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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Michigan
Michigan students can earn the nurse aide credential in high school: 75 hours, no minimum age, a LARA program permit and an RN trainer with a LARA permit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential: students can train and test as nurse aides before graduating, since Michigan sets no minimum age to train or test.
- Credentials
- Michigan nurse aide (MI-NATES registry, Headmaster exam, 3 attempts); CPR/BLS; CTEIS credential list for 51.0000 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No minimum age to train or test. 75 hours: 16 classroom before resident contact, 16 in-person clinical, 43 flexible (R 400.335). Registry renewal adds 12 hours CE a year since Mar 23, 2026.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization (4,000 recent hours in 10 years), plus Michigan RN with 2 years RN in last 5 (1 in long-term care), adult-teaching course or experience, and $60 LARA trainer permit (R 400.321).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. Federal HO 7: powered patient lifts, assist only under FAB 2011-3. Clinical sites set their own age and background-check rules.
- College credit
- Local community college agreements; PA 160 and PA 258 dual enrollment (whether noncredit CNA qualifies: Confirm with the agency); Mott 51.0000 statewide agreement (2 credits) expires Nov 1, 2026 ().
- Demand and pay
- $39,570 median (May 2025); +6.1% 2024-34; 6,190 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in Michigan
Michigan students can finish a 194-hour EMT course through an MDHHS-approved sponsor, but every EMS license requires age 18; a bill to allow 17 is pending.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
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- What high school can deliver
- The course and exam preparation, not the license: every Michigan EMS license level requires age 18, so graduates license after their birthday.
- Credentials
- Michigan EMT license at 18 after an approved course (exam format, NREMT cognitive plus state practical: Confirm with the agency); CPR
- Age and hour rules
- Every EMS license level requires age 18 (MCL 333.20950); course entry set by the program. 194 hours including at least 32 clinical. HB 5488/5489 would allow licensure at 17 with parental consent (pending).
- Who can teach
- Program director with a Michigan EMS Instructor-Coordinator license (licensed EMT or higher, 3 years direct patient care with a licensed agency) and an MD/DO medical director; CTE side ACA (4,000 recent hours) or CTE certificate.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. Federal HO 2: no on-the-job driving at 16, limits at 17; students ride, not drive. Sites set ride-along ages.
- College credit
- No statewide EMT agreement; Kent Career Tech Center reports articulated credit (Confirm locally). PA 160 and PA 258 dual enrollment and Section 61b CTE Early Middle College.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 4,290 jobs (2024); +5.1% 2024-34; 340 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Michigan
Michigan runs medical and dental assisting inside Health Sciences 51.0000; students earn national certifications, and dental X-ray work needs a radiography course equivalent to a Board-approved one.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- A national medical assisting certification such as CCMA; dental assisting content and DANB exams where DANB accepts the program; X-ray work only after an equivalent radiography course.
- Credentials
- CCMA and other national MA certifications (CTEIS list for 51.0000: Confirm with the agency); DANB NELDA (if DANB accepts the program) and RHS; RDA license requires a CODA-standard program
- Age and hour rules
- No state age or hour gate found. An unlicensed dental assistant may expose X-rays only after a radiography course substantially equivalent to one in a Board-approved program (R 338.11411).
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE certification for 51.0000 or Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years); no occupational license for MA content; who may teach a qualifying dental radiography course: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. A written school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) exempts paid placements from the state act; credit-bearing WBL needs a training agreement and plan (R 340.15).
- College credit
- Mott 51.0000 agreement: AHLT 102 and HEAL 125 (1 credit each, 3.0 grade, within 3 years), no MA or DA courses, expires Nov 1, 2026 (); no statewide DA agreement.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $39,870 median (May 2025), +13.0%, 3,350 openings/yr; dental assistants $48,820, +4.8%, 1,620 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Michigan
Michigan has no confirmed early childhood CIP; students can prepare for the CDA and count in ratio at 16, and a school lab preschool appears to need a MiLEAP license.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CDA preparation for juniors and seniors in an early childhood CTE program, and paid work as a counted center teacher at 16.
- Credentials
- CDA (juniors and seniors in an early childhood CTE program; TEACH covers most costs, terms: Confirm with the agency); no state credential list found
- Age and hour rules
- Center teachers may be 16 and count in ratio; lead teacher 19; supervised volunteers 16+ not counted (R 400.8101-8840). Home rules (Apr 27, 2026): staff 16+, assistants 14-15 always supervised.
- Who can teach
- Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years) requested by the district; the early childhood endorsement code is not published.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17; a school-employer agreement on file exempts the placement from the state act. Paid staff 16+ need a comprehensive background check before unsupervised contact (R 400.8201).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found; Kent Career Tech Center lists local college credit ().
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $30,970 median (May 2025), -3.2%, 3,760 openings/yr; preschool teachers $37,110, +4.9%, 1,420/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Michigan
Michigan students earn NCCER credentials and apprenticeship readiness; paid job-site work needs a school-employer agreement on file, and the journeyman license waits until 20.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Credentials and a head start, not a license: NCCER Core (and often Level 1) and OSHA-10, plus apprenticeship readiness. Journeyman license waits until 20.
- Credentials
- NCCER Core (wallet card per MDE FAQ); NCCER Electrical Level 1 and OSHA-10 on CTEIS list ()
- Age and hour rules
- No apprentice minimum age in statute (federal floor 16); apprentices register with the Electrical Administrative Board within 30 days of hire. Journeyman at 20 with 8,000 hours over 4 years (MCL 339.5715); master at 22.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent hours in 10 years, plus a current professional license or industry certification in the field (or one lapsed 2 years or less); a journeyman license is one way, not required. NCCER instructor certification to administer NCCER tests.
- Work-site rules for minors
- R 408.6208 bars all minors from construction work, power saws and hoists unless a written school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118; R 408.6206(a)) is on file at the worksite; federal HOs 2, 7, 15 still bar; 14, 16, 17 need a student-learner agreement. YEPP permit need for agreement placements is open.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement for 46.0301; Mott ELEC 110/131 agreements (47.0101, 15.0000) expire Nov 1, 2026; sponsors may credit year-1 related instruction (Confirm with the sponsor).
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 26,240 jobs (2024); +5.6% 2024-34; 2,450 openings/yr; on Michigan Hot 50 through 2034
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Welding in Michigan
Michigan welding students can earn AWS-linked college credit; state law bars welding only under 16, but paid shop placements with saws or presses need a school-employer agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Welding certifications and college credit; no license exists, and state law bars welding only under 16.
- Credentials
- CTEIS list for 48.0508 (); AWS SENSE module scores used for statewide college credit
- Age and hour rules
- No individual welder license found. State rule bars welding, cutting and most brazing only under 16 (R 408.6209), with no student-learner exemption; federal HO 8 and HO 14 govern 16-17.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent hours in 10 years; no welding-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026. R 408.6208 bars all minors from metal-forming machines, power saws and hoists unless a school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) is on file; federal HO 8 and 14 need a student-learner agreement; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- Mott CC: 11 credits (WELD 143, 164, 166) tied to AWS SENSE scores, expires Nov 1, 2026 (); Schoolcraft WELD 110, 3 credits, to March 2031; NMU and Gogebic agreements (terms: Confirm with the college).
- Demand and pay
- $49,990 median (May 2025); 14,210 jobs (2024); projected decline 2024-34; 1,320 openings/yr; not on 2026 Hot 50
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Construction and Carpentry in Michigan
Michigan construction students can earn NCCER and builder prelicensure credentials, but any paid job-site work by a minor needs a school-employer agreement on file.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER and builder-track credentials, including the 60-hour prelicensure certificate; the residential builder license waits until 18.
- Credentials
- Per MDE 2022 FAQ: NCCER Core plus Carpentry Levels 1 and 2; UBC Career Connections plus MC3; Michigan Home Builders certification; 60-hour prelicensure builder certificate; OSHA-10 supplemental only (current CTEIS list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- Residential builder license (LARA) at 18 with 60 hours of prelicensure courses and an exam. Registered apprentice at 16 under federal standards; sponsors may set 18.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent hours in 10 years; no construction-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- R 408.6208 bars all minors from construction work, roofing, excavation, demolition, power woodworking machines, saws and hoists unless a school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118; R 408.6206(a)) is on file. Federal HO 5, 14, 16, 17 need student-learner terms; HO 2, 7, 15 barred. YEPP permit need open.
- College credit
- Statewide agreements for 46.0000 with Gogebic CC, Macomb CC and Northern Michigan University (terms and dates: Confirm with each college).
- Demand and pay
- $61,680 median (May 2025); top tenth above $81,860; carpenters not on 2026 Hot 50 (construction laborers and managers are)
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HVAC/R in Michigan
Michigan HVAC students can earn EPA 608 in high school; HVAC mechanics are on the 2026 Hot 50, and paid site work needs a school-employer agreement on file.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EPA 608 and other HVAC credentials; Michigan has no journeyman or apprentice mechanical license to earn.
- Credentials
- EPA 608 (no age floor); credential list for 47.0201 not found ()
- Age and hour rules
- No state journeyman or apprentice mechanical license; mechanical contractor license (LARA) needs 3 years or 6,000 hours, and a 2-year HVAC program counts up to 1 year. No minimum age in statute; EPA 608 has no age floor.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent hours in 10 years; no HVAC-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- R 408.6208 bars all minors from construction work and roofing unless a school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) is on file. Federal HO 16 rooftop, HO 8 sheet metal and HO 14 saws need student-learner terms; HO 7 barred. YEPP permit need open.
- College credit
- No statewide HVAC agreement; local agreements. Contractor-license experience credit for a high school program: Confirm with LARA.
- Demand and pay
- $60,850 median (May 2025); 14,780 jobs (2024); 1,360 openings/yr; on Michigan 2026 Hot 50
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Machining and Mechatronics in Michigan
Michigan students earn NIMS, SACA or CSWA credentials and college credit; paid shop placements need a school-employer agreement on file, since state rules bar minors from presses and saws.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Industry credentials such as NIMS, SACA C-101 or CSWA, plus articulated college credit; no state license exists. Paid shop placements need a school-employer agreement first.
- Credentials
- NIMS machining credentials; SACA C-101 (named in Macomb and North Central agreements); CSWA (NMU CAD credit); CTEIS lists for 48.0501 and 14.4201 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate. Registered apprenticeship from 16 (federal). R 408.6208 bars all minors from metal-forming machines, power saws and hoists unless a school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) is on file.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent, relevant hours in 10 years; no machining-specific requirement found. For 14.4201, candidates from some background areas also need an IX, TX or TE endorsement.
- Work-site rules for minors
- R 408.6208 bars all minors from metal-forming, punching and shearing machines, power saws and hoists; a written school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118; R 408.6206(a)) on file at the worksite lifts the state bars. Federal HO 8 and HO 14 need student-learner terms; HO 7 stays barred.
- College credit
- Mid Michigan AIM 100-101 (7 credits, to Aug 1, 2028); NMU MF 134 (to Jan 1, 2028); Oakland MTT 1000 (to Aug 1, 2029); Macomb MECT-1220 (to Feb 1, 2031); North Central EGT 101 (to Mar 1, 2029). Baker expired July 31, 2026 and Washtenaw Aug 31, 2026; no renewal posted as of Oct 5, 2026.
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $52,360 median (May 2025); -5.8% 2024-34; 2,040 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $64,250; +13.0%; 1,900 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in Michigan
Michigan students earn CAD certifications, and a full state-approved engineering program can meet Algebra II or the third science credit; local PLTW electives cannot.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CAD certifications (ACU, CSWA) and, in a full state-approved program, credit toward Algebra II or the third science; no license applies.
- Credentials
- Autodesk Certified User and CSWA likely; CTEIS list for 15.0000, 15.1301, 15.1306 ()
- Age and hour rules
- None for students: drafting has no state license, and ACU has no minimum age (parental consent under 18). PE licensure is post-degree.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization with work in the CIP area in the last 10 years (hours not stated); candidates from some backgrounds also need an IX, TX or TE endorsement. A local PLTW elective can use a math, science or technology teacher but loses MMC substitutions.
- Work-site rules for minors
- R 408.6208 bars all minors from power woodworking machines, metal-forming machines and power saws; a written school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) lifts the state rules. Classroom CAD involves no hazardous order.
- College credit
- Michigan Tech ENG 1102 (3 credits, B or better, apply within 2 years, to Apr 30, 2031); NMU and Oakland agreements for 15.0000 (terms: Confirm with the agency); seven agreements for 15.1306 Mechanical Drafting, including Mott CADD 120 (3 credits, 2.0 or better, 3 years), which expires Nov 1, 2026 (); NMU CAD credit for CSWA (to Jan 1, 2028); PA 160 and PA 258 dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $58,330 median (May 2025); +0.2% 2024-34; 180 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $72,280; -8.6%; 130 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Michigan
Michigan cyber and networking students can earn CompTIA, Cisco and ISC2 certifications and Mott college credit, but the Mott agreements expire Nov 1, 2026.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco and ISC2 and a start toward support jobs; security analyst roles usually need further education and experience.
- Credentials
- CTEIS reporting required for 11.1003 (since 2023-24) and 11.0901 (since 2020-21); list entries (); CompTIA, Cisco CCST, ISC2 CC
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate on CompTIA (parental consent for minors since June 23, 2026); Cisco 13+ with consent for 13-17; ISC2 CC 16+.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate or Annual Career Authorization: 4,000 recent hours in 10 years; a current national certification can supply hours.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No federal hazardous order covers IT work. Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. Employer background checks and data-access limits are contract terms.
- College credit
- Mott CC statewide agreements for 11.1003 and 11.0901: up to 13 credits each (3.0 in the high school and college course; 15 credits at Mott); both expire Nov 1, 2026 ().
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $106,230 median (May 2025), 260 openings/yr, on 2026 Hot 50; network support $65,900, 150 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34, network support about flat
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Programming and Computer Science in Michigan
Michigan schools can offer programming as CTE (11.0201) or academic CS; every high school must offer a CS course from 2027-28, and no CS endorsement is required.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Programming coursework, AP CS exams and certifications; developer jobs usually require a bachelor's degree.
- Credentials
- No state credential list for 11.0201 found ()
- Age and hour rules
- No age gates on common certifications. Every high school must offer at least one CS course from 2027-28 (PA 206 of 2024; MCL 380.1166c).
- Who can teach
- CTE: Annual Career Authorization with recent and relevant programming or IT experience. Academic CS: no endorsement required (CS endorsement discontinued 2017); any grade-certified teacher who shows content knowledge.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No federal hazardous order covers software work. Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17.
- College credit
- Statewide agreements for 11.0201 with Baker (up to 12 credits, ran through July 31, 2026), Mott, North Central, Oakland and Washtenaw (renewals and terms: Changing).
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $125,570 median (May 2025), 2,450 openings/yr; web developers $98,470, 140 openings/yr; 2026 Hot 50 status: Confirm with the agency
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Business Management and Marketing in Michigan
Michigan business programs can carry the required personal finance credit and college credit from ten colleges; BPA and DECA are the recognized student organizations, not FBLA.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOS or QuickBooks certifications, the required personal finance credit if the course embeds the six standards, and college credit through statewide agreements.
- Credentials
- No state list of approved business credentials found; MOS and QuickBooks used locally; CTEIS list for 52.0299 and 52.1999 ()
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- Business Education endorsements GQ or GX (named for finance courses), or an Annual Career Authorization with program-area experience in 10 years; endorsement codes for 52.0299 and 52.1999: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- YEPP permit; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. A written school-employer agreement on file takes the placement outside the state act. R 408.6208 bars power paper products machinery (balers: Confirm with the agency); no alcohol sales under 18 at off-premises licensees.
- College credit
- Statewide agreements for 52.0299 with Baker, Gogebic, Lake Superior State, Mid Michigan, Monroe County, Mott, North Central, NMU, Oakland and Washtenaw (other expiration dates: Confirm with the agency). Mott (BUSN 104 and MGMT 183, 3 credits each, 3.0 or better, enroll within 3 years) expires Nov 1, 2026 ().
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $99,530 median (May 2025); +1.5% 2024-34; 7,090 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $46,430; -8.7%; 3,090 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Michigan
Michigan teaches entrepreneurship inside business programs; a school store's sales tax exemption covers only the first $10,000 of fund-raising sales, and only in buildings under $25,000 in sales.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification and Mott college credit for two courses until Nov 1, 2026; no license applies.
- Credentials
- Certiport ESB (Certiport lists it for Michigan's credential indicator; CTEIS: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources: LLC organizer age not reviewed (); ESB has no age gate.
- Who can teach
- CTE endorsement (R 390.1161) or 52.0299 qualification by related background such as accounting or marketing education; 2 years of recent and relevant experience; Annual Career Authorization as the emergency route.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Students under a written school-employer agreement are exempt from the state youth employment act; federal law still applies. Whether agreement students need a YEPP permit is open.
- College credit
- Mott CC 52.0299: BUSN 104 and MGMT 183 (3 credits each; 3.0 or better; within 3 years; 15 credits at Mott); expires Nov 1, 2026 ().
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $99,530 median (May 2025); +1.5% 2024-34; 7,090 openings/yr. Market research analysts $66,780; +2.9%; 2,190 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Michigan
Michigan students earn NLEC, CPR and college criminal justice credit through 43.0100; police, corrections and security jobs all start at 18, and 911 has no state minimum age.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NLEC, CPR/First Aid and FEMA ICS, plus criminal justice college credit; police, corrections and security credentials wait until 18.
- Credentials
- LAPSEN NLEC (no age limit); CPR/First Aid; FEMA ICS; whether MDE recognizes credentials for 43.0100 ()
- Age and hour rules
- MCOLES law enforcement license 18; MDOC and local corrections 18 (MDOC adds 15 credits); LARA security guard 18 with diploma; 911 telecommunicators have no state age (40-hour Module 1).
- Who can teach
- Certified CTE teacher with recent and relevant experience, or an Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years); no occupational license required.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No hazardous order covers police, corrections or security work; HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work. Unpaid placements capped at 45 hours per experience (R 340.15); YEPP permit for paid work.
- College credit
- Mid Michigan CJS 200/220 (to Feb 1, 2029); NMU CJ 110 (to Jan 1, 2028); Oakland CRJ 1010 (to Aug 1, 2029); Mott CRJU-161 expires Nov 1, 2026; Baker expired July 31, 2026 ().
- Demand and pay
- Police $73,730 median (May 2025); +1.2% 2024-34; 1,320 openings/yr. Security guards $37,080; -1.0%; 3,190 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Michigan
Michigan students can earn Firefighter I and II before 18 only as registered cadets or explorers with a fire department; the FFTC registers each course.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Firefighter I and II with HazMat Operations, if the student is a 16-18 registered cadet or explorer; when the certificate issues is unsettled.
