Occupational licensing · Delaware · burden rank #19 of 51
Delaware Occupational Licensing Requirements
Delaware's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Delaware sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#19 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: New York; District of Columbia; Pennsylvania; Texas. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #19 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,070
- Avg initial fee
- $182
Delaware vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
45 Lower than most more restrictive than 59% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: New York; District of Columbia; Pennsylvania; Texas. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Delaware, Electrician lists 6,216 education hours with an exam and a $152 initial fee. Compare the same license in New York on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Delaware, Elevator Installer lists 6,216 education hours with an exam and a $216 initial fee. Compare the same license in New York on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Delaware's higher initial fees at $429 after 20 education hours. Open District of Columbia for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Delaware's higher initial fees at $322 after 5,108 education hours. Open District of Columbia for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Delaware against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Delaware already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Delaware: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#19 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- District of Columbia · burden #18/51
- Pennsylvania · burden #18/51
- Texas · burden #20/51
- New York · burden #17/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($182 here).
- Texas · avg $178 initial fee
- Pennsylvania · avg $187 initial fee
- District of Columbia · avg $188 initial fee
- Ohio · avg $172 initial fee
Agriculture in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Animal Care in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 5,108 | Yes | $322 | $266 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 2,054 | Yes | $161 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
Construction in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 6,216 | Yes | $152 | $122 | 1 yr | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 6,216 | Yes | $216 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $310 | $255 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 4,216 | Yes | $122 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 22 | Yes | $122 | $108 | 3 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 6,216 | Yes | $180 | $152 | 1 yr | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
Cosmetology in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,277 | Yes | $104 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,332 | Yes | $118 | $61 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 663 | Yes | $122 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 670 | Yes | $103 | $53 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 701 | Yes | $129 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 455 | Yes | $91 | $48 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Design in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $255 | $200 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Education in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 66 | No | $122 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $154 | $99 | 5 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $182 | $126 | 5 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $154 | $99 | 5 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Engineering in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $310 | $255 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
Finance in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $299 | $244 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 53 | Yes | $147 | $120 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 20 | Yes | $429 | $290 | 1 yr | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Food & Hospitality in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Healthcare in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,054 | Yes | $161 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,054 | Yes | $227 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 164 | Yes | $108 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,277 | Yes | $144 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,554 | Yes | $200 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 4,554 | Yes | $310 | $255 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,643 | Yes | $161 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 4,831 | Yes | $239 | $211 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,554 | Yes | $227 | $200 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 3,831 | Yes | $266 | $239 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 2,188 | Yes | $161 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $189 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 2,554 | Yes | $172 | $119 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 2,054 | Yes | $161 | $133 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,554 | Yes | $227 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
Legal & Security in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 48 | No | $150 | $92 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 3,342 | Yes | $244 | $216 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Mental Health in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| 3,554 | Yes | $172 | $144 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 3,054 | Yes | $165 | $138 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 3,054 | Yes | $200 | $172 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 6,108 | Yes | $322 | $266 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Miscellaneous in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 146 | Yes | $177 | $122 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Real Estate in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 129 | Yes | $244 | $189 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 118 | Yes | $180 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 176 | Yes | $244 | $202 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
Transportation in Delaware
| DE profession | DE edu hrs | DE exam | DE initial $ | DE renew $ | DE cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 22 | Yes | $92 | $64 | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 249 | Yes | $120 | $64 | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 84 | Yes | $92 | $64 | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Delaware ranks #19 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Delaware directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Delaware
NCSL and state-board extracts for Delaware. Burden peers on this ladder include New York, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Texas; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Delaware render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.