What happens if I miss the Delaware electrical license renewal deadline?

If you fail to renew by the June 30th deadline, your license expires immediately, and it becomes illegal to perform electrical work in Delaware. You can file a late renewal through the DELPROS portal for up to one year, but you will be required to pay a late fee and will be subject to a mandatory audit.

How many CE hours are required for a Delaware Master Electrician license renewal?

Master, Master Special, Limited, and Limited Special electricians must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle. For each renewal, at least 5 of these hours must specifically cover the National Electrical Code (NEC).

What are the CE requirements for a Delaware Journeyman Electrician?

Journeyman, Residential, and Apprentice electricians are required to complete 5 hours of approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period. These license types are exempt from the liability insurance requirement.

Do I need to mail my CE completion certificates to the Delaware Board?

No, you do not need to mail your certificates to the Board. You attest to your CE completion online during the DELPROS renewal and must retain your certificates to provide them only if you are selected for an audit.

Is liability insurance required for all Delaware electrician license renewals?

No, it is not required for all license types. Master and Limited license holders must attest to holding at least $300,000 in general liability insurance. Journeyman, Residential, and Apprentice electricians are exempt from this requirement for renewal.

Which NEC edition should my Delaware CE training cover?

Delaware's officially adopted code is the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). However, taking CE courses that also cover the 2023 NEC updates is highly recommended to stay current with the latest safety standards and technologies in the trade.

$29 CE: Renewing Delaware Electrical License: 2026 CE Guide

As a licensed electrician in Delaware, your expertise is the bedrock of your career. But in the eyes of the state, that expertise must be proven and maintained through a regular renewal process. With the next major deadline on June 30, 2026, fast approaching, understanding the specific requirements for your Delaware electrical license renewal is not just good practice—it’s essential for staying legally compliant and operational. Failing to renew on time means your license expires, making it illegal to perform any electrical work in the state.The entire process is managed through Delaware’s online portal, DELPROS, and the state relies on random audits to ensure compliance. This means you must not only complete your continuing education (CE) but also retain proof of it. This guide will break down the precise requirements for each license type, from a master electrician to a journeyman electrician, ensuring you have the correct information for a smooth and successful renewal cycle.

Delaware License Renewal: Core Requirements for the 2026 Cycle

All electrician licenses in Delaware expire on June 30th of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.). According to the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, license holders must renew through the DELPROS license renewal system before this deadline to maintain an active status.

The Board sends renewal notices and other communications primarily via email, so it is crucial to log into your DELPROS account and ensure your contact information is current and to check DELPROS for official notices. During the online renewal, you will be required to attest that you have completed your mandatory continuing education and, for certain license types, that you hold the required liability insurance.

Critical CE Differences: Master vs. Journeyman Electrician

One of the most important aspects of the renewal process is understanding that CE requirements are not the same for all electricians. The Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners specifies different hour counts and topic requirements based on license type. The “Zero Assumption” rule is critical here; what applies to a Master Electrician does not apply to a Journeyman.

Here is a direct comparison of the requirements based on official state regulations:

License Type	CE Hours Required	Renewal Cycle	Key Requirements & Notes
Master, Master Special, Limited, & Limited Special Electrician	10 Hours	Every 2 Years	For each biennial renewal, at least 5 of the 10 hours must address the National Electrical Code (NEC). Master and certain contractor-level licensees must also attest to carrying the liability insurance required by the Board (the Board specifies required insurance limits). (Note: First-time renewals may have different requirements).
Journeyman & Residential Electrician	5 Hours	Every 2 Years	CE hours are required for each biennial renewal period. These license types are not required to attest to the contractor liability insurance carried by master/licensees.
Apprentice Electrician	Exempt	N/A while registered as an apprentice	Registered apprentices are typically exempt from biennial CE requirements until they upgrade to a journeyman or residential license; verify status with the Board.

For Master and Limited License Holders

If you hold a Master, Master Special, Limited, or Limited Special license, you are required to complete 10 hours of approved Delaware electrical continuing education every two-year cycle. A key detail from the Division of Professional Regulation is that for each renewal period, at least five of those hours must specifically cover the National Electrical Code (NEC). Note that exemptions and prorated hours may apply to your very first renewal after becoming licensed. Additionally, you must attest to maintaining the liability insurance required by the Board in order to successfully renew.

For Journeyman and Residential License Holders

The path is more straightforward for those with a Journeyman or Residential license. You must complete five hours of approved CE during each two-year renewal period. These license types are not required to attest to the contractor-level liability insurance that applies to master/licensee contractors. This streamlined requirement supports electricians in the earlier phases of their electrician training and career progression.

Navigating the National Electrical Code and Safety Training

While Delaware has adopted the 2020 NEC as its current model code, the electrical industry is constantly evolving. Staying ahead of National Electrical Code changes is crucial for safety, compliance, and competitive advantage. Proactively taking courses that cover recent NEC changes (including topics introduced in the 2023 NEC edition) can prepare you for future code cycles and demonstrate a commitment to your profession. If you need a refresher on the current code, learning how to navigate the NEC code book effectively is a foundational skill.

Beyond code, a deep understanding of electrical safety standards is non-negotiable. Workplace safety is governed by more than just the NEC. Understanding standards like NFPA 70E is vital for mitigating risks like arc flash and shock hazards. Learning what NFPA 70E is and how it applies to your daily work protects you, your colleagues, and your clients.

Approved Providers and the DELPROS Renewal Steps

To count toward your renewal, your hours must come from an approved CE provider recognized by the Delaware Board of Electrical Examiners. The process is simple:

Select and complete approved online electrical courses for your license type.
Receive your certificates of completion and keep them for your records.
Log in to the DELPROS portal before the June 30 (even year) deadline.
Complete the online renewal application, attesting that you have finished your required CE.
Pay the renewal fee and submit your application.

ExpertCE offers a full suite of board-approved courses designed to meet the Delaware electrical CE requirements efficiently. You can find state-approved courses to satisfy your credit hours and keep your license active without hassle. Explore our continuing education for Delaware electricians to get started today.

Beyond Delaware: Electrical License Reciprocity

For electricians considering a move, understanding electrical license reciprocity is key. Delaware’s Board of Electrical Examiners reviews applications from out-of-state electricians on a case-by-case basis to determine if the originating state’s requirements are “substantially similar.” This process differs significantly from state to state; for example, the rules governing a Colorado electrical license renewal and its reciprocity agreements are unique to that state. If you are seeking licensure in Delaware based on an out-of-state license, you must apply through DELPROS and provide detailed verification of your license and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I miss the June 30th renewal deadline?: If you fail to renew by the deadline, your license expires immediately, and it is illegal to practice in Delaware. Late renewal or reinstatement options are managed through DELPROS and typically require payment of late fees and any applicable reinstatement fees; late renewals can be subject to audit of CE and insurance records per Board rules and Delaware Administrative Code, so keep documentation available.
Do I need to mail my completion certificates to the Board?: No. You attest to your CE completion online during renewal. However, you must retain your certificates for the duration of the renewal cycle and provide them to the Board if you are selected for an audit. While on-time renewals are subject to random audits, late or reinstatement renewals are more likely to be reviewed.
Which NEC edition should my training cover?: Delaware’s official code adoption is the 2020 NEC; however, taking CE courses that cover recent NEC 2023 updates is recommended to stay current with the latest safety standards and technologies impacting the trade.

Don’t let your license lapse. Take control of your professional development and ensure you are ready for the upcoming renewal period. Find approved Delaware CE courses to complete your renewal today.