- Credentials
- FFTC Firefighter I and II with Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA 1010, 2024); CPR/First Aid; certificate timing for cadets ()
- Age and hour rules
- Final exams at 18 unless the student is a 16-18 cadet in a council-registered department cadet program or an explorer in a council-approved Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of the USA explorer program (R 29.401(1)(j), R 29.405). FF I with HazMat 240 hours, FF II 55 (295 combined); no more than 10% absence.
- Who can teach
- CTE teacher with recent fire (17.2801) or law enforcement experience, or an Annual Career Authorization. FFTC Fire Instructor I needs Firefighter II and 36 months (R 29.405c); whether the classroom teacher must hold it: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No fire or volunteer provision in the Youth Employment Standards Act; R 29.405 controls course access through cadet and explorer programs. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland firefighting; HO 2 limits driving.
- College credit
- North Central Michigan College: 43.0100 to Fire Science AAS, 12 credits for FIRE 110 (B or better, full program, FFTC FF I and II certificate, within 2 years; to Mar 1, 2029); Kalamazoo Valley CC (Careerline).
- Demand and pay
- $54,640 median (May 2025); +1.4% 2024-34; 610 openings/yr (paid only); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Michigan
Michigan culinary programs under 12.0500 carry MSU credit to 2031; a public-facing student restaurant needs a local health license, and minors need a school-employer agreement for bakery and meat machines.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ServSafe credentials, ProStart, MSU and Mott college credit, and on-premises alcohol service at 17 after server training.
- Credentials
- ServSafe (Food Handler, Manager, Allergens, Alcohol) and ProStart in common use; CTEIS list for 12.0500: Confirm with the agency
- Age and hour rules
- 17 may serve alcohol at on-premises licensees after server training with an 18+ supervisor (MCL 436.1707(7)); 18 at off-premises licensees; 16+ may work where alcohol is sold only if food is 50%+ of receipts (MCL 409.115).
- Who can teach
- CTE certification for 12.0500 or Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours of kitchen experience in 10 years); no culinary-specific or manager certificate requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. R 408.6208(9) bars power-driven bakery and meat machines for all minors unless a school-employer agreement or school employment applies; federal HO 10 slicers need a student-learner agreement, HO 11 floor mixers never.
- College credit
- MSU: HB 265 and HB 291 (6 credits; B and MSU admission; to June 30, 2031); Mott Baking and Pastry (1-6 credits) expires Nov 1, 2026 (); Oakland CC agreement: Confirm with the agency.
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $36,980 median (May 2025), +7.8%, 5,960 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $60,070, +1.6%, 640/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Michigan
Michigan students can earn cosmetology hours only in a LARA-licensed school, so programs partner with or become one; the license comes at 17 after 1,500 hours.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Partial or full licensure hours inside a LARA-licensed school; the license comes at 17 after all 1,500 hours, with no early testing.
- Credentials
- Michigan cosmetologist license (PSI exams) for 12.0400 (CTEIS list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- License at 17 with a 9th-grade education; 1,500 hours in a licensed school (425 theory, 965 practical, 110 unassigned) or a 2-year apprenticeship (MCL 339.1207; R 338.2161); no early testing.
- Who can teach
- Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years) plus a LARA instructor license: cosmetologist license, 3 years of practice (1 in an establishment), 600 instructor-training hours since July 1, 2024, and an exam (MCL 339.1206).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. No cosmetology-specific child labor rule; a written school-employer agreement on file at the worksite is the alternative route.
- College credit
- Mott statewide agreement: up to 24 credits (CSMO 100-103), 2.5 grade, within 3 years, expires Nov 1, 2026 (); local agreements (Muskegon Area CTC).
- Demand and pay
- $34,820 median (May 2025); +2.8% 2024-34; 2,090 openings/yr; Hot 50 status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Michigan
Michigan students can earn ASE Entry-Level and state mechanic certifications in program 47.0604; paid repair work needs a Department of State trainee permit, and Delta and NMU award college credit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ASE Entry-Level certifications and Michigan mechanic certification in the categories students test for (no minimum age found), plus a trainee permit for paid co-op repair work.
- Credentials
- ASE Entry-Level (one approved area meets Perkins indicator 5S1); Michigan mechanic certification by category ($18 a test from July 1, 2026); EPA 609, NC3 and OSHA-10 on CTEIS for 47.0604 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No minimum age found for state mechanic certification or the $20 trainee permit (MCL 257.1313); the permit is valid two years, with a limited reissue, and students in an MDE-approved vocational program employed by a repair facility may have the fee waived (MCL 257.1330). If seeking ASE accreditation, MLR needs 540 classroom and lab hours; the Delta agreement also requires 540.
- Who can teach
- CTE certification for 47.0604 or Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years); no occupational license required to teach. ASE G1, A4, A5 and A6 only if the program seeks accreditation.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Paid work: LEO Youth Employment Permit Portal permit since Oct 2, 2026; 24 hours a school week at 16-17. R 408.6208 bars all minors from power-driven hoists (vehicle lifts not named) and road driving; a school-employer agreement (MCL 409.118) lifts the state rules. Federal HO 7 engine hoists stay barred.
- College credit
- Delta College MLR up to 23 credits (expires June 30, 2027); NMU up to 10 credits (expires Jan 1, 2028); Mott 4-8 credits for state certification expires Nov 1, 2026 (); Baker expired July 31, 2026.
- Demand and pay
- $54,120 median (May 2025); +5.3% 2024-34; 2,090 openings/yr; Hot 50 status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Michigan
Michigan approves agriculture under four CIPs, with ag mechanics inside 01.0000; MSU gives 6 credits to State FFA Degree holders, and commercial pesticide applicators must be 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NOCTI agriculture assessments and the MSU credit route; commercial pesticide applicator certification waits until 18.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Horticulture-Landscaping, Production Agriculture, Small Animal Science and Technology (approved in Michigan); full CTEIS list by CIP: Confirm with the agency
- Age and hour rules
- Commercial certified or registered pesticide applicators 18 (MCL 324.8314(3)); private restricted-use 18 under federal rule; no state age for private use of general-use products.
- Who can teach
- CTE certification with a qualifying endorsement (02.9999, 01.0000 or 01.0301 for 01.0000) or Annual Career Authorization (4,000 hours in 10 years); ag mechanics endorsements need an MDE pre-placement discussion.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Farm work at 13 and older falls outside YESA unless a department standard is violated (MCL 409.119); R 408.6208(10) bars trenchers and earthmoving equipment for all minors and tractors over 20 PTO hp except 16-17 with instruction. Agribusiness jobs: YEPP permit or school-employer agreement.
- College credit
- MSU statewide agreement: 6 general credits for a 2.0 in each course, the State FFA Degree, program completion and MSU admission; no expiration (90 days' notice).
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $50,870 median (May 2025), +10.6%, 110 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $42,380, +5.9%, 280/yr; ag technicians $42,780, +4.8%, 60/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Michigan state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Virginia
Virginia students can earn the CNA in high school: course 8341, 140 hours, exam at 16, and Board of Nursing approval at least 90 days before opening.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential: students may test at 16, so juniors and seniors can finish the course and earn the CNA before graduating.
- Credentials
- Virginia CNA (Credentia exam, test within 24 months); CPR/First Aid; Workplace Readiness Skills; CNA on May 2026 Board list ()
- Age and hour rules
- Exam age 16; 18VAC90-26 sets no student age. 140 clock hours: 24 before client contact, 20 skills lab, 40 direct client care (simulation does not count); 10:1 ratio (18VAC90-26-50).
- Who can teach
- Virginia RN with 2 years RN, 1 year long-term care, 12+ hours teaching methods (18VAC90-26-30), plus Health and Medical Sciences endorsement or Technical Professional License (8VAC20-23-250).
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(B) bars paid nurse aide work under 16 in hospitals and nursing homes. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3).
- College credit
- VCCS dual enrollment and Nurse Aide Career Studies Certificates by college; CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only. No statewide technical agreement.
- Demand and pay
- $43,200 median (May 2025); +8.1% 2024-34; 6,820 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in Virginia
Virginia students start EMT I at 16 with parental consent and can certify as minors under OEMS rules, but must join a licensed EMS agency to practice.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full certification in most cases: students start at 16 with parental consent and can certify as minors, but must affiliate with a licensed EMS agency to practice.
- Credentials
- Virginia EMT certification via NREMT exams (under 18 with parental permission); CPR; Board-approved list entry ()
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 at course start (variance if 16 by course end); TR-07 parental form under 18; 85% of classroom and lab work; EMT II needs 10+ supervised patient contacts. Rule sets no hour figure. No separate certification age found.
- Who can teach
- OEMS EMS Education Coordinator: 21+, Virginia EMT or higher, 3 years medical experience incl. 2 years EMS field, no enforcement action in 5 years (12VAC5-31-1549); plus TPL health route (current license, 2 years in past 5) or Health and Medical Sciences endorsement.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17. Federal HO 2 bars on-the-job driving at 16 and limits 17: students ride, not drive. Va. Code 40.1-100(B) bars hospital orderly and lab helper work under 16.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; New Kent County EMS program runs as Rappahannock CC dual enrollment toward a Career Studies Certificate (2023 posting; Confirm locally). CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 3,770 jobs (2024); +7.0% 2024-34; 300 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Virginia
Virginia offers Medical Assistant I and II and Dental Careers I and II; dental students cannot expose radiographs before earning the Board's radiation safety credential.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CCMA and other national MA certifications, and DANB NELDA or AMT RDA; exposing radiographs needs the 18VAC60-21-170 credential first.
- Credentials
- CCMA, CPT, RMA, CET, CMAA, NCMOA, Workplace Readiness Skills (MA course pages); DANB NELDA and AMT Registered Dental Assistant (Dental Careers); DANB RHS course and exam route for radiographs
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate found. Exposing dental radiographs requires a radiation safety course and exam, ARRT certification, or the DANB RHS course plus exam (18VAC60-21-170); Dental Assistant II registration is post-high school.
- Who can teach
- Health and Medical Sciences endorsement (bachelor's plus a current professional license or certification) or Technical Professional License (that credential, 2 years in the last 5, health certificate or associate degree, 9 semester hours); whether CCMA, RMA or CDA qualifies is open.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit and no state hour limits at 16-17 (Va. Code 40.1-84, 40.1-80.1).
- College credit
- No statewide MA or DA agreement checked (Confirm locally); CCRV Passport and UCGS are general education only.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $44,740 median (May 2025), +12.8%, 2,380 openings/yr; dental assistants $46,670, +6.0%, 1,640 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Virginia
Virginia offers ECES I and II with the CDA Assessment on the course list; aides may work at 16, and every employee or volunteer needs a fingerprint background check.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The CDA Assessment and other listed credentials, and paid work as an aide at 16.
- Credentials
- CDA Assessment, Early Childhood Education and Care (Basic, Advanced), Early Childhood Education Assessment, ParaPro, Praxis Core, NCRC, Workplace Readiness Skills
- Age and hour rules
- Aides at least 16; volunteers 13+ not counted; program director 21 (8VAC20-780); whether 16- and 17-year-old aides count in ratio: Confirm with the agency.
- Who can teach
- Course pages name no endorsement and direct questions to the VDOE Office of CTE.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No employment certificate or state hour limits at 16-17. Employees and volunteers of any age need a sworn disclosure, fingerprints, central registry and 5-year out-of-state checks (Va. Code 22.1-289.035).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $34,330 median (May 2025), +6.0%, 3,930 openings/yr; preschool teachers $37,140, +16.1%, 1,590/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Virginia
Virginia students take Electricity I and II, earn NCCER credentials and can start a registered apprenticeship at 16; the journeyman license waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Core and Electrical Level 1 and 2, OSHA-10, and a start on a registered apprenticeship at 16; the journeyman license waits until 18 plus experience.
- Credentials
- NCCER Core; NCCER Electrical Level 1 and 2 (high demand on 2025-26 Board list; May 2026 list: Changing); OSHA-10 earned in course but not on the Board list
- Age and hour rules
- Registered apprentice at 16 with parent signature (Va. Code 2.2-2050). DPOR journeyman at 18: e.g., 240 hours formal training + 4 years, or 8 years experience (18VAC50-30-39, Aug 1, 2025); approved apprenticeship waives the exam.
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License (9 semester hours, 1 year teaching) after a Provisional License, or the three-year CTE license; every initial CTE licensee needs an industry credential.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars power saws, roofing, excavation under 18; work-training agreement (employer and school coordinator, copy to DOLI) or registered apprenticeship opens them. Federal HOs 2, 7, 15 still bar.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; local VCCS agreements and dual enrollment; CCRV is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 25,480 jobs (2024); +9.2% 2024-34; 2,560 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Welding in Virginia
Virginia students take Welding I and II and can earn AWS SENSE, NCCER and process certifications; no welder license exists, and saw or shear work needs a DOLI-filed agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- AWS SENSE, NCCER Welding and process certifications plus OSHA-10; Virginia has no welder license.
- Credentials
- AWS SENSE Level 1; NCCER Welding Level One; SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW process exams; OSHA-10 in Welding I (Board-approved list status: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No licensing age and no state welder license found. Registered apprentice at 16 with parent signature (Va. Code 2.2-2050).
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License after a Provisional License, or the three-year CTE license; no instructor OSHA-10 rule found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. No Virginia rule bars welding as such; Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars power saws and guillotine shears under 18 without a work-training agreement filed with DOLI. Federal HO 8 and 14 need a student-learner agreement; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; VCCS Welding Career Studies Certificates and AAS by college (Confirm locally); CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- $59,180 median (May 2025); 11,060 jobs (2024); 1,140 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in Virginia
Virginia students take Carpentry I and II and earn NCCER and HBI credentials; saw, roofing and woodworking tasks on job sites need a DOLI-filed work-training agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Carpentry, HBI and ICC credentials plus OSHA-10; a DPOR contractor license waits until 18 and experience.
- Credentials
- NCCER Core and Carpentry Levels 1 and 2; HBI PACT; HBI/NAHB residential construction assessments; ICC B1; OSHA-10 in course (May 2026 Board list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- DPOR Board for Contractors license (Classes A, B, C): designated individual at least 18. Registered apprentice at 16 with parent signature (Va. Code 2.2-2050).
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License after a Provisional License, or the three-year CTE license; no construction-specific rule found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars under-18 power woodworking, circular and band saws, roofing, excavation and demolition; a work-training agreement filed with DOLI or registered apprenticeship opens saws and roofing (16VAC15-30-150, -170). HO 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; VCCS Building Trades and Construction Management Career Studies Certificates by college (Confirm locally); CCRV is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- $55,690 median (May 2025); top tenth above $74,250; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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HVAC/R in Virginia
Virginia HVACR students can earn EPA 608 and start a registered apprenticeship at 16; DPOR tradesman licenses wait until 18, and rooftop work needs a DOLI-filed agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EPA 608 and NOCTI HVAC/R plus a registered apprenticeship start at 16; tradesman licenses wait until 18 plus experience.
- Credentials
- NOCTI HVAC/R (3064) and other course-page credentials (Board list: Confirm with the agency); EPA 608 (no age floor)
- Age and hour rules
- DPOR HVAC tradesman licenses at 18: residential HVAC from 160 hours of training plus 2 years, down to 6 years with no training; master after more experience. EPA 608 has no age requirement.
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License after a Provisional License, or the three-year CTE license; no HVAC-specific rule found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars roofing under 18 (rooftop units) without a work-training agreement filed with DOLI or registered apprenticeship. Federal HO 16, HO 8 and HO 14 need student-learner terms; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; local VCCS agreements and dual enrollment; CCRV is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- $59,730 median (May 2025); 14,660 jobs (2024); 1,410 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Machining and Mechatronics in Virginia
Virginia students take Precision Machining and Mechatronics courses and earn NIMS or SACA credentials; job-site machine work at 16-17 needs a DOLI work-training agreement or registered apprenticeship.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NIMS machining credentials, SACA C-101 and other listed credentials, plus a registered apprenticeship start at 16; no state license exists.
- Credentials
- PMT I-II: NIMS Machining Level 1, Precision Machining Assessment, Dimensional Measurements/Quality Inspector, MSSC; Mechatronics I: SACA, Festo NC3, Siemens SMSCP, RECF Robotics, NOCTI Mechatronics Level 1 (Board-approved list status: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Registered apprentice at 16 with parent signature (Va. Code 2.2-2050). Va. Code 40.1-100(A) bars under-18 work with dangerous machinery unless a work-training agreement or apprenticeship applies.
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in last 5) via Technical Professional License or the three-year CTE license; every initial CTE licensee needs an industry credential. No machining-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-100(A) and 16VAC15-30 bar dangerous machinery under 18; a work-training agreement signed by employer and school coordinator, copy to DOLI, is the student-learner route. Federal HO 7 hoisting stays barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; VCCS agreements are regional or by college; registered apprenticeship from 16 through Virginia Works.
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $61,290 median (May 2025); +5.9% 2024-34; 570 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $64,020; +15.7%; 1,040 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in Virginia
Virginia students take drafting and engineering courses for CAD certifications; these courses add to math and science and can support a lab science verified credit, not replace courses.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CAD certifications such as CSWA or Autodesk ACU and Workplace Readiness Skills; no license applies.
- Credentials
- CSWA, Autodesk ACU, Workplace Readiness Skills (inventory; Board-approved list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license.
- Who can teach
- Technology Education endorsement (8VAC20-23-270; route for engineering degree holders plus 15 semester hours) or Trade and Industrial (industry certification plus 2 years in last 5); industry certification for initial licensure, provisional license allowed meanwhile. Endorsement for drafting: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Federal rules apply to placements; otherwise prohibited work needs a written work-training agreement filed with DOLI.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; VCCS CAD programs by college and CCRV Passport/UCGS general education credit (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $63,450 median (May 2025); +3.2% 2024-34; 230 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $69,630; -2.7%; 40 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Virginia
Virginia students start with Cybersecurity Fundamentals 6302 and can earn CompTIA and Cisco certifications; the state has the most security analyst openings in the set.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CompTIA and Cisco certifications and a Board-approved credential for the diploma; security analyst jobs usually need more education.
- Credentials
- Fairfax County lists CompTIA Tech+, A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco CCST and CCNA; no ISC2 credential (May 2026 Board list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate; check credentials against the May 2026 Board list.
