ProV HVAC Exam Delaware — Registration, Format, and Retake Rules

How You Get to the ProV Exam

ProV (sometimes written as "Prov") is the state's contracted testing vendor for the Master HVACR licensing exam. You cannot register directly — the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners must first approve your experience documentation and, for Pathway B candidates, receive confirmation that you passed the ABC Delaware bypass exam.

Once the Board forwards your approved registration to ProV, you receive a Candidate Information Bulletin with scheduling instructions. The exam fee is $100, separate from the $173 DELPROS application fee you already paid.

Exam Format

The Master HVACR (unrestricted) exam is a computer-based, timed, open-book test:

• Questions: 100
• Time limit: 4 hours
• Passing score: 70%
• Permitted references: International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• Format: Multiple choice, computer-administered

Restricted Master HVACR exams cover the candidate's specialty area.

Testing Locations and Remote Proctoring

In-person testing is available by appointment at locations in Dover, Newark, and Wilmington. You schedule through ProV's registration system after receiving your Candidate Information Bulletin.

Remote online proctoring is also available through the Examroom service, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Remote testing requires a computer with a webcam that meets ProV's technical specifications. If you need ADA testing accommodations, submit your request and supporting documentation to ProV during registration — not to the Board.

The Three-Failure Lockout

This is the single most consequential rule in the exam process. Under Board Regulations 2.2.2 and 3.1.6, if you fail the exam three times, your application is invalidated.

After three failures, you must wait one full year from the date of your third failed attempt before you can reapply. When you do reapply, you start as a new applicant: new DELPROS application, new $173 fee, new Board review of your experience, new authorization to test, new $100 exam fee.

For bypass candidates who already spent seven years accumulating experience, this lockout adds at least 14 months (one year waiting plus processing time) before they can test again.

Score Reporting

You receive your score report immediately after completing the computer-based test. ProV transmits results to the Board within two weeks. The Board then processes your license at its next scheduled monthly meeting.

If you fail, the score report includes a strengths-and-weaknesses breakdown by topic area. This diagnostic tells you which code sections to focus on before your next attempt — use it, because your retake opportunities are limited.

Practical Considerations

The open-book format means the exam tests your ability to find and apply code provisions, not memorize them. Familiarity with the IMC and IFGC table of contents, index structure, and cross-reference patterns is more valuable than rote knowledge. Tabbing your code books before the exam is standard practice.

The four-hour time limit is generous for 100 questions if you can navigate the reference materials efficiently. Most candidates who fail cite unfamiliarity with the code book layout rather than lack of technical knowledge.

The Delaware HVAC License Guide covers the full exam process from Board authorization through ProV registration, with a timeline showing how the pieces fit together so you can plan your testing date around the Board's monthly review cycle.

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