retaking the trade exam.
Reference only, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the licensing board before you apply. Full disclaimer.
Reciprocity with Rhode Island (standards not substantially similar; 7 years of practice required)
A signed state-to-state agreement. The trade exam is waived; you apply, prove your history, and pay the fee.
The Board's HVACR licensure page lists Rhode Island among the jurisdictions whose licensure standards are not substantially similar to Delaware's. A current Rhode Island master-level HVACR licensee may still be licensed by reciprocity without a Delaware examination, but under 24 Del. C. § 1823(b) must submit proof of practicing for a minimum of seven years after receiving master licensure in Rhode Island, documented with Verification of Employment forms signed by supervisors or, for self-employment, Schedule C tax forms (W-2s or employer affidavits may substitute at the Board's discretion). The applicant pays the $173 application fee in DELPROS, has licensure verification sent to the Board from Rhode Island and every other jurisdiction where they have been licensed, uploads a copy of their CFC (EPA 608) certification card, and attests to the good-conduct requirements of § 1821(a)(4)-(7). Applications are reviewed at the next Board meeting once complete.
At a glance
- Trade exam
- Waived
- Law / code exam
- Not required
- Agreement
- Active
What you must already have
- Your Rhode Island license must be active and in good standing.
- You must have no disciplinary action or unresolved complaints on your record.
- You must have held your Rhode Island license for at least 7 years.Proof of practicing at least 7 years after receiving master licensure in Rhode Island (24 Del. C. § 1823(b)), shown on Verification of Employment forms, W-2s or Schedule C.
What you'll do to get licensed in Delaware
- 1Application fee. Pay the application fee ($173). Master HVACR (or Master Restricted HVACR) application fee, non-refundable, paid in DELPROS.
- 2Other. State/jurisdiction licensure verification sent directly to the Board office from each state or jurisdiction where the applicant currently holds or has ever held a license (a business license covering employees does not need verification).
- 3Other. EPA Section 608 technician certification (Type I/II/III/Universal) to handle refrigerants; federal, does not expire. Delaware requires a copy of the CFC certification card with every Master HVACR, Master HVACR Restricted-Refrigeration and Master HVACR Restricted-Air Conditioning application (24 Del. C. § 1821(a)(3); 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 § 3.1.3).
- 4Other. Verification of Employment forms (or W-2s, employer affidavits or Schedule C with an explanation) covering at least 7 years of practice as a licensed master.
Published fees on this path total $173, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.
What you'll need to buy or arrange
Exam preparation
Most boards contract PSI, Prov, or ICC for exams. Check which code edition the exam is written to before buying a prep course.
- Other
How Delaware licenses master HVAC technicians
Delaware master HVAC technician · “Master HVACR”
Statewide license
Delaware issues a person-held Master HVACR license through the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners in the Division of Professional Regulation (the electrical trade is regulated by a separate board). A Master HVACR licensee may design, install, service and alter heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and process systems including gas piping; a Master HVACR Restricted license covers one specialty (forced-air heating with ventilation and gas piping, hydronic heating with gas piping, commercial hood systems, refrigeration, air conditioning, or gas piping). Employees work under a master's supervision without their own license. A new master needs a journeyman certificate from a federally-registered apprenticeship plus 2 years under a master, or 7 years under a master plus the ABC Delaware Apprenticeship By-Pass exam, then passes the ProV-administered Master HVACR exam (100 questions, 4 hours, open book, 70%, $100) and pays the $173 application fee; a CFC (EPA 608) card is required. Out-of-state masters are licensed by reciprocity without a Delaware exam under 24 Del. C. § 1823: the Board has published that Connecticut and Maryland standards are substantially similar (no experience proof) and that fourteen other jurisdictions are not (7 years of licensed practice required); all other states are evaluated case by case. Licenses renew biennially with 5 hours of continuing education from 2026.
Common questions
- Do I have to take the Delaware master HVAC technician exam if I'm licensed in Rhode Island?
- No. The trade exam is waived on this path under the agreement with Rhode Island.
- How long do I need to have held my Rhode Island license?
- At least 7 years before applying.
- What does it cost to get a Delaware master HVAC technician license from Rhode Island?
- Published fees on this path total $173, not counting exam vendor fees or bonds.
- Does it work the other way, from Delaware to Rhode Island?
- Not necessarily. Reciprocity is directed. Going from Delaware to Rhode Island, the mechanism is experience credit.
Sources
- 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 - Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners (regulations) · 24 DE Admin. Code 1800 §§ 2.0, 5.0 · Delaware Registrar of Regulations · Admin Rule · verified September 23, 2026
- 24 Del. C. ch. 18, subch. I - Board of Plumbing, HVACR Examiners: objectives and definitions · 24 Del. C. § 1802 · Delaware General Assembly · Statute · verified September 15, 2026
- 24 Del. C. ch. 18, subch. III - License: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration · 24 Del. C. §§ 1820, 1821, 1823, 1825 · Delaware General Assembly · Statute · verified September 23, 2026
- Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners - Home · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Agency Page · verified September 15, 2026
- Delaware DPR - Plumbing and HVACR Examinations (ProV and Apprenticeship By-Pass exam) · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Agency Page · verified September 23, 2026
- Delaware DPR - Plumbing and HVACR Frequently Asked Questions · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Faq · verified September 23, 2026
- Delaware DPR - Board of Electrical Examiners fee schedule · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Agency Page · verified September 23, 2026
- Delaware DPR - Master HVACR and Master HVACR Restricted Licensure (examination and reciprocity) · 24 Del. C. §§ 1821, 1823 · Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Agency Page · verified September 23, 2026
- Prov, Inc. - Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Candidate Information Bulletin (22.03.09) · Prov, Inc. for the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation · Form · verified September 23, 2026
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements · 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F (Clean Air Act §608) · U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · Other · verified September 15, 2026
Verified dates are when a person last opened each source and confirmed the facts above. Cite the board, not us.