- Who can teach
- Technical Professional License, Business and Information Technology endorsement (networking specialty): 2 years full-time experience in past 5, business certificate or associate degree, 9 semester hours, division recommendation; industry credential for initial licensure.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers IT work. Employer background checks and data-access limits are contract terms.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by college agreement (Confirm locally); CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $134,900 median (May 2025), 1,820 openings/yr; network support $76,760, 430 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34
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Programming and Computer Science in Virginia
Virginia students take Programming 6640 and can count a CS credit as math, science or CTE; Virginia has the most software developer openings in the set.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- AP CSP, Python Institute, CIW and Oracle credentials and a CS credit that can count as math or science; developer jobs usually need a degree.
- Credentials
- AP Computer Science Principles exam; PCEP and PCAP; CIW; Oracle; Unity (May 2026 Board list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. CS and coding must be in state standards and local curricula (Va. Code 22.1-253.13:1); a CS credit may count as math, science or CTE (8VAC20-132-51).
- Who can teach
- Computer Science endorsement (36 semester hours, or 18 as an add-on; 8VAC20-23-300) or Technical Professional License, Business and IT (programming): 2 years in past 5, certificate or associate degree, 9 semester hours.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found; youth registered apprenticeship (Software Developer) from 16; CCRV Passport/UCGS is general education only.
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $136,460 median (May 2025), 6,790 openings/yr; web developers $128,380, 380 openings/yr
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Business Management and Marketing in Virginia
Virginia business and marketing courses lead to A*S*K, NRF and Meta credentials, and course 6120 meets the required Economics and Personal Finance credit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- A*S*K, NRF, Meta and personal finance credentials and the required Economics and Personal Finance credit through course 6120.
- Credentials
- Digital and Social Media Marketing: A*S*K Fundamental Marketing Concepts, NRF Business of Retail and Customer Service and Sales, Meta Digital Marketing Associate; EPF: W!SE Financial Literacy, IRS VITA; MOS on the Board list ()
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- Business and Information Technology endorsement (bachelor's plus approved program or 39 semester hours, plus work experience) or Technical Professional License for specialized areas; industry certification required for initial licensure; Marketing Education requirements: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17. On-premises alcohol sales at 18 (3VAC5-50-50); off-premises cashier age: Confirm with the agency. Federal HO 12 balers and HO 2 delivery driving apply.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement checked (Confirm locally); CCRV Passport/UCGS general education credit.
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $122,080 median (May 2025); +4.7% 2024-34; 8,730 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $47,990; -4.7%; 4,250 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Virginia
Virginia students take Entrepreneurship 9093 and 9094 and can earn ESB, USECE or Virtual Enterprise credentials; a school store must collect sales tax on its sales.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ESB, USECE or Virtual Enterprise certification and experience running a school-based business.
- Credentials
- 9094: Intuit Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB), U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Exam (USECE), Virtual Enterprise Certification Assessment, CCRA+, NCRC, Workplace Readiness Skills
- Age and hour rules
- No LLC organizer age stated in statute; contract capacity starts at 18. No age gates on the listed credentials.
- Who can teach
- Marketing education endorsement (8VAC20-23-260; first-time licensees earn an industry credential) or Technical Professional License for specialized marketing areas; which endorsement covers 9093 and 9094: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No employment certificate or state hour limits at 16-17 for paid work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; Kempsville HS reports 4 ODU credit hours for INCubatoredu with a B (Confirm locally); ESB ACE credit recommendation.
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $122,080 median (May 2025); +4.7% 2024-34; 8,730 openings/yr. Market research analysts $76,980; +12.3%; 2,780 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Virginia
Virginia students take Criminal Justice I and II and can earn the IAED dispatch certification; police and security roles start at 18 and state corrections at 21.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The Criminal Justice Assessment and IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Certification, plus dual enrollment credit; officer and security registration wait until 18.
- Credentials
- Criminal Justice Assessment; IAED ETC (written age policy: Confirm with the agency); Workplace Readiness Skills; NCRC; CCRA+
- Age and hour rules
- Law enforcement officer 18 (Va. Code 15.2-1705); unarmed security officer 18 with 18 hours of entry training; state corrections officer 21 with exceptions (); dispatcher training within 24 months of hire, no age.
- Who can teach
- CTE license under 8VAC20-23; the endorsement for Criminal Justice I and II was not found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17; no state rule on ride-alongs (agency policy governs). Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- No statewide high school agreement; dual enrollment (Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate); VCCS associate to ODU BS in Criminal Justice with C or better (2024-2027).
- Demand and pay
- Police $65,870 median (May 2025); +7.9% 2024-34; 1,720 openings/yr. Security guards $43,640; +4.8%; 4,650 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Virginia
Virginia students can earn VDFP Firefighter I and II in high school starting at 16 with parental consent, through Firefighting I and II and a fire company affiliation.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Firefighter I and II certification from VDFP before graduating, since students can certify at 16 with parental consent; HazMat Operations and CPR too.
- Credentials
- VDFP Firefighter I and II (IFSAC, Pro Board; free exams); HazMat Operations; CPR; Mayday Awareness (Chantilly example)
- Age and hour rules
- 16 by the first day with signed parental consent to VDFP before the first class; Firefighter I about 162 hours and II about 52 (2021 guidelines); no entry to a burning structure until certified except in training.
- Who can teach
- No teacher licensure rule on the course pages; fire agency instructor rules and the VDOE endorsement are not confirmed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Va. Code 40.1-79.1 exempts volunteer fire company members 16+ with parental approval; 40.1-100(D)(3) bars entering a burning structure until certified except in training. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement confirmed; VCCS Fire Science Career Studies Certificates by college ().
- Demand and pay
- $58,670 median (May 2025); +8.1% 2024-34; 940 openings/yr (paid only); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Virginia
Virginia students take Culinary Arts I and II toward ServSafe, ProStart and ACF credentials; a public student restaurant needs a health permit, and on-premises alcohol service waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ServSafe Manager, ProStart COA, ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook and AHLEI credentials; no on-premises alcohol service before 18.
- Credentials
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager, ProStart COA, ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook, AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook (culinary); AHLEI HTS, CGSP, Front Desk, CHTMP (hospitality); Board list: Confirm with the agency
- Age and hour rules
- Serving alcohol at 18 under Va. Code 4.1-200; mixing drinks at 21 (4.1-307); off-premises sales at legal working age with a manager 21 or older present.
- Who can teach
- Technical Professional License (4 years supervisory, or the trade routes; 9 semester hours) or a Provisional License first; industry credential for initial licensees; culinary endorsement: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. State meat and bakery orders exempt student-learners and apprentices, but federal HO 11 still bars floor mixers; Va. Code 40.1-100(D)(5) adds a culinary route at 16. How DOLI wants agreements filed: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement checked (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $36,750 median (May 2025), +23.3%, 7,680 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $63,270, +7.2%, 510/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Virginia
Virginia's 840-hour VDOE cosmetology sequence leads to state exams by the end of senior year with no DPOR school license; minors 16 and older may work in salons in work-training programs.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full license route: the 840-hour VDOE sequence qualifies students for the state exams by the end of senior year.
- Credentials
- Virginia cosmetologist license (Prov exams: theory $99, practical $95); Cosmetology Assessment
- Age and hour rules
- No minimum age in rule; 840 hours in the VDOE sequence (VDOE guidance) versus 1,000 in a private licensed school (DPOR summary; Confirm with the agency).
- Who can teach
- VDOE Trade and Industrial route under 8VAC20-23; whether teachers also need the DPOR instructor certificate (license plus teaching-methods course or instructor exam, 18VAC41-20-100) is open.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No employment certificate at 16-17. Since July 1, 2025, minors 16 and older may work in barbershops and salons as apprentices, in work-training programs or with a license (Va. Code 40.1-100).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm locally); hour transfer limited to verified transcript hours within the board curriculum (18VAC41-20-210 H).
- Demand and pay
- Median not published for Virginia (May 2025); +10.2% 2024-34; 2,680 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Virginia
Virginia students take Automotive Technology I and II and earn ASE student certifications on the Board list; the state safety inspector license waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ASE Entry-Level and ASE certification exams, EPA 609 and the xEV exam; the state safety inspector license waits until 18.
- Credentials
- ASE Certification Examinations (any one), ASE Entry-Level (any one), ASE xEV and EPA 609, all high demand on the 2025-26 Board list (May 2026 list: Changing); NOCTI Automotive Technician-Core; Virginia Official Safety Inspector Class A exam (framework)
- Age and hour rules
- No age or hour gate on ASE student tests. State Police safety inspector license at 18 with a Virginia driver's license and exams, plus one year as a mechanic, six months plus six months alongside an inspector, or a State Police-approved training program (19VAC30-70-9).
- Who can teach
- Trade and Industrial endorsement (license or industry certification plus 2 years in the last 5) or Technical Professional License (board license or completed apprenticeship plus 2 years, or 4 years supervisory; 9 semester hours); every initial CTE licensee needs an industry credential.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17. State rules mirror the federal orders (16VAC15-30): engine hoists barred (DOL treats vehicle lifts as outside HO 7), no road driving at 16, and HO 14 cut-off discs need a work-training agreement with a copy to DOLI.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm with VCCS); local dual enrollment; CCRV Passport and UCGS are general education only.
- Demand and pay
- $59,330 median (May 2025); +5.2% 2024-34; 1,930 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Virginia
Virginia agriculture runs on state AFNR courses with FFA and many Board-listed credentials; pesticide applicator certificates are not issued before 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Board-listed credentials such as BASF Plant Science, Beef Quality Assurance and FAA Part 107; applicator certificates are not issued before 18.
- Credentials
- Animal Systems Assessment, BASF Plant Science, Beef Quality Assurance, commercial, private and registered technician pesticide exams, FAA Part 107, livestock evaluation, NCRC, CCRA+, Workplace Readiness Skills (8010 list)
- Age and hour rules
- Pesticide applicator applications require the applicant to certify being over 18; certificates not issued before 18 (2VAC5-685); whether students under 18 may sit the exams: Confirm with the agency.
- Who can teach
- Agricultural Education endorsement (8VAC20-23-220): bachelor's with 39 semester hours in agriculture, 2,000 hours of relevant work in the past 5 years and an industry certification (provisional license while earning it).
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or state hour limits at 16-17; 16VAC15-30 has no agriculture section; 12- and 13-year-olds may do farm work with parental consent. Whether the work-training exception in Va. Code 40.1-100(B) covers farm placements: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm with VCCS).
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $47,700 median (May 2025), +10.9%, 120 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $47,890, +3.3%, 370/yr; ag technicians $41,210, +7.2%, 30/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Virginia state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in North Carolina
North Carolina students can earn Nurse Aide I through HN43 or Career and College Promise; DHSR approves the program, each RN instructor and each clinical site.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential: HN43 runs well above any likely DHSR hour total, and students can be listed on the Nurse Aide I registry before graduating.
- Credentials
- NC Nurse Aide I (registry); First Aid/CPR; Nurse Aide I credential also articulates to NAS 101
- Age and hour rules
- No age in rule; DHSR recommends 16.5 at enrollment, the DPI HN43 page cites 16 on the first day. DHSR sets hours at approval and will not approve the bare 75; 1:10 clinical ratio.
- Who can teach
- License 720 Health Science-RN (no provisional status): unrestricted RN, 2 years clinical nursing. DHSR HCPEC-8: NC RN, 2 years (4,000 hours), teaching-adults qualification; coordinator adds 1 year long-term care.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every paid minor; no work 11 p.m.-5 a.m. before a school day without parent and principal approval. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3).
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: NC Nurse Aide I credential (HN43) to NAS 101 (B, 93 post-assessment, 2-year window: Confirm with the agency); CCP Workforce Continuing Education Nurse Aide I, tuition waived.
- Demand and pay
- $38,460 median (May 2025); +7.0% 2024-34; 9,420 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in North Carolina
North Carolina students can take EMT through IP21-IP22 or CCP and test at 17, but OEMS issues the EMT credential only at 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The course and the exam at 17, not the credential: OEMS issues the EMT credential at 18.
- Credentials
- NC EMT credential (OEMS) issued at 18 after NREMT testing; credential listed for IP22 ()
- Age and hour rules
- Course entry 17 by the course end date; may test at 17; credential issued at 18 (10A NCAC 13P .0502). Minimum 240 hours: 192 didactic and skills plus 48 clinical or field.
- Who can teach
- Level I EMS Instructor at or above course level as lead, Level II coordinator at the institution; DPI CTE Restricted route for the teacher, license area for IP21/IP22 not confirmed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every paid minor; no work 11 p.m.-5 a.m. before a school day without parent and principal approval. Federal HO 2: students ride, not drive. Sites set ride-along ages.
- College credit
- Career and College Promise: community colleges offer EMS 110 (EMT, 3 credits) to students 17 by the course end date; tuition waived. No HS-to-CC articulation row for EMT.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 7,630 jobs (2024); +8.8% 2024-34; 630 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in North Carolina
North Carolina students can earn the CCMA through pilot courses HU45 and HU46; any student dental work on patients needs a Dental Board-approved course.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The CCMA for students 16 or older who graduate within 365 days of course completion; dental radiography needs the CDA or 7 plus 7 hours of Board-recognized training.
- Credentials
- CCMA (NHA) for HU45 and HU46; no phlebotomy or EKG credential listed; no state dental course credential
- Age and hour rules
- CCMA: 16 to enroll. Radiography by any dental assistant needs the CDA or an equivalency exam after 7 hours of instruction and 7 hours of clinical radiology (G.S. 90-29(c)(12)).
- Who can teach
- No licensure code listed for HU45 and HU46; DPI's health area is 720 Health Science-RN (no provisional); whether a non-RN can be licensed to teach: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor; no work 11 p.m.-5 a.m. before a school day without parent and principal approval (G.S. 95-25.5).
- College credit
- CCP medical assisting pathways (examples: Wake Tech C45400HS; Lenoir CC Medical Assisting Skills Certificate, which does not qualify for the AAMA CMA); no CCP dental pathway found.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $45,140 median (May 2025), +15.9%, 3,500 openings/yr; dental assistants $50,380, +8.6%, 1,610 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in North Carolina
North Carolina students can earn the state Early Childhood Credential through FE11 Honors and college credit for FE11 and FE12; staff under 18 need a credentialed supervisor 21 or older.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NC Early Childhood Credential through FE11 Honors with an A or B and performance proficiency, plus community college credit.
- Credentials
- NC Early Childhood Credential via FE11 Honors (no cost, lifetime; time limit: Confirm with the agency); First Aid, CPR and AED
- Age and hour rules
- Staff counted in ratio 16+; under 18 directly supervised by a credentialed person 21+ (G.S. 110-91(8)); no one under 18 in charge of a group (10A NCAC 09 .0703).
- Who can teach
- Family and Consumer Sciences license per the state inventory ().
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all employment under 18. County, state and FBI fingerprint checks before employment and every 5 years for child care workers of any age (G.S. 110-90.2).
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement (May 16, 2025; rev. Mar 9, 2026): FE11 to EDU-119, FE12 to EDU-151 (conditions: Confirm with the agency); CCP dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $29,140 median (May 2025), +1.3%, 3,090 openings/yr; preschool teachers $35,710, +9.6%, 2,140/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in North Carolina
North Carolina students can earn NCCER levels and college credit for ELC-113, but any electrical job-site work by a minor needs an apprenticeship, student-learner or NCDOL-approved agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Electrical levels, OSHA-10 and articulated credit for ELC-113; coursework counts at 50% toward contractor experience. Job-site work needs an approved arrangement.
- Credentials
- NC NCCER Electrical Trades I-IV; OSHA-10; state post-assessment per course
- Age and hour rules
- Youth apprenticeship from 16. Contractor license only (no journeyman), applicant 18: limited 2 years, intermediate 4, unlimited 5; school electrical courses count at 50% of experience, approved apprenticeship 100% (21 NCAC 18B .0202).
- Who can teach
- Initial Professional License, CTE Restricted route, 74026 Construction (no provisional): 2 years with bachelor's, 4 with associate, 6 with diploma; OSHA-10 Construction before teaching; NCCER ICTP. 74026 as the IC41 code: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars under-18 electrician and helper work, welding and 10-foot falls unless registered apprentice, FLSA student-learner, or NCDOL-approved Supervised Practice agreement (G.S. 95-25.5(k1), 16-17, paid). Youth employment certificate for every minor.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: IC00 + IC41 + IC42 to ELC-113 Residential Wiring (B, 93, 2 years: Confirm with the agency); CCP dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 25,830 jobs (2024); +10.4% 2024-34; 2,590 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Welding in North Carolina
North Carolina welding students earn articulated college credit for WLD courses, but state law bars minors from welding on the job without an apprenticeship, student-learner or NCDOL agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- State post-assessments, welding credentials and articulated college credit; job-site welding by a minor needs an approved arrangement.
- Credentials
- State post-assessment per course; welding credentials by course in the CMS ()
- Age and hour rules
- 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars under-18 welding, brazing and torch cutting unless exempt. No state welder license found. Sandhills CC WCE NCCER Welding Level 1: 16 on the first day, 321 hours (2023-24 catalog).
- Who can teach
- Initial Professional License, CTE Restricted route, 74080 Welding (no provisional): 2 years with bachelor's, 4 with associate, 6 with diploma; pass AWS SMAW, FCAW-G and GMAW-S tests, or hold CWE, CWI or SCWI, before the initial license expires.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars welding, brazing, torch cutting and 10-foot falls unless registered apprentice, FLSA student-learner, or NCDOL-approved Supervised Practice agreement (G.S. 95-25.5(k1), 16-17, paid). HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: IM61 to WLD-110; IM61 + IM62 to WLD-110 and WLD-115; IM63 to WLD-121 or WLD-123 (B, 93, 2 years: Confirm with the agency); CCP welding.
- Demand and pay
- $50,590 median (May 2025); 12,960 jobs (2024); 1,370 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in North Carolina
North Carolina carpentry students earn NCCER credentials and articulated CAR or ARC credit; work at heights by a minor needs an apprenticeship, student-learner or NCDOL agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Core, NC NCCER Carpentry and OSHA-10 plus articulated college credit; job-site height work needs an approved arrangement.
- Credentials
- NCCER Core and OSHA-10 (IC00); NC NCCER Carpentry I (module tests 70+ plus performance evaluations, proctored) (IC21)
- Age and hour rules
- General contractor license required for projects of $40,000 or more (applicant age: Confirm with the agency). Youth apprenticeship from 16.
