HVAC Tech Classes in Delaware (Top Schools)

If you want to start a career in the HVAC industry, now’s the perfect time to do so.

That’s because according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the industry will gain a 5% projected employment growth between 2020 and 2030.

In fact, in Delaware, there had been 1,280 employed HVAC professionals as of May 2021.

On this page, you’ll learn how you can work as a licensed professional in the HVAC industry.

HVAC Programs in Delaware

HVAC technicians are primarily responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems.

So for you to learn this skill and the entire trade, you need to enroll in an approved HVAC program.

By doing so, you’ll become better prepared for the HVAC work/services and the certification and licensure exams.

The table below lists some of the accredited HVAC schools in Delaware.

How to Get Licensed in Delaware

According to Delaware’s Title 24, all HVAC professionals at all levels must have an HVACR license to work independently.

The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners will oversee the regulations and license issuance.

Types of Licenses

The Board requires the following licenses, and you must meet its qualifications:

• HVACR Apprentice
  • Have enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program
  • Have registered with the Delaware Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship
• HVACR Journeyman
  • Have obtained the Journeyman Certificate of Completion by completing the following:
    • Apprentice program with 4 years of practical training and at least 144 hours of education per year
    • Have worked under a licensed Master HVAC/R for at least 2 years
  • Otherwise, present the following:
    • Proof of at least 7 years working under a licensed Master HVACR
    • Proof of successfully passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam
• HVACR Master and Master Restricted
  • Have been a Certified Journeyman
  • Have successfully passed the Master HVACR exam
• HVACR Contractor
  • Holds a Master HVACR license
  • Have registered as a licensed contractor with the Delaware Division of Revenue

Taking the Master HVACR Exam

The master-level HVACR license has 2 types:

• Master HVACR – basically anyone who can provide services to the specialties listed in Master Restricted HVACR
• Master Restricted HVACR – anyone who can provide services limited to one specialty:
  • Heating – Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, and Gas Piping
  • Heating – Hydronic Systems and Gas Piping
  • Commercial Hood Systems
  • Refrigeration
  • Air Conditioning
  • Gas Piping

To apply for the exam, you must submit the following through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services (DELPROS):

• Exam and license application forms with the applicable fees
• Completed Verification of Employment form
• Documents listed under the qualifications for HVACR Journeyman above
• Copy of your CFC Certification Card (for Master HVACR, Master HVACR Restricted – Refrigeration, and Master HVACR Restricted – Air Conditioning only)

Once the Division has approved your application, you can schedule your exam with Prov Inc.

Exam Details

Here are a few important pieces of information about the exam that you should know about:

• You will take a computer-based exam
• Each exam costs $100
• It will be an open book exam where you can bring approved reference materials only to the testing center
• Exam questions and duration:
  • Master HVACR – 100 questions to be completed in 4 hours
  • Master Restricted HVACR
    • Heating – Forced Air Systems, Ventilation, and Gas Piping – 70 questions in 3 hours
    • Heating – Hydronic Systems and Gas Piping – 80 questions in 3 hours
    • Refrigeration – 75 questions in 3 hours
    • Air Conditioning – 95 questions in 4 hours
• Passing score is 70%
• You have 3 attempts to successfully pass the exam within the eligibility period

Renewal Requirements

Your HVACR license will expire on October 31st of every even year.

Before that date, you’ll receive a renewal notice via email, containing the following:

• Instructions on how to apply for renewal through DELPROS
• Required renewal fee

Do note that late renewals will incur a late fee of 50% of the renewal fee.

EPA Certification

Under the Clean Air Act, technicians working with refrigerants must have EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.

Doing so ensures that you have the competencies to safely and properly handle and dispose of refrigerant-containing equipment.

This certification has 4 types, and you can apply for any one of them:

• Type I
• Type II
• Type III
• Universal

To learn which type you need, check out our guide to EPA certification.

Potential Salary

HVAC technicians enjoy some of the most competitive salaries in the U.S.

In Delaware alone, the salary ranges between $37,280 and $76,750, with an average of $55,170 annually per BLS (May 2021).

For your reference, the table below shows the salaries in 10 of the state’s cities.

HVAC Schools by City

• Wilmington