Plumber / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware Plumber License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Installs and repairs pipes and plumbing systems. Requires apprenticeship.

What the Delaware data shows for Plumbers

To practice as a plumber in Delaware, the state licensing board requires 6,216 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Journeyman Plumber Exam, and 4 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Delaware's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Apprenticeship Program".

Budget $180 to get started, plus $152 at each renewal on a 1-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 8-hour continuing-education requirement per 1-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For plumbers, the reciprocity picture is: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
18/100
Plumber · Delaware

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
6,216 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$180
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$152/yr
$152 every 1 year
Continuing Education C+
8.0 hrs/yr
8 hours every 1 year
Experience Required F
4 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Education / Training Hours
Apprenticeship Program
6,216 hours
Exam Requirement
State Journeyman Plumber Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$180
Renewal Fee
$152
Renewal Cycle
Every 1 year
Continuing Education
8 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
4 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Plumber All Delaware licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Delaware licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Plumber in Delaware? ▼
Delaware requires 6216 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Journeyman Plumber Exam), and an initial fee of $180. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Plumber in Delaware? ▼
Certification as a plumber in Delaware means clearing the state's checklist: 6216 hours of education plus 4 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Delaware licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Delaware from another state? ▼
Plumber licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Journeyman licenses rarely reciprocal — check state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Delaware licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Delaware require a background check for Plumber licensing? ▼
Yes, Delaware requires a criminal background check as part of the plumber licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Plumber in Delaware? ▼
Delaware ties continued plumber licensure to 8 continuing-education hours, due every 1 year, alongside a $152 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this plumber license

Plumber in Delaware, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a plumber-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Delaware's plumber requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Plumber in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state plumber license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Delaware's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Delaware overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Delaware licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.