- Who can teach
- Initial Professional License, CTE Restricted route, 74026 Construction (no provisional): 2 years with bachelor's, 4 with associate, 6 with diploma; OSHA-10 Construction before teaching; NCCER ICTP.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars work with a fall risk of 10 feet or more (ladders, scaffolds) unless apprentice, student-learner or NCDOL-approved Supervised Practice; confined spaces: Confirm with NCDOL. HO 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: IC00 + IC21 to CAR-110, WOL-110 or CST-110; IC21 + IC22 to ARC-112 (B, 93, 2 years: Confirm with the agency); CCP construction.
- Demand and pay
- $49,100 median (May 2025); top tenth above $63,160; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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HVAC/R in North Carolina
North Carolina HVACR students earn NC NCCER levels and EPA 608, and coursework can count toward a heating license; attic or rooftop work by minors needs an approved arrangement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NC NCCER HVACR levels, OSHA-10 and EPA 608, plus coursework that can count toward heating license experience; the license exam waits until 18.
- Credentials
- NC NCCER HVACR I-III; Construction Core; OSHA-10; EPA 608 (no age floor)
- Age and hour rules
- Heating contractor license exam at 18; 2 years of on-site experience, up to half from academic or technical coursework. EPA 608 has no age floor.
- Who can teach
- Initial Professional License, CTE Restricted route, 74026 Construction (HVAC experience qualifies; no provisional): 2/4/6 years by degree; OSHA-10 Construction before teaching; NCCER instructor certification.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars 10-foot falls and, per profile, confined spaces and respirator work unless apprentice, student-learner or NCDOL Supervised Practice; whether attics and crawl spaces count is open. HO 16, 8, 14 need student-learner terms; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No HVACR row in the HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement; credit through CCP or local agreements; up to half of heating license experience may be coursework.
- Demand and pay
- $57,260 median (May 2025); 14,550 jobs (2024); 1,400 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Machining and Mechatronics in North Carolina
North Carolina students earn NIMS credentials and college credit for three machining courses; on job sites, welding and height tasks need an apprenticeship, student-learner or NCDOL Supervised Practice agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NIMS credentials and articulated credit for BPR-111, MAC-111 and MAC-151; no state license. Welding or height tasks on a job site need an approved arrangement.
- Credentials
- IM41: NIMS Measurement, Materials and Safety; IM42: NIMS Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout; IM43 and TR11-TR14 credentials ()
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Youth apprenticeship from 16. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars under-18 welding, torch cutting and 10-foot fall work unless an exemption applies.
- Who can teach
- CTE Restricted route through DPI (trade areas: bachelor's plus 2 years, associate plus 4, or diploma plus 6); the license area code for Metals Manufacturing and Integrated Production Technologies is not published.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor. Federal machine rules apply; 13 NCAC 12 .0406 adds bars on welding, torch cutting and 10-foot falls, lifted only for registered apprentices, FLSA student-learners or an NCDOL-approved Supervised Practice agreement.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: IM41 + IM42 to BPR-111, MAC-111 and MAC-151 (B or better, 93 on post-assessment); no articulation for TR11-TR14; Career and College Promise.
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $55,230 median (May 2025); +3.9% 2024-34; 880 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $62,430; +19.5%; 1,740 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in North Carolina
North Carolina students earn Autodesk and CSWA credentials in drafting courses that count as graduation math, though not as the fourth math UNC campuses require.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ACU AutoCAD, ACU Inventor, ACU Fusion and CSWA through the drafting courses; drafting courses can count as graduation math. No license applies.
- Credentials
- IC61: ACU AutoCAD; IV22: ACU Inventor, ACU Fusion, CSWA; CT10: none; PLTW CE courses and IV23 ()
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license.
- Who can teach
- 820 Technology Engineering and Design (related bachelor's plus 2 years and a specialty exam) or 74070 T&I-Drafting (bachelor's plus 2, associate plus 4, or diploma plus 6 years; CSWA-Academic or ACU Inventor plus ACU AutoCAD and Revit before the initial license expires); license for PLTW courses: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all under 18. No shop-machine bar beyond federal rules; the state bars 10-foot fall work (confined spaces: Confirm with NCDOL).
- College credit
- On the HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: Drafting I (IC61) to DFT-111 and DFT-111A; Drafting II-Architectural (IC62) to DFT-115, DFT-119 or ARC-114; Drafting II-Engineering (IV22) to DFT-151. PLTW and Technology Engineering and Design courses are not on it. Career and College Promise dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $62,750 median (May 2025); +8.5% 2024-34; 310 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $59,050; -3.4%; 70 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in North Carolina
North Carolina cyber and networking courses carry CCST and CompTIA credentials, articulated NET and SEC credit, and count for the CS graduation requirement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CCST, CompTIA and AP Cybersecurity, articulated NET and SEC credit, and the CS graduation credit.
- Credentials
- Cisco CCST Cybersecurity and Networking; CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Tech+ (Networking II to CCST Networking; Network Administration to Network+; Cybersecurity II to Security+)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate; penetration testing only in authorized, isolated labs.
- Who can teach
- License 765 Computer Science and IT Education: related bachelor's plus 2 years or associate plus 4 (no diploma route; provisional start possible); continuing license needs Praxis 5652, or CCNA, Network+, Security+ or PCAP.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor; no federal hazardous order covers IT work. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars 10-foot falls and electrician's helper work, which can reach ceiling cabling.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: CI10 + CI11 to NET-125, NET-126, NET-225; CI20/CI21 to NET-110; CI30/CI31 to SEC-110 (B, 93, 2 years: Confirm with the agency); CCP dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $131,540 median (May 2025), 580 openings/yr; network support median not published, 240 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34
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Programming and Computer Science in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a CS credit for students entering grade 9 in 2024-25 or later; Python I and II carry PCEP and PCAP and articulate to CSC-121.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The CS graduation credit, Python Institute and Certiport credentials and articulated CSC-121 credit.
- Credentials
- PCEP and IT Specialist: Python (CP10); PCAP (CP11)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. CS graduation requirement for students who entered grade 9 in 2024-25 or later (G.S. 115C-12(9d)); listed courses cannot double count as core credits.
- Who can teach
- License 765 Computer Science and IT Education: related bachelor's plus 2 years or associate plus 4; continuing license needs Praxis 5652, or CCNA, Network+, Security+ or PCAP; Computer Education add-on for licensed teachers. AP CS and Python license areas: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: CP10 + CP11 to CSC-121 Python Programming (B, 93, 2 years: Confirm with the agency); CCP dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $134,710 median (May 2025), 3,720 openings/yr; web developers $96,610, 130 openings/yr
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Business Management and Marketing in North Carolina
North Carolina business students earn MOS, QuickBooks and NRF credentials in the new 2026-27 clusters; the required Economics and Personal Finance course cannot be a CTE substitute.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOS, QuickBooks, Intuit Bookkeeping, NRF, PMI and Adobe credentials and CCP college credit; a CTE course cannot carry the Economics and Personal Finance credit.
- Credentials
- MGTE: ESB, Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional, MOS, PMI Project Management Ready, Adobe; MRKS: NRF Business of Retail, MOS Excel, Adobe; FINS: QuickBooks Online Certified User, NAFTrack
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- Business, Finance and Information Technology Education license (760) or Marketing Education (730): bachelor's plus 2 years or associate plus 4; Initial CTE Restricted license available; current codes: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all under 18; no work 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. before a school day without approval. Under-18 cashiers may ring up off-premises alcohol sales (G.S. 95-25.5(j)). Federal HO 12 and HO 2 apply.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC articulation applies to listed courses (B or better, 93 on post-assessment); Office Administration is an approved CCP pathway.
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $101,950 median (May 2025); +5.7% 2024-34; 6,340 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $47,760; -1.7%; 4,760 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in North Carolina
North Carolina students take Entrepreneurship I and II for ESB and can log 120 on-the-job hours in WE11; whether a student-owned business can be the site is unsettled.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ESB (ME12) and Venture Entrepreneurial Expedition (ME11) credentials and a 120-hour on-the-job entrepreneurial experience.
- Credentials
- ME12: Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB); ME11: Venture Entrepreneurial Expedition and a 100-item state post-assessment
- Age and hour rules
- No LLC organizer age stated in statute; contract capacity starts at 18 (G.S. 48A-2).
- Who can teach
- 730 Marketing Education or 760 Business, Finance and Information Technology Education (bachelor's plus 2 years or associate plus 4); Initial CTE Restricted license; which area teaches ME11, ME12 and WE11, and whether self-employment counts: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all employment under 18; a school enterprise that pays students handles permits and hours as for any student employee.
- College credit
- ENTR carries Career and College Promise approval (tuition-free courses); matching college courses: Confirm with the agency.
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $101,950 median (May 2025); +5.7% 2024-34; 6,340 openings/yr. Market research analysts $78,410; +8.0%; 3,020 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in North Carolina
North Carolina students earn NLEC and Certified Protection Officer credentials in Law and Justice; college credit runs through Career and College Promise, and police certification starts at 20.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NLEC and Certified Protection Officer credentials and CCP college credit; sworn and guard roles wait until 18 or 20.
- Credentials
- IP41: National Law Enforcement Certification (NLEC); IP42: Certified Protection Officer (IFPO); no dispatch credential listed
- Age and hour rules
- Police officer certification 20; deputies and detention officers 20; telecommunicators and state correctional officers 18; unarmed guard 18 with 16 hours of training, armed 21.
- Who can teach
- License 74099 T&I-Public Safety (2 years with a bachelor's to 6 with a diploma); before teaching, one of NCDPS CERT, NCOSFM Qualified Fire Instructor, OEMS EMT Instructor, an IFPO certification or law enforcement certification; provisional licensure allowed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all employment under 18; no state rule on ride-alongs (agency policy). Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- No Law and Justice rows in the HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement; Career and College Promise Criminal Justice Technology certificate C55180H2 (18 semester hours, tuition waived).
- Demand and pay
- Police $59,300 median (May 2025); +6.3% 2024-34; 1,780 openings/yr. Security guards $35,010; +0.6%; 3,780 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in North Carolina
North Carolina students earn stackable NCOSFM Firefighter Technology credentials in high school; state Firefighter certification waits until 18, often through a short college course after graduation.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCOSFM Firefighter Technology I-III course credentials; state Firefighter certification waits until 18 and a diploma.
- Credentials
- NCOSFM Firefighter Technology I, II and III course credentials (stackable, lifetime, 70% to pass, no retakes); Emergency Medical Care; ICS
- Age and hour rules
- State Firefighter certification at 18 with a diploma or GED, plus TIMS, Emergency Medical Care, Mayday and HazMat Operations; course credentials earlier. NFPA 1001 (2019).
- Who can teach
- License 74099 T&I-Public Safety (2 years with a bachelor's to 6 with a diploma); Qualified NCOSFM Fire Instructor for Firefighter Technology I; provisional licensure allowed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for paid work. Junior Member Standard (guidance) bars 16-17-year-olds from structure and vehicle fire suppression and driving; silent on live fire training. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland work.
- College credit
- Approved Career and College Promise pathway (mapped college program: Confirm with the agency); GTCC High School Fire Cadet: 40-hour course after graduation for FF I and II.
- Demand and pay
- $37,940 median (May 2025); +6% 2024-34; 1,490 openings/yr (paid only); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in North Carolina
North Carolina students take FH10 through FH13 toward food protection and ProStart credentials and community college culinary credit; no one under 18 may prepare or serve alcohol.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Food Protection Manager certification, ProStart COA or ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook, and community college credit.
- Credentials
- ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager (FH11, FH12); ACF Certified Fundamentals Cook, pre-professional culinary certification or ProStart COA (FH13)
- Age and hour rules
- Under 18 may not prepare, serve, dispense or sell alcohol, except ringing up off-premises sales; at on-premises ABC permit holders, 14-year-olds may work only on outside grounds (with written parental consent), and 15-17-year-olds may work inside in jobs that do not involve alcohol (G.S. 95-25.5(j)); bartending age: Confirm with the agency.
- Who can teach
- Family and Consumer Sciences license (Foods and Nutrition, Culinary Arts); experience per the CTE Licensure Manual; a CFPM-before-teaching rule was claimed but not confirmed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars cutting and slicing machines in canneries and seafood and poultry processing (student-learner and apprentice exemptions); federal HO 10 and HO 11 govern restaurant kitchens.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement: FH10-FH13 to CUL-140 or CUL-142; FN41, FN42 or FH courses to CUL-110 and CUL-110A (conditions: Confirm with the agency); CCP.
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $35,400 median (May 2025), +22.4%, 9,230 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $61,130, +12.9%, 590/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in North Carolina
North Carolina has no DPI cosmetology course; high school programs run as Board-licensed schools, often with a community college, and hours expire five years after enrollment.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Licensure hours in a Board-licensed school; the exam follows completion of all hours, and a graduate who applies for the exam within 3 months can get a temporary employment permit (G.S. 88B-12).
- Credentials
- NC cosmetologist license; no DPI course or credential list ()
- Age and hour rules
- No minimum age in statute (21 NCAC 14: Confirm with the agency); 1,500 hours, or 1,200 plus a 6-month apprenticeship (G.S. 88B-7); hours expire 5 years after enrollment (G.S. 88B-19).
- Who can teach
- Board cosmetology teacher license: cosmetologist license, teacher exam, and 1 year of full-time practice or 800 teacher-training hours (G.S. 88B-11); DPI license area: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for all paid work under 18; no cosmetology-specific bar.
- College credit
- No statewide articulation researched; Career and College Promise is the likely route ().
- Demand and pay
- $38,410 median (May 2025); +6.8% 2024-34; 2,170 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in North Carolina
North Carolina students take IT11 through IT18 toward ASE Entry-Level; teachers need ASE certifications within 6 months, and job-site exhaust welding needs an NCDOL-approved arrangement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Shop safety credentials, ASE Entry-Level preparation and articulated college credit with a B and 93 on the post-assessment; whether a 16- or 17-year-old can hold the inspection mechanic license is open.
- Credentials
- S/P2 Automotive Service Safety and Pollution Prevention and Lifting It Right: School Edition (IT11); ASE Entry-Level promoted on the pathway page; IT17 and IT18 credentials ()
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate on ASE student tests. NCDMV safety inspection mechanic license states no age beyond a valid driver's license: 8-hour community college course and written exam at 80% (G.S. 20-183.4; 19A NCAC 03D .0521).
- Who can teach
- License 74015 Automotive Service, not issued provisionally: bachelor's plus 2 years, associate plus 4, or diploma plus 6; ASE A4, A5, A6 and G1 (or Master A1-A8) within 6 months of hire.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for every minor; no work 11 p.m.-5 a.m. before a school day without parent and principal approval. 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars welding and torch cutting unless apprentice, student-learner or NCDOL Supervised Practice. Federal HO 7 engine hoists barred; no road driving at 16.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement requires a B and 93 on the post-assessment (Central Piedmont example: TRN 111, TRN 112, AUT 113 with the MLR task list); articulation for the 2026-27 sequence: Confirm with the agency; CCP dual enrollment.
- Demand and pay
- $48,200 median (May 2025); +7.4% 2024-34; 2,670 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in North Carolina
North Carolina's agriculture cluster has six pathways and eight course pairs that earn community college credit; youth employment certificates apply to farm jobs, and applicator licenses wait until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Course-aligned credentials such as YQCA, Beef Quality Assurance and Certified Veterinary Assistant, and community college credit; applicator licensing waits until 18.
- Credentials
- YQCA, NC Beef Quality Assurance, Elanco Veterinary Medical Applications or CVA, Certified Forest Worker, Future Plant Professional, AWS welding (Ag Mechanics II), Certified Beekeeper, NHJTCA Equine
- Age and hour rules
- Applicators, private applicators and supervised noncertified applicators 18 (02 NCAC 09L .0512, .1107; rule text: Confirm with the agency).
- Who can teach
- Agricultural education license; NC State LEAP (15 online credit hours) for agriculture bachelor's holders with a 2.75 GPA; license code and any industry or residency route: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Youth employment certificate for farm jobs; agricultural workers are not exempt from youth employment rules (G.S. 95-25.5, 95-25.14). Whether the 13 NCAC 12 .0406 bars (welding, 10-foot falls) reach farm work: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- HS-to-CC Articulation Agreement (May 16, 2025): AA22 to ANS-110, AA41 to VET-114, AN53 to FOR-171, AP41 to HOR-150, AP42, AP44, AS32 to WLD-112 or TRN-180, AU21-AU22 to AGR-139 (conditions: Confirm with the agency).
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $50,750 median (May 2025), +12.9%, 50 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $39,580, +5.2%, 330/yr; ag technicians $51,470, +3.1%, 90/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the North Carolina state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Arizona
Arizona students can earn the CNA in Nursing Services: 120 hours, practice age 16 in statute, and AZBN approval of the program and RN instructor before any recruiting.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential in most cases: statute sets 16 to practice, so completers can test and be listed before graduating, pending AZBN confirmation.
- Credentials
- CNA (registry) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (adds fingerprints and fees); CPR/BLS; credential codes on 2026-27 ADE list ()
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 to practice (A.R.S. 32-1645(D)); the 18 on AZBN's page applies to medication assistants. 120 hours: 40 classroom, 20 lab, 40 clinical (20 in long-term care), 20 program-assigned (R4-19-802).
- Who can teach
- ADE SCTHC or SSCTEHC certificate (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, 15 semester hours after issuance) plus RN with 1 year (1,500 hours) direct care and a teaching qualification; coordinator RN with 2 years incl. 1 in long-term care.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students from the state list. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3). Sites may ask for a DPS fingerprint card (under-18 issuance: Confirm with the agency).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; CTED-community college IGAs (A.R.S. 15-1821.01); dual enrollment hours count only if they meet AZBN standards (which colleges: Confirm with the agency).
- Demand and pay
- $44,780 median (May 2025); +17.4% 2024-34; 3,180 openings/yr; on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (all regions)
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Emergency Medical Technician in Arizona
Arizona students can take EMT through an ADHS-certified partner such as a community college, but state EMT certification waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The course and NREMT preparation; Arizona EMT certification waits until 18, so most completers certify after graduation.
- Credentials
- NREMT EMT; Arizona EMT certification at 18; credential codes on the 2026-27 ADE list ()
- Age and hour rules
- State EMT certification at 18 (R9-25-403(A)(1)); no state course-entry age, partners often require 18 or director permission. Course of 130 hours: 120 classroom and skills, 10 clinical and field (R9-25-305).
- Who can teach
- ADE SCTHC, SSCTEHC, SCTIET or SSCTEIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree); ADHS training program director needs 24 hours of instructional methodology and 2 years' experience; lead instructor rules (R9-25-303 to 305) unconfirmed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students from the state list. Federal HO 2 bars on-the-job driving at 16, limits 17. Sites may ask for a DPS fingerprint card (under-18 issuance: Confirm with the agency).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; CTED-community college IGAs. West-MEC EMT with a Maricopa college site (13 credits) and Paradise Valley CC (14 credits); Maricopa EMT certificate open at 18 or with director permission.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 4,140 jobs (2024); +14.1% 2024-34; 370 openings/yr; on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (all regions, per AZ profile)
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Arizona
Arizona students can earn CCMA or RMA, which a high school completer must pass before working as a medical assistant, and DANB RHS before dental radiography.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CCMA or RMA, which an Arizona high school completer must pass before working as an MA, plus DANB RHS and the Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate.
- Credentials
- CCMA, RMA, CPT, CET, AMT RPT, BLS, Bloodborne Pathogens, HIPAA (51.0801); DANB RHS, Arizona Coronal Polishing Certificate, BLS (51.0600); NCMA, NELDA and CDA not listed (list updates yearly: Changing)
- Age and hour rules
- No age stated. A high school MA completer must pass an NCCA- or ANSI-accredited exam before MA work (R4-16-401); radiography and coronal polishing each require a Board-approved exam (A.R.S. 32-1291).
- Who can teach
- Health Careers certificate SCTHC or SSCTEHC (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree); Cooperative Education Endorsement for DCE and co-op; whether a radiography instructor needs the Arizona certificate: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit; no state hour limits at 16-17; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts career education students from the state list, federal rules still apply. Clinical sites may ask for a DPS fingerprint card (under-18 issuance: Confirm with the agency).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; the 2026-27 list counts certificates from Eastern Arizona, Mohave, Arizona Western and Yavapai (MA) and Eastern Arizona and Mohave (DA) as CTED eligible; IGAs by CTED.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $45,940 median (May 2025), +24.0%, 3,760 openings/yr; dental assistants $49,000, +15.7%, 1,170 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Arizona
Arizona high school students 16 and older can count in ratio as assistant teacher-caregivers, the CDA is on the state credential list, and a school lab preschool usually needs an ADHS license.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Placement as a counted assistant teacher-caregiver at 16, and the CDA (on ADE's 2026-27 list).
- Credentials
- CDA on ADE's 2026-27 list for 13.1210, counting for A-F and CTED (list updated Sept. 8, 2026)
- Age and hour rules
- Assistant teacher-caregiver at 16 through continuous high school enrollment, counted in ratio; teacher-caregiver 18; director 21; student-aides under 16 not counted (A.A.C. Title 9, Ch. 5).
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate through work-experience verification; certificate area (Education and Training or Family and Consumer Sciences): Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permit; no state hour limits at 16-17. A DPS fingerprint clearance card is required before starting for employees and volunteers (A.R.S. 36-883.02); how staff under 18 are screened: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- Not researched; no statewide agreement found ().
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $35,100 median (May 2025), +4.8%, 2,120 openings/yr; preschool teachers $36,300, +19.7%, 1,450/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Arizona
Arizona students earn NCCER credentials and can start a registered apprenticeship at 16; the state exempts CTE students from its child labor list, but federal lift and driving bans still apply.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Core and Level 1, OSHA-10 and a registered youth apprenticeship start; Arizona has no individual electrician license to earn.
- Credentials
- Arizona TSA for the program; NCCER Core and Electrical Level 1, OSHA-10 on the 2026-27 list ()
- Age and hour rules
- Registered apprentice at 16 (some industries 18). No state journeyman license; ROC licenses businesses through a qualifying party with 4 years (up to 2 from accredited training); no licenses to minors.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours) or SSCTEIET (5 years plus degree, approved credential or postsecondary teaching); no electrical license required.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; electrical work not on the state list; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students. Federal student-learner agreement needed for HOs 14, 16, 17; HOs 2, 7 (lifts, bucket trucks), 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by IGA; community college certificates on ADE list; up to 2 years of accredited training toward ROC qualifying experience.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 23,160 jobs (2024); +25.6% 2024-34; 2,820 openings/yr; on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (all regions)
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Welding in Arizona
Arizona welding students can earn AWS, NCCER and NC3 credentials; the state exempts CTE students from its machine bans, but federal saw and press rules still apply on the job.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- AWS, NCCER and NC3 credentials on the state list; Arizona has no welder license.
- Credentials
- AWS process and position certifications; NCCER Core and Welding Levels 1 and 2; Lincoln Electric NC3 (all on 2026-27 list; A-F vs CTED flags: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No welder license found. A.R.S. 23-231 bars under-18 work with metal-forming machines and power saws; CTE students are exempt from the state list (A.R.S. 23-235). Registered apprentice at 16.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours) or SSCTEIET (5 years plus degree, approved credential or postsecondary teaching).
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; CTE students exempt from the state list (A.R.S. 23-235). Federal HO 8 and HO 14 (abrasive discs, saws) need a student-learner agreement; HO 7 lifts barred; no state filing.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by district or CTED IGA with community colleges (A.R.S. 15-1821.01); community college welding certificates appear on ADE's list.
- Demand and pay
- $55,600 median (May 2025); 8,670 jobs (2024); growth about 8x national 2024-34; 1,060 openings/yr; 2026-27 in-demand list: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in Arizona
Arizona carpentry is on the 2026-27 in-demand list; CTE students are exempt from the state machine and roofing bans, but federal rules still apply on job sites.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Carpentry credentials on ADE's list and a registered apprenticeship start at 16; ROC licenses are not issued to minors.
- Credentials
- Carpentry credentials on the 2026-27 ADE list (which ones: Confirm with the agency); NCCER and OSHA-10 in the program
- Age and hour rules
- ROC license through a qualifying party with 4 years of trade experience and exams; not issued to minors; wage employees exempt. Registered apprentice at 16.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours) or SSCTEIET; no contractor license required.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. A.R.S. 23-231 bars power woodworking, saws, roofing, demolition and most excavation under 18; CTE students exempt (23-235). Federal HO 5, 14, 16, 17 need student-learner terms; HO 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by IGA (A.R.S. 15-1821.01); community college certificates appear on ADE's list for several programs (carpentry entries: Confirm with the agency).
- Demand and pay
- $58,580 median (May 2025); top tenth above $75,950; +18.8% 2024-34; on 2026-27 in-demand program list
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HVAC/R in Arizona
Arizona HVAC is on the in-demand list in every region; students can earn EPA 608 and NCCER, but rooftop work still needs a federal student-learner agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EPA 608, NCCER HVAC and other listed credentials; Arizona licenses contracting businesses, not individual technicians.
- Credentials
- EPA 608; EPA 609; NCCER Core and HVAC Levels 1 and 2; R-410A certification; Trane Tech One; community college certificates (2026-27 list; A-F vs CTED flags: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- ROC licenses contractors through a qualifying party with 4 years of experience; not issued to minors; wage employees exempt. EPA 608 has no age floor.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours) or SSCTEIET; no EPA 608 or license required of the teacher.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. A.R.S. 23-231 bars roofing including equipment on roofs; CTE students exempt (23-235). Federal HO 16 rooftop work needs a student-learner agreement; HO 8, 14 likewise; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; community college HVAC certificates appear on ADE's list; dual enrollment by IGA (A.R.S. 15-1821.01).
- Demand and pay
- $59,400 median (May 2025); 11,460 jobs (2024); +27.3% 2024-34; 1,390 openings/yr; on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (all regions)
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Machining and Mechatronics in Arizona
Arizona students earn NIMS, FANUC or SACA credentials in Precision Machining or Automation and Robotics; the state exempts CTE students from its child labor list, but federal press and saw rules apply.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NIMS, MSSC CPT, FANUC, SACA, Mastercam or CSWA credentials on the state list; no state license exists.
- Credentials
- Precision Machining: nine NIMS certifications, MSSC CPT and Green Production, Mastercam Associate, CSWA, CNC Operator Certificate; Automation and Robotics: NIMS Level 1, FANUC, SACA Level 1, MSSC CPT, CSWA, NCCER Electronics Systems Technician 1-2 (A-F and CTED flags: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Registered apprentice at 16 (some industries 18). A.R.S. 23-231 bars power saws and metal-working machines under 18; CTE students are exempt (A.R.S. 23-235).
- Who can teach
- SCTIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours) or SSCTEIET; Cooperative Education Endorsement for DCE and co-op courses.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students from the state list. Federal HO 8 presses and HO 14 saws need a student-learner agreement; HO 7 cranes, hoists and forklifts stay barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; credit runs through DCE courses and IGAs with individual colleges.
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $61,080 median (May 2025); +14.2% 2024-34; 650 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $74,790; +29.4%; 600 openings/yr; Precision Machining on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (every region group shown)
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Engineering and Drafting in Arizona
Arizona students in Engineering can earn any of 31 listed credentials such as Autodesk and CSWA; PLTW assessments do not count, and CTE courses cannot meet the university lab science requirement (ASU), so keep three lab sciences in the schedule.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Autodesk, SOLIDWORKS, NIMS, MSSC or Mastercam credentials from the state list, and the university CTE admission competency; no license applies.
- Credentials
- Engineering: 31 credentials, all A-F and CTED eligible, including ACU (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor, Revit), CSWA, NIMS, MSSC CPT, Mastercam Associate; Architectural Drafting 13 and Mechanical Drafting 12; PLTW not on the list
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license, and ACU needs parental consent under 18.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET or SSCTEIET: Route A bachelor's in the field plus 240 hours; Route B Arizona teaching certificate plus 240 hours and 12 semester hours; Route C 6,000 hours plus 15 semester hours.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. A.R.S. 23-231 bars power woodworking machines and saws; CTE students are exempt (A.R.S. 23-235); federal rules still apply.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by IGA; community college certificates on the drafting lists; ASU approved PLTW IED for the CTE competency, not lab science.
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $64,750 median (May 2025); +15.2% 2024-34; 280 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $67,410; +6.1%; 80 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Arizona
Arizona offers Network Security (11.1999.00) with CompTIA and CCNA on the state list; using it for the Algebra II-level credit can hurt university admission.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CompTIA, Cisco CCNA and other listed IT credentials; security analyst roles usually need more education.
- Credentials
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, Security+; CCNA; TestOut Pro; AWS Cloud Practitioner; Google IT Support (2026-27 list); no CCST or ISC2 CC
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate; keep hacking practice in an isolated lab (federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act).
- Who can teach
- SCTBM, SSCTEBM, SCTIET or SSCTEIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours).
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers IT work. Employer data-access limits are contract terms.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by IGA (A.R.S. 15-1821.01). CS or CTE may meet the Algebra II-level credit (R7-2-302, local), which leaves a university math deficiency under ABOR 2-105.
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $125,260 median (May 2025), 390 openings/yr; network support $68,880, 110 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34; on 2026-27 regional in-demand list (all regions, per AZ profile)
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Programming and Computer Science in Arizona
Arizona's Software and App Design program is on the 2026-27 in-demand list; using CS for the Algebra II-level credit can leave a university math deficiency.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- IT Specialist, Oracle, CIW, Swift and Unity credentials on the state list; developer jobs usually need more education.
- Credentials
- IT Specialist series; Oracle Java; CIW JavaScript; Swift App Development; Unity; WordPress (2026-27 list); no MTA
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. High schools are not required to offer CS, and there is no CS graduation requirement.
- Who can teach
- SCTBM, SSCTEBM, SCTIET or SSCTEIET (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree); a CS endorsement (PK-8, 6-12, PK-12) is required in grades 6-12 when CS is the teacher's primary assignment.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits; no state hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; dual enrollment by IGA (A.R.S. 15-1821.01), including ASU courses. CS may meet the Algebra II-level credit (R7-2-302, local), which leaves an ABOR math deficiency.
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $129,690 median (May 2025), 2,670 openings/yr; web developers $76,230, 110 openings/yr; Software and App Design on 2026-27 in-demand list
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Business Management and Marketing in Arizona
Arizona Business Management and Marketing students can earn embedded economics credit and credentials such as MOS and QuickBooks; ESB and IC3 no longer count on the state list.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOS, QuickBooks, PMI, Meta, Adobe, NAFTrack or RISE Up credentials and, in Business Management or Marketing, 0.5 embedded economics credit.
- Credentials
- Business Management: MOS, QuickBooks Certified User, Intuit Bookkeeping, PMI Project Management Ready, Meta, Adobe, NAFTrack, RISE Up, college certificates; Marketing: MOS, Meta, Adobe, NAFTrack, RISE Up; ESB and IC3 not listed
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- CTE certificate under R7-2-612 (Option C: 6,000 verified hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours); business certificate area name: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit and no state hour limits at 16-17. At off-sale retailers, 16+ may check out liquor with an 18+ supervisor (A.R.S. 4-244). Federal HO 12 balers and HO 2 delivery driving apply.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; community college certificates on the 2026-27 list (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $94,800 median (May 2025); +14.5% 2024-34; 10,160 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $48,010; +6.0%; 2,980 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Arizona
Arizona teaches entrepreneurship inside Business Management or Business Operations; ESB no longer counts on the state list, so pick a listed credential such as MOS or QuickBooks.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Listed business credentials (MOS, QuickBooks, Meta, RISE Up) and community college entrepreneurship certificates; ESB does not count for state reporting.
- Credentials
- Business Operations: MOS, QuickBooks Certified User, Google Project Management, Meta Digital Marketing Associate, NAFTrack, RISE Up; Northland Pioneer and Mohave entrepreneurship certificates; ESB not listed
- Age and hour rules
- No LLC organizer age stated in statute; contract capacity starts at 18.
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE Certificate Option C (6,000 hours, then 15 semester hours) or the Specialized CTE certificate (R7-2-612, R7-2-612.01); business certificate area code: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permit at 16-17; no state hour limits at 16-17.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; an entrepreneurship course approved under the ABOR CTE competency meets the one-year fine arts or CTE admission requirement.
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $94,800 median (May 2025); +14.5% 2024-34; 10,160 openings/yr. Market research analysts $71,940; +15.3%; 2,060 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Arizona
Arizona Law and Public Safety students earn APCO, protection officer and EMT credentials; DPS guard registration starts at 18 and peace officer certification at 21.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- APCO PST-1, Certified Protection Officer, crime scene, Psychological First Aid and EMT credentials; DPS guard registration waits until 18.
- Credentials
- A-F and CTED: APCO PST-1, Certified Protection Officer, Certified Crime Scene Management, EMT, Psychological First Aid, Animal Decontamination, AZ DPS Security Guard Certification (18); CTED and college: FEMA ICS, college certificates
- Age and hour rules
- Peace officer 21 (R13-4-105(A)); DPS security guard 18 with 8 hours preassignment training; 911 telecommunicator 18 at hire (model job description); state corrections officer age: Confirm with the agency.
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE certificate (R7-2-612): 240 hours with a degree or teaching certificate, or 6,000 hours with no degree; IVP fingerprint card; certificate area for Law and Public Safety: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits or state hour limits at 16-17; ride-alongs follow agency policy; ACJIS terminal certification is for employees only. Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; community college certificates through CTEDs; ASU course approval counts Law and Public Safety courses for the university CTE competency.
- Demand and pay
- Police $78,880 median (May 2025); +5.5% 2024-34; 830 openings/yr. Security guards $38,290; +4.9%; 3,660 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Arizona
Arizona Fire Service students earn EMR, HazMat and CPAT credentials in school; AzCFSE Fire Fighter I and II testing waits until 18, so plan the test after the birthday.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EMR, EMT, BLS, HazMat, CPAT, APCO PST-1 and Wildland Firefighter credentials; Fire Fighter I and II only after the 18th birthday.
- Credentials
- A-F and CTED: AzCFSE Fire Fighter I and II, EMR, EMT, BLS, HazMat Operations and Awareness, CPAT, APCO PST-1, Wildland Firefighter, Animal Decontamination; CTED only: FEMA EMI, Eastern Arizona College Fire Science 1-2
- Age and hour rules
- 18 before AzCFSE Fire Fighter I and II testing, with HazMat and provider CPR first; no under-18 route found; NFPA edition not posted.
- Who can teach
- SCTIET or SSCTEIET (Option C: 6,000 hours); AzCFSE approved adjunct instructor submits the program; Cooperative Education Endorsement for DCE and co-op.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No work permits or state hour limits at 16-17; no fire or volunteer provision on the state list; A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland firefighting.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; Eastern Arizona College Fire Science certificates (CTED); dual credit option; ABOR course approval for the CTE competency.
- Demand and pay
- $59,280 median (May 2025); +5.7% 2024-34; 400 openings/yr (paid only); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Arizona
Arizona offers Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management with ServSafe and ProStart; CTE students are exempt from the state meat and bakery machine bar, but alcohol service waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ServSafe Food Handler and Manager, ProStart COA and the TSA; serving alcohol waits until 18.
- Credentials
- ServSafe Food Handler and Manager (program example); ProStart COA; program credential lists: Confirm with the agency
- Age and hour rules
- 18 to serve, sell or handle liquor on-sale; under 18 may clear tables and stock supplies (A.R.S. 4-244); off-sale checkout at 16 with an 18+ supervisor.
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE Certificate Option C (6,000 hours) or the Specialized certificate (R7-2-612, R7-2-612.01); culinary-specific requirements not checked.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. A.R.S. 23-231 bars meat and bakery machines for all minors, but 23-235 exempts career education students; federal HO 10 slicers need a student-learner agreement, HO 11 floor mixers barred.
- College credit
- Not researched; ProStart COA opens NRAEF scholarships and credit at 75+ colleges (Collegiate Passport).
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $38,670 median (May 2025), +26.0%, 6,710 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $59,890, +18.3%, 520/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Arizona
Arizona students can earn the cosmetology license at 16 in a Board-licensed school and may test before finishing hours; districts and JTEDs need their own Board school license.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Licensure hours in a Board-licensed school and an early exam attempt; the license issues at 16 with two years of high school once all 1,500 hours are done.
- Credentials
- Arizona cosmetologist license (exam vendor per 2019 ADE fact sheet: Confirm with the agency); TSA from 2027-28 ()
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 with two years of high school, or 18; 1,500 hours in a licensed school or approved apprenticeship (A.R.S. 32-511); exam may come before hours are finished (32-514(A)).
- Who can teach
- ADE CTE certificate (R7-2-612) plus Board instructor license: licensed in the subject, 1 year of practice, 350 instructor-training hours, written and practical exams (A.R.S. 32-531).
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit; no state hour limits at 16-17. A licensed school may not pay students, who serve the public only under direct instructor supervision (A.R.S. 32-557).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); hours transfer by a completion form listing hours and the school's license number (A.R.S. 32-560).
- Demand and pay
- $36,810 median (May 2025); +13.8% 2024-34; 2,120 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Arizona
Arizona students earn ASE student certifications and EPA 609, both counted for A-F and CTED funding; there is no state mechanic license, and CTE students are exempt from the state hoist bar.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ASE Student Certifications (A1-A8, G1), EPA 609 and community college certificates; Arizona has no mechanic license to earn.
- Credentials
- ASE Student Certifications A1-A8 and G1, EPA 609, NC3, Snap-on ADAS/TPMS (A-F and CTED, 2026-27 list updated Sept 8, 2026); nine community college certificates; TSA
- Age and hour rules
- No state mechanic license and no age or hour gate on the listed credentials.
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE certificate, Industrial and Emerging Technologies, Options A-E (Option C: 6,000 hours, no degree, then 15 semester hours); no automotive or ASE requirement; IVP fingerprint clearance card.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. The state bars minors from power-driven hoists and limits driving, but A.R.S. 23-235 exempts CTE students. Federal HO 7 engine hoists barred, no road driving at 16, HO 14 cut-off discs need a student-learner agreement.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; community college certificates on the 2026-27 list are the formal route; dual enrollment by IGA (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- $49,570 median (May 2025); +14.4% 2024-34; 2,030 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Arizona
Arizona offers AgriScience and Veterinary Assisting with many A-F credentials; CTE and vocational agriculture students are exempt from state child labor sections, and applicators must be 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- A-F credentials such as BASF Plant Science, Certified Veterinary Assistant and Elanco, plus the TSA; applicator certification waits until 18.
- Credentials
- AMSA Meat Evaluation, BASF Plant Science, Certified Nursery Professional, CVA, Elanco (two), Fear Free, NCCER Agricultural Technology and others (A-F); YQCA and WPS training (CTED only); TSA
- Age and hour rules
- Private, golf and commercial pesticide applicators 18 (R3-3-208); no age to take the exam. Under 16: no ladder work above 5 feet (A.R.S. 23-232).
- Who can teach
- Standard CTE Agriculture (SCTA) or Standard Specialized (SSCTEA) certificate; Veterinary Assisting also accepts SCTHC or SSCTEHC; Cooperative Education Endorsement for DCE and co-op.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permits; no state hour limits at 16-17. Under 16: no ladder or scaffold work above 5 feet and no picking or pruning from ladders above 8 feet (A.R.S. 23-232); the state tractor item covers only tractors without a rollover protective structure and seatbelts, so the federal tractor order governs. A.R.S. 23-235 exempts career education students and vocational agriculture and 4-H trainees. Federal farm orders apply under 16.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; none of the agriculture credentials on the state list count for community college credit (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $53,630 median (May 2025), +13.0%, 50 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $36,600, -1.2%, 300/yr; ag technicians $62,990, +8.8%, 50/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Arizona state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania students can earn the CNA at a CTC: 80 hours with 37.5 clinical, exam at 16, a State Police check before enrolling and PDE NATCEP approval.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential: students may test at 16 after an approved 80-hour program, so most CTC students finish before graduating.
- Credentials
- PA Nurse Aide Registry (Credentia exam, test within 2 years); CPR/BLS; PSC via NOCTI where used; PDE credential list for 51.9999 ()
- Age and hour rules
- Exam age 16. 80 hours including 37.5 supervised clinical (rule citation not located; Credentia FAQ and PDE schedule). PA State Police criminal history report before enrolling.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; competency assessment; 18 credits) or Experience-Based certificate (Type 24, 5 years); plus RN with 2 years (1 in long-term care), clearances, Penn State Teaching-the-Educator workshop. LPN only under an RN supervisor.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. No state bar on health care work. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3).
- College credit
- SOAR POS 18: at least 9 technical credits with 2.75 technical GPA, full task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $44,590 median (May 2025); +1.6% 2024-34; 10,130 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania students can earn a Pennsylvania EMT certification at 16 through a DOH-accredited institute; national NREMT certification waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- A Pennsylvania-only EMT certification from age 16; national NREMT certification waits until 18.
- Credentials
- Pennsylvania EMT certification (16+, NREMT psychomotor and Assessment cognitive exams under 18); NREMT EMT at 18; CPR
- Age and hour rules
- Pennsylvania EMT certification at 16 (28 Pa. Code 1023.25) with parent or guardian consent forms; under 18 not NREMT-certified. Course follows the National EMS Education Standards; hour minimum not confirmed.
- Who can teach
- At least 75% of instruction by DOH-certified EMS instructors (3 years at or above the level taught, 2 years teaching at that level; all 18+); Career and Technical Instructional I, where 4 years of volunteer EMT service count.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. Minors 14-17 may serve with volunteer EMS with a permit. No minor may drive an ambulance; federal HO 2 also limits driving.
- College credit
- Not SOAR; local agreements only. CCAC runs EMT for students 16+; a state reimbursement of up to $800 on certification is reported (). College credit not confirmed.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 10,330 jobs (2024); +4.9% 2024-34; 800 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC students can earn national medical assisting credentials and DANB exams; dental radiography requires the Board-adopted DANB RHS exam first.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- National medical assisting certifications and DANB NELDA and RHS; RHS comes before any radiography, with the dentist on the premises.
- Credentials
- NHA medical assisting credentials (PDE list not checked: Confirm with the agency); DANB NELDA and RHS (Board-adopted radiography exam)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate found. Auxiliaries perform radiologic procedures only after DANB RHS, with the dentist on the premises (49 Pa. Code 33.302); EFDA needs a 200-hour Board-approved program, post-high school.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's; competency assessment; 18 credits) or Experience-Based certificate; no license required for DA or MA instructors per inventory ().
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; co-op needs a training agreement and training plan.
- College credit
- SOAR for 51.0801 and 51.0899 per inventory (Confirm with PDE): 2.75 technical GPA, task list, Competent/Advanced score, 16-month window; dental assisting by local agreement only.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $43,920 median (May 2025), +10.5%, 3,610 openings/yr; dental assistants $47,930, +5.5%, 1,700 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania students in a 600-hour approved program can count as child care staff at 16 after 400 classroom hours; paid minors need all three clearances, including FBI fingerprints.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Staff status at 16-17 after 400 classroom hours of a 600-hour approved curriculum, and assistant group supervisor eligibility after graduation with the full 600 hours.
- Credentials
- 600-hour secondary training route (55 Pa. Code 3270.31(c)); CDA and PA School-Age Credential investigation; DHS Health and Safety Basics (6 hours)
- Age and hour rules
- Staff must be 18; enrolled 16-17-year-olds count as staff only after 400 classroom hours of a 600-hour curriculum, with written certification (3270.31(c)); volunteers 16+ directly supervised.
- Who can teach
- Family and Consumer Sciences (5600), CTE Child Care Services (2216) or legacy Home Economics (5605); CTE route: 4 years wage-earning or 2 plus a bachelor's, competency assessment, 18 credits.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week, 6 a.m. to midnight. Paid minors in child care need all three clearances, including DHS FBI fingerprints; the under-18 shortcut does not apply.
- College credit
- SOAR partner colleges (Penn Highlands: ECE 101, 110, 298); statewide SOAR terms for 19.0708: Confirm with the agency.
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $30,140 median (May 2025), -3.5%, 6,360 openings/yr; preschool teachers $36,050, +4.9%, 2,350/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC students earn NCCER levels and SOAR credit; any paid electrical work by a minor needs a student-learner training agreement and a work permit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER levels, OSHA-10, the PA Skills Certificate and SOAR college credit; there is no state license to earn.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Electrical Power and Transmission Installers (PA) assessment; NCCER (various) and OSHA on PDE list for 46.0399 (current list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- Apprentice federal floor 16 (state minimum: Confirm with the agency; many sponsors set 18). No state license.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: 8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; occupational competency assessment; 18 credits (Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing, 5 years). Certificate areas: Electrical Construction/Maintenance, Industrial or General.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars all minors from electrical work except apprentices, student learners and approved graduates: training agreement and plan required. Federal HOs 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 14: at least 9 technical credits (one college reports 23), 2.75 technical GPA, Competent/Advanced score, 16-month window; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 23,970 jobs (2024); +8.1% 2024-34; 2,320 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Welding in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC welding students earn the NOCTI-based PA Skills Certificate and SOAR credit; any paid welding by a minor needs a student-learner training agreement and work permit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The PA Skills Certificate through NOCTI, welding credentials and SOAR college credit; no state welder license exists.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Job Ready Welding (test 4372) end-of-program assessment (2026-27 test: Confirm with the agency); PA Skills Certificate; PDE credential list for 48.0508 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No state welder license. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars welding for all minors except apprentices, student learners and graduates of an approved vocational program; apprentice federal floor 16.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: 8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; welding occupational competency assessment (area code 2079: Confirm with the agency); 18 credits (Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing, 5 years).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. Welding barred for minors except student learners: training agreement and plan (PDE-4617a) required. Federal HO 8 and 14 need the student-learner terms; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 7: at least 9 technical credits with 2.75 technical GPA, 100% task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $52,900 median (May 2025); 17,620 jobs (2024); 1,800 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC carpentry students earn the NOCTI-based PA Skills Certificate and NCCER credentials; paid woodworking or roofing by a minor needs a student-learner training agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The PA Skills Certificate, NCCER credentials and SOAR credit where it applies; Pennsylvania has no state contractor license.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Job Ready Carpentry (test 4215) end-of-program assessment (); PA Skills Certificate; PDE credential list for 46.0201 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No state contractor license; municipal only. Under-16 barred from all construction; apprentice federal floor 16 (state minimum: Confirm with the agency).
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: 8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; carpentry occupational competency assessment; 18 credits (Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing, 5 years).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars power woodworking and roofing for all minors except apprentices, student learners and approved graduates: training agreement and plan. HO 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 3 per PA profile (at least 9 technical credits, 2.75 technical GPA, Competent/Advanced, 16 months); Construction guide says status not confirmed during the revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $59,370 median (May 2025); top tenth above $92,110; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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HVAC/R in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC HVAC students earn EPA 608, the PA Skills Certificate and SOAR credit; rooftop work is open to student learners under a written training agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EPA 608, the PA Skills Certificate and SOAR college credit; there is no state HVAC license to earn.
- Credentials
- NOCTI HVAC Maintenance Technology PA customized test (8297) (2026-27 test: Confirm with the agency); PA Skills Certificate; EPA 608 (no age floor)
- Age and hour rules
- No state license; municipal licensing in some places. EPA 608 has no minimum age.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: 8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; HVAC occupational competency assessment; 18 credits (Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing, 5 years).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code 11.63 roofing exception covers apprentices, student learners and approved graduates, and federal HO 16 allows the same under a written training agreement, so rooftop HVAC is open to them. HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 19: at least 9 technical credits, 2.75 technical GPA, 100% task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $62,400 median (May 2025); 17,890 jobs (2024); 1,640 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Machining and Mechatronics in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC students take machining or electromechanical programs with SOAR college credit; any paid shop work needs a work permit and a student-learner training agreement, and grinders are barred otherwise.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The PA Skills Certificate on the NOCTI/NIMS assessment, NIMS credentials and SOAR college credit; no state license exists.
- Credentials
- NOCTI/NIMS Precision Machining end-of-program assessment for 48.0501 (2026-27 code: Confirm with the agency); 15.0403 assessment (); no industry credentials on PDE program sheets
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Apprentice federal floor 16 (state minimum: Confirm with the agency). 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars minors from emery wheels and metal-forming machines except student learners, apprentices and approved graduates.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's; 18 credits; Experience-Based Type 24 while finishing). 48.0501: Machine Shop (2043) or Metalworking (2072) with the Precision Machining competency test; 15.0403: Electromechanical (2109).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars emery wheels and metal-forming, punching and shearing machines except student learners under a training agreement and plan. Federal HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 20 and 28: at least 9 technical credits with 2.75 technical GPA, full task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $57,810 median (May 2025); +2.4% 2024-34; 1,510 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $63,840; +17.7%; 2,070 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC drafting programs (15.1301) carry SOAR college credit and the PA Skills Certificate; no state rule lets an engineering course replace Biology.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The PA Skills Certificate on the NOCTI assessment, CAD certifications and SOAR college credit; no license applies.
- Credentials
- NOCTI-based PA Skills Certificate; ACU, CSWA, ADDA Certified Drafter (inventory; PDE list for 15.1301: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license. ADDA exam eligibility: Confirm with ADDA.
- Who can teach
- CTC drafting: Career and Technical Instructional certificate (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's; competency assessment; 18 credits). Comprehensive high school PLTW: Technology Education PK-12 certificate.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. Power woodworking barred for all minors except apprentices, student learners and approved graduates.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 13: at least 9 technical credits with 2.75 technical GPA and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $64,800 median (May 2025); +2.8% 2024-34; 490 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $63,480; -6.4%; 170 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTCs teach networking under 11.0901 with a NOCTI assessment; one IT course can count as math or science, and no cybersecurity program exists yet.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NOCTI-based PA Skills Certificate and IT certifications; one IT course can count as a math or science credit.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Computer Systems Networking PA assessment (test 8148 or 2560: Confirm with the agency); PA Skills Certificate
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate on IT credentials.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: 8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus bachelor's; occupational competency assessment; 18 credits. For math or science credit, a Computer Science 7-12 certificate may be needed.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers IT work.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 12 per PA profile; Cyber guide says current SOAR status unclear (). One CS or IT course in grades 9-12 may count as math or science, district's choice (24 P.S. 16-1605(c)(1)).
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $117,770 median (May 2025), 360 openings/yr; network support $78,310, 310 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34
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Programming and Computer Science in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania usually teaches programming as academic CS; new CS teachers need the Computer Science 7-12 certificate, and one CS course can count as math or science.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Programming coursework and AP CS exams; one CS course can count as math or science.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Computer Programming (test 4123) (mapping to a PA programming CIP: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. No CS course-offering or graduation requirement; one CS or IT course in grades 9-12 may count as math or science, district's choice (24 P.S. 16-1605(c)(1)).
- Who can teach
- Computer Science 7-12 certificate (Praxis 5652) for anyone newly hired to teach CS in grades 7-12 since Jan 1, 2023; a PDE-approved CTE program needs a CTE certificate or a PDE exception.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- No SOAR programming program of study, so no statewide SOAR credit; dual credit by written school-college agreement (24 P.S. 15-1525).
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $126,550 median (May 2025), 3,360 openings/yr; web developers $86,380, 170 openings/yr
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Business Management and Marketing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania accounting, administrative and marketing programs carry SOAR college credit; the required personal finance half credit must be a standalone course, not units inside a business class.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOS, QuickBooks, IRS Basic Tax Preparer or NRF credentials and SOAR college credit; personal finance must be its own half-credit course.
- Credentials
- 52.0302: MOS, QuickBooks Certified User, IRS Basic Tax Preparer; 52.0401: MOS, QuickBooks, NRF Customer Service and Sales (list date: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- Instructional certificate in Business, Computer and Information Technology (CSPG 33) or Marketing/Distributive Education (CSPG 49); co-op coordinators need PDE Cooperative Education certification with the NOCTI assessment.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for all under 18; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; co-op needs a training agreement and plan. Alcohol service at 18 (47 P.S. 4-493(13)); off-premises cashier age: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- SOAR for 52.0302 (POS 1), 52.0401 (POS 8) and 52.1801 (POS 22): at least 9 credits, 2.75 technical GPA, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $103,130 median (May 2025); +3.9% 2024-34; 12,220 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $46,690; -4.2%; 4,580 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania lists Entrepreneurship 52.0701 as a CTE program without SOAR credit; school stores collect sales tax, and only adults 18 or older may organize an LLC.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CareerSafe, A*S*K or TestOut Office Pro credentials and school store experience; no SOAR credit.
- Credentials
- 52.0701: CareerSafe Employability Skills, A*S*K Certification, TestOut Office Pro; ESB not listed (list currency: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- LLC organizers must be 18 (15 Pa.C.S. 8821); contract capacity starts at 18.
- Who can teach
- Marketing (Distributive) Education PK-12 (area 1666, covers small business ownership) or Business, Computer and Information Technology PK-12 for academic courses; certificate required for a 52.0701 CTE program: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. Paid enterprise students are district employees; unpaid school-based enterprise work falls under no federal HO.
- College credit
- 52.0701 is not a SOAR program; no statewide agreement found.
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $103,130 median (May 2025); +3.9% 2024-34; 12,220 openings/yr. Market research analysts $68,760; +6.0%; 3,220 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC criminal justice students earn the NOCTI-based PA Skills Certificate and SOAR college credit; police, corrections and 911 jobs start at 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The PA Skills Certificate on the NOCTI Criminal Justice assessment, CPR, NIMS/ICS and SOAR college credit; agency jobs wait until 18.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Criminal Justice (occupational competency assessment); CPR/First Aid; NIMS/ICS; agency trainings such as OC spray and handcuffing at some centers
- Age and hour rules
- Police 18 (37 Pa. Code 203.11); PA DOC corrections officer trainee 18 (lowered from 21 in 2024; PA DOC release, Sept. 9, 2025); 911 telecommunicator 18 (PEMA, Jan 2026); armed security agent 18; no license for unarmed guards.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional certificate (22 Pa. Code 49.142; Act 55 of 2024 routes); occupational competency area Criminal Justice.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; ride-alongs follow agency policy. Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 42: at least 9 credits with 2.75 technical GPA, 100% task list and Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Police $85,470 median (May 2025); +3% 2024-34; 1,950 openings/yr. Security guards $37,050; +0.5%; 5,760 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania students can earn Firefighter I at 17 through a PSFA-accredited course with parent and chief approval, but cannot fight interior fires at real incidents until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Firefighter I at 17 through a PSFA-accredited interior live fire course with parent and chief approval, or at 18; no interior suppression at incidents until 18.
- Credentials
- PA Fire Service Voluntary Certification Firefighter I (NFPA 1010, 2024; Pro Board or IFSAC); HazMat Operations (NFPA 470); CPR/AED; NIMS; NREMT EMT in some programs
- Age and hour rules
- Firefighter I at 18, or 17 after a PSFA-accredited Entry Level FF I course with interior live fire, written parent permission and chief approval; suppression courses 18 except the Act 155 route.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I: four years of volunteer firefighter or EMT service, or 4 years wage-earning (2 with a bachelor's); Protective Services competency assessment; 18 credits.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit and Act 155 permission form at 14-17; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17; no minor drives an emergency vehicle; no interior live fire suppression at incidents until 18.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 29 (43.9999): Lancaster County CTC to Pennsylvania College of Technology; Pittsburgh Public Schools lists CCAC credits; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $73,460 median (May 2025); growth and openings not published; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTCs often run culinary under 12.0508 to earn SOAR credit; 16- and 17-year-olds may serve food but not alcohol, and slicers need a student-learner agreement.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NOCTI assessment, ServSafe and SOAR credit; 16- and 17-year-olds may serve food but not alcohol.
- Credentials
- NOCTI end-of-program assessment (2026-27 test: Confirm with the agency); ServSafe Food Handler and Manager in common use
- Age and hour rules
- 18 to serve or dispense alcohol (47 P.S. 4-493(13)); 16-17 may serve food, clear tables and carry drinks left on tables; a 17-year-old graduate may be treated as 18 (40 Pa. Code 5.14).
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's) or Experience-Based certificate while finishing credits; occupational competency assessment.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week. The state list bars power food slicers, choppers and grinders except apprentices, student learners and approved graduates, and bakery machines except countertop mixers.
- College credit
- SOAR for 12.0501 and 12.0508 only (Lancaster CTC reports 9-11 credits at HACC and others; 2.75 technical GPA; 16 months); SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $36,580 median (May 2025), +14.5%, 9,320 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $63,860, +6.9%, 750/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTCs deliver the full cosmetology license: written exam after 900 hours and licensure at 16 after 1,250 hours, with the CTE route's permanence still under review.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full license: written exam after 900 hours and licensure at 16 after 1,250 school hours.
- Credentials
- PA cosmetologist license (PSI exams); end-of-program assessment for 12.0401 (); temporary license at 900 hours ()
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 with a 10th-grade education; 1,250 school hours or 2,000 as an apprentice (Cosmetology Law sec. 4(a)); written exam after 900 hours (sec. 4(b)). CTE route: up to 650 distance and 350 internship hours, at least 250 in person.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional certificate (CSPG 66) plus Board teacher license (18, cosmetology license, 500 teacher-training hours); public school teachers meeting PDE standards are deemed to meet the 500 hours (sec. 6(b.1)(4)).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. No cosmetology-specific child labor rule; the CTE route recognizes up to 350 internship or job-shadow hours.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm locally); not a SOAR program of study.
- Demand and pay
- $36,790 median (May 2025); +6.3% 2024-34; 5,080 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania CTC students earn the NOCTI assessment and SOAR credit in POS 10; exhaust welding at a job site needs a student-learner agreement, and inspector certification waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NOCTI assessment, EPA 609 preparation and SOAR college credit; PennDOT safety inspector certification waits until 18.
- Credentials
- NOCTI Automotive Technician (2575) per the March 2020 PDE sheet (current list: Confirm with the agency); EPA 609; preparation for safety and emission inspection certification
- Age and hour rules
- PennDOT safety inspector at least 18 with a valid driver's license, a PennDOT-approved course and tests.
- Who can teach
- Career and Technical Instructional I (8,000 hours, or 4,000 plus a bachelor's; automotive competency assessment; 18 credits) or Experience-Based certificate (Type 24, 5 years, not renewable).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 8 hours a day and 28 a school week at 16-17. 34 Pa. Code ch. 11 bars welding, which reaches exhaust work, except apprentices, student learners and approved graduates. Federal HO 7 engine hoists barred; no road driving at 16.
- College credit
- SOAR POS 10: at least 9 credits, 2.75 technical GPA, 100% task list, Competent/Advanced NOCTI score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- $49,800 median (May 2025); +3.6% 2024-34; 2,910 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania approves ten agriculture CIPs, with SOAR credit only for Horticulture; the state's private pesticide permit at 16 conflicts with the federal floor of 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program credentials such as PEACCE, PA Certified Horticulturist, NAVTA and pesticide applicator exams; commercial applicators wait until 18.
- Credentials
- PEACCE, ServSafe Food Handler, WPS training (01.0000); Snap-on, OPE Technician (01.0201); pesticide applicator (01.0301); PA Certified Horticulturist (01.0601); NAVTA (01.8301); ISA Certified Tree Worker (list date: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- Commercial and public applicators 18 (7 Pa. Code 128.44); a private applicator permit at 16 (128.62) conflicts with the federal floor of 18.
- Who can teach
- Instructional I certificate in agriculture from a PDE-approved agricultural education program (Penn State), not a vocational certificate; certificate area code: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work permit for every minor; 28 hours a school week at 16-17. The state list has no agricultural items or farm exemption; seasonal farm workers 14-17 may not work during school hours (43 P.S. 1301.203); non-seasonal farm work: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- SOAR for Applied Horticulture (POS 39) only: 9 or more credits, 2.75 technical GPA, full task list, Competent/Advanced score, used within 16 months; SOAR under revision ().
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $51,310 median (May 2025), +10.4%, 120 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $47,100, +9.8%, 480/yr; ag technicians $48,800 (projections not published)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Pennsylvania state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Missouri
Missouri students 16+ in a secondary health program can earn the CNA, but the 175-hour requirement is the longest of the seven states.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The full credential: a student 16 or older in a secondary health program can train and test, if the schedule fits 175 hours.
- Credentials
- Missouri CNA (Headmaster: 80% written, 100% skills); NCHSE certificate; CPR/BLS; CNA on DESE IRC list (both systems)
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 in a secondary health program, otherwise 18 (19 CSR 30-84.010(6)(A)). 175 hours: 75 classroom + 100 supervised on-the-job (section 4).
- Who can teach
- DESE CTAC (bachelor's + 4,000 hrs, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hrs; 6 semester hours a year) plus Missouri RN, 2 years nursing incl. 1 in long-term care within 10 years, DHSS Nursing Assistant Instructor Workshop.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State child labor law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3). Trainees may not be on the Employee Disqualification List.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship ($240/credit hour cap 2026-27) and Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship ().
- Demand and pay
- $37,680 median (May 2025); +3.3% 2024-34; 4,880 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in Missouri
Missouri students can take EMT through a DHSS-certified training entity and test with NREMT; no license age is set in rule, so provider policies decide.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The course and NREMT testing where the provider admits minors; Missouri sets no licensure age in rule, but providers often set 17 or 18.
- Credentials
- NREMT EMT-Basic (IRC under both lists; stackable in Cluster 13 from 2028-29: Changing); Missouri EMT license (NREMT plus fingerprint check)
- Age and hour rules
- No license age in rule or statute (19 CSR 30-40.342; RSMo 190.142); providers set 17 or 18. Course of 110 hours plus at least 5 clinical patient contacts (19 CSR 30-40.331, older curriculum).
- Who can teach
- CTAC (bachelor's + 4,000 hrs, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 in 10 years) plus primary instructor who is a paramedic, RN or physician with 2 years clinical experience, an EMS instructor course and 20 hours CE every 5 years; an EMT license alone is not enough.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State child labor law reaches only under 16: no permit or hour limits at 16-17. Federal HO 2 limits on-the-job driving. Providers and sites set clinical ages (Rolla example: 17 before rotations).
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; OTC career center EMT for juniors and seniors (credit not confirmed); A+ Scholarship ($240/credit hour cap 2026-27) and Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship ().
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 3,440 jobs (2024); +1.7% 2024-34; 250 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Missouri
Missouri approves Medical Assisting 51.0801 through DESE with no state MA license; dental assistants need no radiography credential, and expanded functions need a Dental Board permit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CCMA and phlebotomy or EKG certifications; dental assistants need no radiography credential, and the Expanded Functions permit adds Board-approved training.
- Credentials
- CCMA and other national credentials (DESE IRC list not re-checked: Confirm with the agency); NHA CPT and CET; DANB credentials for dental assisting
- Age and hour rules
- No age stated. Expanded Functions permit: DANB CDA or the Missouri Test of Basic Dental Assisting Skills, Board-approved training and BLS (20 CSR 2110-2.120, amended Sept 30, 2026).
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours within 10 years; no Missouri license required for MA instructors.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17; federal student-learner rules govern paid placements.
- College credit
- No medical or dental assisting statewide agreement; A+ Scholarship and the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship ().
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $40,440 median (May 2025), +11.6%, 1,760 openings/yr; dental assistants $45,970, +3.9%, 940 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Missouri
Missouri students can prepare for the CDA and work as junior aides at 16 under direct supervision; whether a career center lab preschool needs a license is still open.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CDA preparation through MU RISE and work as a junior aide at 16 under direct adult supervision.
- Credentials
- CDA (MU RISE prep; on DESE's New System list for Early Childhood Development, class of 2029 on; Previous System list: Confirm with the agency); $525 Council fee not stated as covered
- Age and hour rules
- Junior aides 16-17 count only under direct adult supervision, never in infant or toddler ratios (5 CSR 25-500.102); the ECE guide states caregivers 18 or older count in ratio.
- Who can teach
- DESE career education certification; the early childhood certificate area is not published ().
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17. Paid junior aides need fingerprints, sex offender registry and Family Care Safety Registry screening before starting; no age exemption.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); A+ Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $30,790 median (May 2025), -1.2%, 2,430 openings/yr; preschool teachers $36,090, +8.3%, 920/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Missouri
Missouri students earn the NCCER Electrical 1 IRC and apprenticeship readiness; licensing is local, and state child labor law does not reach 16- and 17-year-olds.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- NCCER Electrical 1 (the IRC), OSHA-10 as a stackable and apprenticeship readiness; no state license to earn.
- Credentials
- Electrical 1 - NCCER (DESE IRC list); OSHA-10 stackable only
- Age and hour rules
- Registered apprentice federal floor 16 (many sponsors 18). No statewide journeyman license; optional statewide contractor license 12,000 hours (RSMo 324.900-.945); cities license workers.
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; license 'if applicable' (meaning for electrical: Confirm with the agency).
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hours at 16-17; no state filing. Federal student-learner agreement for HOs 14, 16, 17; HOs 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college-specific agreements; A+ Scholarship; statewide contractor license credits associate degree or apprenticeship, not high school hours.
- Demand and pay
- $65,410 median (May 2025); 17,740 jobs (2024); +6.7% 2024-34; 1,680 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Welding in Missouri
Missouri welding students can earn the AWS IRC with a listed exam and an AWS-approved weld; state child labor law does not reach 16- and 17-year-olds.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The AWS welding IRC when a student passes a listed welding exam plus an AWS-approved weld; no license exists.
- Credentials
- AWS welding credential (IRC): pass an NCCER, NOCTI, Precision or SENSE welding exam plus at least one weld approved by an AWS-certified teacher or inspector; NCCER Welding alone not an IRC; OSHA-10 stackable only
- Age and hour rules
- No welder license found. RSMo 294.040 bars children under 16 where metals are heated; no state bar at 16-17, where federal HO 8 and HO 14 apply. Registered apprentice federal floor 16.
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; no AWS instructor requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit, hours or filing at 16-17. Federal student-learner agreement for HO 8 and 14 work; HO 7 lifts barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college-specific Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship ($240/credit hour cap 2026-27).
- Demand and pay
- $51,950 median (May 2025); 11,650 jobs (2024); 1,200 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in Missouri
Missouri construction students can earn the NCCER Carpentry IRC; licensing is local, and only federal rules limit 16- and 17-year-olds on job sites.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NCCER Carpentry IRC and OSHA-10 as a stackable; licensing is local.
- Credentials
- NCCER Carpentry (DESE IRC, Cluster 4); OSHA-10 stackable only
- Age and hour rules
- No statewide general contractor license; municipal licensing. Registered apprentice federal floor 16; under-16 barred from power machinery, ladders and scaffolds (RSMo 294.040).
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; no construction-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit, hours or filing at 16-17. Federal student-learner agreement for HO 5, 14, 16, 17 work; HO 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship ($240/credit hour cap 2026-27).
- Demand and pay
- $60,840 median (May 2025); top tenth above $96,310; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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HVAC/R in Missouri
Missouri HVAC students can earn the NCCER HVAC IRC and EPA 608; licensing is local, and only federal rules limit rooftop work by 16- and 17-year-olds.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The NCCER HVAC IRC and EPA 608 as a stackable; Missouri has no state HVAC license.
- Credentials
- NCCER HVAC (DESE IRC); EPA 608 stackable only and paired with OSHA-10 in the New System; some 608 types drop off in 2028-29 ()
- Age and hour rules
- No state HVAC license; local licensing (Kansas City, St. Louis County). EPA 608 has no age floor; HO 16 covers rooftop HVAC work.
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; no HVAC-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16 (ladders and scaffolds); no permit, hours or filing at 16-17. Federal HO 16 rooftop work needs a student-learner agreement; HO 8, 14 likewise; HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship ($240/credit hour cap 2026-27).
- Demand and pay
- $59,950 median (May 2025); 6,510 jobs (2024); 580 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Machining and Mechatronics in Missouri
Missouri students earn the CSWA or FANUC credential through Machinist or Robotics Technology programs; state child labor law stops at 16, so federal machine rules govern placements.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The CSWA (Machinist IRC) or FANUC Certified Robot (Robotics IRC), NIMS stackables and a NOCTI assessment; no state license exists.
- Credentials
- Machinist 48.0501: Certified SolidWorks Associate (IRC), seven NIMS stackables (two for an IRC equivalent), NOCTI Precision Machining (TSA); Robotics 15.0405: FANUC Certified Robot (IRC), NOCTI Manufacturing Technology (TSA); 15.0403 and 15.0613 credentials ()
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Registered apprentice from 16 (federal). Under 16, RSMo 294.040 bars any power-driven machinery and metal shops; no state bar at 16-17.
- Who can teach
- Career Education Temporary Authorization Certificate (CTAC): bachelor's plus 4,000 hours, associate plus 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; no pathway-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit, hour limits or state hazardous list at 16-17; no state filing. Federal HO 8 presses and HO 14 saws need a student-learner agreement; HO 7 cranes, hoists and forklifts stay barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship; registered apprenticeship through U.S. DOL.
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $58,710 median (May 2025); +3.4% 2024-34; 1,120 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $67,390; +21.0%; 570 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in Missouri
Missouri runs engineering mainly through PLTW in Technology and Engineering Education; two strong PLTW courses can earn Missouri S&T credit, but credential list status is unconfirmed.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- PLTW coursework and, with an A or B and qualifying scores in two courses, Missouri S&T college credit; IRC status of CAD credentials is unconfirmed.
- Credentials
- Autodesk ACU, CSWA-Academic and PLTW End-of-Course assessments are candidates; whether they are on the November 2025 IRC lists: Confirm with the agency
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license.
- Who can teach
- CTAC (bachelor's plus 4,000 hours, associate plus 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years), upgraded to the Initial Career Education Certificate after two years; which certificate PLTW teachers need: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No state limits for 16- and 17-year-olds beyond federal rules; federal HO 5 or HO 8 apply only if a placement uses shop equipment.
- College credit
- Missouri S&T MECH ENG 1720 for any two PLTW Engineering courses with an A or B and qualifying scores ($200 fee); no statewide agreement.
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $61,940 median (May 2025); +4.7% 2024-34; 210 openings/yr. Mechanical drafters $66,350; -4.8%; 80 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Missouri
Missouri cyber and networking students can earn CompTIA and Cisco CCST IRCs; a district can count an approved course as computer science.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- CompTIA and Cisco IRCs; a district-approved CS course can also fill a math, science or practical arts unit.
- Credentials
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+; Cisco CCST (Digital Technology IRCs)
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate; keep testing in authorized labs (18 U.S.C. 1030).
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours in 10 years (whether CTAC covers this area: Confirm with the agency).
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers IT work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college agreements; A+ Scholarship. A district-approved CS course may fill one math, science or practical arts unit, with a parent notice that some colleges want 4 math units.
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $103,440 median (May 2025), 360 openings/yr; network support $72,780, 300 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34
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Programming and Computer Science in Missouri
Every Missouri high school must offer a CS course; Python IRCs are Cisco and Certiport, and a CS course can fill a math, science or practical arts unit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Python IRCs, PLTW end-of-course assessments and AP CS exams; a CS course can count as one math, science or practical arts unit.
- Credentials
- Cisco Programming Essentials in Python; Certiport IT Specialist: Python; Tosa Python (stackable); PLTW end-of-course exams as a TSA; PCEP and PCAP not listed
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. Every public and charter high school must offer at least one CS course since July 1, 2023 (RSMo 170.018).
- Who can teach
- Computer Science K-12 certificate (MEGA test 315, passing score 220); CTE route CTAC (bachelor's + 4,000 hrs, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 in 10 years). Temporary or add-on routes: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; a district-approved CS course may fill one math, science or practical arts unit and counts as science or practical arts for public college admission, with a parent acknowledgment; A+ Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $126,120 median (May 2025), 1,420 openings/yr; web developers $103,750, 80 openings/yr
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Business Management and Marketing in Missouri
Missouri business students earn MOS or QuickBooks Online IRCs, and a business course can carry the personal finance unit if students pass DESE's online assessment.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOS (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) or QuickBooks Online IRCs and the personal finance unit if the course embeds it and students pass DESE's assessment.
- Credentials
- MOS (pass Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and QuickBooks Online are IRCs; A*S*K and NRF count only when stacked; ESB not named
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- Business Education (9-12, 5-12) and Business and Marketing Education (9-12) certificates; work-experience routes in DESE's BMIT Resource Book; titles and hours: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17. Liquor stocking, register and sacking at 18 (RSMo 311.300). Federal HO 12 balers and HO 2 delivery driving apply.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); A+ Scholarship; Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $79,300 median (May 2025); +4.5% 2024-34; 6,980 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $46,860; -4.7%; 1,780 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Missouri
Missouri teaches entrepreneurship as objectives inside Cluster 11 business programs; ESB's status on the state list and sales tax on school store sales are both unsettled.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ESB if DESE lists it, plus MOS or QuickBooks IRCs from the business list and school-based enterprise experience.
- Credentials
- Certiport ESB (claimed by Certiport; not on DESE's New System list; Previous System list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- No LLC organizer age stated in statute; contract capacity starts at 18.
- Who can teach
- Career Education Temporary Authorization Certificate (5 CSR 20-400.180): bachelor's plus 4,000 hours, associate plus 5,000, or 6,000 in 10 years; whether business and marketing assignments accept it: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit or hour limits at 16-17; work certificates only under 16.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; ESB ACE credit recommendation at colleges that honor ACE.
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $79,300 median (May 2025); +4.5% 2024-34; 6,980 openings/yr. Market research analysts $70,140; +5.9%; 1,530 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Missouri
Missouri Criminal Justice students can earn the MPOA/YouScience credential; peace officer licensing starts at 21, while corrections officers can start at 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The MPOA/YouScience Criminal Justice credential (IRC and TSA); agency jobs wait until 18 or 21.
- Credentials
- MPOA/YouScience Criminal Justice IRC/TSA with MPOA performance assessment (current DESE IRC list: Confirm with the agency); national options NLEC, IFPO CPO, APCO PST1, IAED ETC
- Age and hour rules
- Peace officer license 21 (some academies admit at 20); Correctional Officer I 18; 911 training has no age (RSMo 650.340); Kansas City security unarmed 18, armed 21.
- Who can teach
- Career education certificate (CTAC tiers); no criminal-justice-specific rule found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No permit at 16-17; ride-alongs follow agency policy; Exploring ride-alongs under 18 need consent. Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college-specific agreements; A+ Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- Police $59,460 median (May 2025); +3.2% 2024-34; 1,060 openings/yr. Security guards $40,390; -1.3%; 2,570 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Missouri
Missouri students can prepare for DFS Fire Fighter I and II through a fire department membership, but whether certification starts at 17 or 18 is unsettled.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Course preparation, CPR, ICS and possibly HazMat; DFS Fire Fighter I and II likely wait until 18 and a diploma, pending DFS confirmation.
- Credentials
- DFS Fire Fighter I and II (NFPA 1010; IFSAC, Pro Board); HazMat Awareness and Operations; ICS 100, 200, 700; First Aid/CPR/AED; DESE list status ()
- Age and hour rules
- Statute sets no age; DFS HazMat booklets (2019) set 18, and one career center reports 17 by Oct 31; diploma or GED and department membership required. FF I exam 100 questions, 70% to pass.
- Who can teach
- Career education certificate on work experience (bachelor's plus 4,000 hours, associate plus 5,000, or 6,000); DFS Fire Service Instructor I and II need 3 years in fire or emergency services; DESE certificate title: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- No junior firefighter statute found; state child labor rules reach only under 16; no filing at 16-17. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland firefighting; HO 2 limits driving.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; Cass Career Center lists up to 13 credits at Metropolitan Community College.
- Demand and pay
- $49,080 median (May 2025); +3.5% 2024-34; 440 openings/yr (paid only); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Missouri
Missouri culinary programs run through DESE FCSHS with ProStart; there is no state food manager rule, and alcohol service waits until 18, bartending until 21.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ProStart COA and ServSafe; serving alcohol at 18 where food is at least half of sales, bartending at 21.
- Credentials
- ProStart COA (Collegiate Passport); DESE IRC list for culinary not found ()
- Age and hour rules
- 18 to serve where food is 50%+ of sales; 21 to mix or serve across the bar (RSMo 311.300); under 16 barred where alcohol is sold unless other goods are 50%+ of sales (294.040).
- Who can teach
- CTAC (4,000, 5,000 or 6,000 hours by degree); no culinary-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17; no state machine rules; federal HO 10 slicers need a student-learner agreement and HO 11 floor mixers are barred.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); ProStart Collegiate Passport credit at 75+ colleges.
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $36,940 median (May 2025), +17.1%, 4,510 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $64,480, +5.8%, 240/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Missouri
Missouri career centers can run 1,220-hour cosmetology programs as Board secondary schools; students apply for the exam at 17, and hours count only after the Board approves enrollment.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- All exam hours by graduation in a qualifying program; students apply for the exam at 17 after finishing 10th grade.
- Credentials
- Missouri cosmetologist license (DESE code and IRC list: Confirm with the agency)
- Age and hour rules
- 17 at exam application with 10th grade done; 1,220 hours over at least 6 months in a public vocational-technical school (RSMo 329.050; 20 CSR 2085-12); 160 classroom hours before services (RSMo 329.040).
- Who can teach
- CTAC plus Board instructor license: 600 instructor-trainee hours (less 300 for 3 years of experience or 4.5 credits) or 3 years licensed, Board exam, seminar every 2 years (RSMo 329.080, 329.085).
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17; no state bar on salon work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); A+ Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- $30,750 median (May 2025); +1.4% 2024-34; 900 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Missouri
Missouri students need three ASE student tests to earn the IRC; a high school program may qualify a 17-year-old for the Highway Patrol inspector permit, pending agency confirmation.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The ASE Student Certification IRC and the NOCTI assessment; the Highway Patrol inspector/mechanic permit at 17 if the high school program counts as vocational instruction.
- Credentials
- ASE Student Certification (New System: MLR + Electrical/Electronic Systems + one more area; Previous System combinations for classes 2026-28); NOCTI Automotive Technician (TSA); EPA 609, S/P2 and NC3 not on the list for 47.0604
- Age and hour rules
- MSHP inspector/mechanic permit at 17 with one year as a mechanic or a course of vocational automotive instruction (11 CSR 50-2.080); whether a high school program counts is open.
- Who can teach
- CTAC: bachelor's + 4,000 hours, associate + 5,000, or 6,000 hours within 10 years; 6 semester hours a year; no automotive license; ASE certifications only if the program is accredited.
- Work-site rules for minors
- State law reaches only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17 and no state filing. Federal HO 7 engine hoists barred, no road driving at 16, HO 14 cut-off discs need a student-learner agreement.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; college Programs of Study agreements; A+ Scholarship ($240 per credit hour cap in 2026-27, Changing).
- Demand and pay
- $49,160 median (May 2025); +3.9% 2024-34; 1,620 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Missouri
Missouri agriculture centers on Agricultural Science I and II with an SAE for every student and MOASK credentials; applicator licenses start at 18, with a provisional route for family members.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- MOASK assessments and other IRCs on the 2025 list; immediate family members 16-17 of a certified private applicator may become provisional private applicators.
- Credentials
- MOASK assessments (farm management, ag mechanics, agronomy, meats, livestock and more), BASF Plant Science, Elanco (two), NHJTCA Equine, Veterinary Assistant (Patterson), AMSA Meat Evaluation, NRCS, Ducks Unlimited; no pesticide credential
- Age and hour rules
- Applicator licenses 18 (2 CSR 70-25.010, .020); immediate family members 16-17 of a certified private applicator may be provisional private applicators (25.130).
- Who can teach
- Agricultural education teaching certificate (DESE requires certified teachers; seven universities prepare them); whether CTAC is used for agriculture: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Work under a parent's direct control, or occasional farm work with parental consent, is not employment under state law (RSMo 294.011); state limits apply only under 16; no permit or hour limits at 16-17.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement (Confirm locally); A+ Scholarship.
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $51,330 median (May 2025), +13.3%, 110 openings/yr; ag equipment operators $46,490, +11.7%, 210/yr; ag technicians $54,060, +3.1%, 100/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Missouri state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.
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Nurse Aide / Patient Care in Hawaii
Hawaii students can complete nurse aide training through a certified partner at their high school, but cannot be listed on the registry until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- The training, usually not the credential: students can finish the 100 hours, but registry listing requires age 18.
- Credentials
- Hawaii CNA registry listing at 18 (Prometric exam; current bulletin: Confirm with the agency); CPR/BLS
- Age and hour rules
- Registry listing at 18 (HAR 16-89A-5(b)(2)). 100 hours: 30 classroom (16 before resident contact) and 70 supervised practical in RN, LPN and therapist blocks (HAR 17-1444-4).
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Health Services field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in field, 5 years, renewable once); the RN (2 years, 1 in nursing facility services, teaching-adults qualification) is usually partner staff.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. Federal HO 7 powered patient lifts: assist only (FAB 2011-3). State carries workers' compensation for school-approved WBL.
- College credit
- Early College (free) and Running Start with UH; Kapiolani CC nurse aide course (6 credits, 150 hours); DCAPS agreements not found ().
- Demand and pay
- $45,350 median (May 2025); +11.3% 2024-34; 740 openings/yr
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Emergency Medical Technician in Hawaii
Hawaii runs EMT training through UH (Kapiolani CC) under DOH approval; high school students can prepare and may reach college coursework, but licensure waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Preparation and possibly college EMT coursework through Early College; the Hawaii EMT license requires age 18 and current NREMT certification.
- Credentials
- NREMT EMT; Hawaii EMT license at 18 (Hawaii Medical Board); CPR/BLS
- Age and hour rules
- License at 18 with current NREMT certification (HAR ch. 16-85; form EMP-01). No state course-hour minimum since 2016; current rules reference 96 clinical hours tied to EMT-Transport.
- Who can teach
- EMT course instructors meet DOH standards through the approved provider (Kapiolani CC); the school teacher holds an HTSB Health Services field license or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in field, 5 years, renewable once).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. Federal HO 2 limits on-the-job driving. State carries workers' compensation for school-approved WBL (HRS 302A-430).
- College credit
- Kapiolani CC Certificate of Competence in EMT (15.6 credits); high school eligibility and minimum age not stated (Confirm with the college). Early College free; Running Start student-paid; DCAPS list not found.
- Demand and pay
- Median in guide chart (BLS May 2025); 550 jobs (2024); +6.5% 2024-34; 40 openings/yr
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Medical and Dental Assisting in Hawaii
Hawaii has no medical or dental assisting program of study; schools use Diagnostic Services or college programs, and dental assistants may take X-rays under direct supervision without a course.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Possibly CCMA, CPT or CET through Diagnostic Services (); dental assistants may take radiographs under direct supervision with no required course.
- Credentials
- CCMA, CPT and CET possibly listed for Diagnostic Services (); no dental credential list
- Age and hour rules
- No age stated. Dental assistants may expose, process and mount radiographs under direct supervision with no required course (HAR 16-79-69.1); polishing is prohibited (16-79-69.5).
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Permit (3 years full-time in the field) or Standard Limited License in the Health Services field; industry certification where one exists.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. The State carries workers' compensation for school-approved WBL.
- College credit
- Kapiolani CC Medical Assisting AS and Certificate list no early college or dual credit option (Confirm with UHCC); Early College and Running Start in general.
- Demand and pay
- Medical assistants $48,410 median (May 2025), +13.8%, 540 openings/yr; dental assistants $44,720, +5.7%, 230 openings/yr (2024-34)
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Early Childhood Education in Hawaii
Hawaii has no early childhood program of study; schools build it into Education programs or college dual enrollment, and aides count in ratio at 16 under the proposed rule.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Coursework within an Education program and dual enrollment; CDA eligibility depends on the sequence counting as early childhood CTE.
- Credentials
- No program credential list; CDA plus 6 months of experience is one route to assistant teacher at 18 (proposed rule: Changing)
- Age and hour rules
- Aides 16+ count in ratio; directors, teachers and assistant teachers 18+ (HAR 17-892.2, from 2021 proposed text; check against the rule adopted June 6, 2024).
- Who can teach
- CTE Permit in one of the 13 HTSB fields; whether early childhood falls within the Education field: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. Background checks under HAR 17-801-5 before starting, with no age exemption; how minors are fingerprinted: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- UH community college early childhood programs through Early College (not researched; Confirm with the agency).
- Demand and pay
- Child care workers $37,030 median (May 2025), +1.0%, 420 openings/yr; preschool teachers $48,780, +8.7%, 170/yr (2024-34)
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Electrical in Hawaii
Hawaii teaches electrical inside MEP Systems; students build toward a registered apprenticeship at 16 and may do licensed work only with a licensed electrician on site.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- OSHA-10, NCCER modules and apprenticeship readiness; licensed work only as a trainee with a licensee on site.
- Credentials
- OSHA-10; NCCER Core and Electrical Level 1 where the site is accredited (); no HIDOE credential list found
- Age and hour rules
- Registered apprentice at 16, diploma or GED listed by DLIR (HAR 12-30-6). Journeyworker at 18 with 10,000 hours and 240 hours of UH CC coursework (HRS 448E).
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Building and Construction field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in field, industry license where one exists; 5 years, renewable once); Standard Limited License adds an approved program.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17; no state electrical order. Student-learner exemptions sit inside HAR 12-25 orders and need a DOE-approved cooperative program; federal HOs 2, 7, 15 barred.
- College credit
- No statewide electrical agreement; Early College and Running Start; DCAPS list not found (); apprenticeship standards must credit prior training.
- Demand and pay
- $83,200 median (DBEDT OEWS May 2024, workbook); 3,400 jobs (2024); +10.2% 2024-34; 340 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Welding in Hawaii
Hawaii teaches welding as an Advanced Manufacturing program of study; paid placements need a DOE-approved cooperative program for student-learner exemptions, and Honolulu CC offers the next step.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Welding skills and credentials where the site is registered with NCCER or AWS; Hawaii has no welder license.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE credential list found (); NCCER and AWS SENSE where the site is registered ()
- Age and hour rules
- No state welder license found. HAR 12-25-46 (metal-forming) and 12-25-51 (saws) bar under-18 work, with student-learner exemptions tied to a DOE-approved cooperative program.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Advanced Manufacturing field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field, industry certification where one exists; 5 years, renewable once).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. Student-learner exemptions need a DOE-approved cooperative program plus a federal written agreement; HO 7 barred. State carries WBL workers' compensation.
- College credit
- Honolulu CC Welding Technology degree and certificate built to AWS entry-level standards; Summer CTE Academy for rising 10th-12th graders (2026 details pending: Changing); Early College and Running Start; DCAPS list not found.
- Demand and pay
- $79,000 median (May 2025); 670 jobs (2024); 70 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Construction and Carpentry in Hawaii
Hawaii teaches carpentry in Residential and Commercial Construction; student-learner exemptions need a DOE-approved cooperative program, and no route opens hoists, lifts or demolition.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Construction skills, OSHA-10 and apprenticeship readiness; a contractor license needs age 18 and supervisory experience.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE credential list found (); NCCER where the site is registered ()
- Age and hour rules
- Contractors License Board (DCCA): age 18, 4 years of supervisory experience in the past 10, exam. Registered apprentice at 16 (DLIR).
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Building and Construction field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field, industry certification where one exists; 5 years, renewable once).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17. HAR 12-25 woodworking, saw, roofing and excavation orders each allow a student-learner exemption tied to a DOE-approved cooperative program; no exemption for hoists, lifts or demolition. State carries WBL workers' compensation.
- College credit
- Early College and Running Start are the statewide dual-credit routes; no construction-specific agreement found (Confirm locally).
- Demand and pay
- $85,280 median (May 2025); top tenth above $115,900; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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HVAC/R in Hawaii
Hawaii teaches HVAC inside MEP Systems; students can earn EPA 608, and rooftop placements need a DOE-approved cooperative program for the student-learner exemption.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- EPA 608 and HVAC fundamentals inside MEP; Hawaii has no individual HVAC worker license found.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE credential list found (); EPA 608 (no age floor)
- Age and hour rules
- No individual HVAC worker license found; C-52 ventilating and air conditioning contractor license through a responsible managing employee with 4 years of supervisory experience in the past 10. EPA 608 has no age floor.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Building and Construction field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field, industry certification where one exists; 5 years, renewable once).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17. Rooftop HVAC falls under the roofing order (HAR 12-25-53), with a student-learner exemption tied to a DOE-approved cooperative program; HO 7 lifts barred. State carries WBL workers' compensation.
- College credit
- No statewide HVAC agreement; Early College and Running Start; contractor license based on supervisory experience.
- Demand and pay
- $65,450 median (May 2025); 1,200 jobs (2024); 110 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Machining and Mechatronics in Hawaii
Hawaii has no machining program; schools teach automation and electro-mechanical programs, and paid shop placements need a DOE-approved cooperative program for the student-learner exemption.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program-of-study coursework and, where a partner offers it, college credit; no state credential list or license exists, and no machining program is offered.
- Credentials
- No credential list found for Automation and Robotics Technology or Electro-Mechanical Technology ()
- Age and hour rules
- No license or credential age gate found. Registered apprentice from 16 (DLIR). HAR 12-25-46 mirrors federal HO 8 for minors under 18.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Advanced Manufacturing field, CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field; 5 years, renewable once) or Standard Limited License in CTE; no pathway-specific requirement found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17. HAR 12-25-46 tracks HO 8; the student-learner exemption needs a DOE-approved cooperative vocational program, brief supervised work and safety instruction. Federal HO 7 barred.
- College credit
- No machining or mechatronics agreement found; general UHCC dual enrollment (Early College, Running Start); DCAPS list not found ().
- Demand and pay
- Machinists $84,410 median (May 2025); -2.1% 2024-34; 30 openings/yr. Industrial machinery mechanics $77,330; +6.8%; 80 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Engineering and Drafting in Hawaii
Hawaii offers Architectural Design and Engineering Technology programs with CAD skills; no credential list exists, and the courses count only as electives for UH Mānoa admission.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program-of-study coursework and CAD skills; no state credential list or license applies.
- Credentials
- No state list found; Architectural Design names AutoCAD and Revit skills ()
- Age and hour rules
- None for students; drafting has no state license.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE-Architectural Design and Engineering Technology field (from July 1, 2025): content by 30 semester credits (15 upper level) or a licensure exam; current CTE teachers move at renewal from Jan 1, 2026; degree and experience rules: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17. State hazardous orders mirror federal ones; student-learner exemptions need a DOE-approved cooperative program.
- College credit
- DCAPS is the statewide dual credit route, with no engineering-specific links found; Early College and Running Start ().
- Demand and pay
- Architectural and civil drafters $63,510 median (May 2025); +0.5% 2024-34; 60 openings/yr; mechanical drafter figures not published; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Cybersecurity and Networking in Hawaii
Hawaii offers separate Cybersecurity and Networking programs of study; no state credential list is published, and Early College is the route to college credit.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Industry certifications and work-based learning; security analyst jobs usually need more education.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE credential list found ()
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate; keep all testing inside authorized, isolated labs (18 U.S.C. 1030).
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE IT and Digital Transformation field, or CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field, industry certification where one exists; 5 years, renewable once).
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours; no federal hazardous order covers IT work. State carries WBL workers' compensation.
- College credit
- No statewide cyber or networking agreement found (); Early College and Running Start with UH community colleges.
- Demand and pay
- Infosec analysts $126,250 median (May 2025), 50 openings/yr; network support $83,620, 40 openings/yr; infosec growth 22-35% 2024-34
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Programming and Computer Science in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a Programming program of study with no published credential list; Early College is the route to college credit, and the CS course mandate is unconfirmed.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Programming coursework, AP CS exams and certifications; developer jobs usually need more education.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE credential list found ()
- Age and hour rules
- No age gate. Whether Act 51 of 2018 requires every public high school to offer a CS course: secondary sources conflict (). No CS graduation requirement.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE IT and Digital Transformation field or CTE Permit (3 years full-time in the field); academic Computer Science fields reinstated 2018 with a limited license route (associate, 3 years industry, 15 pedagogy hours): current status Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours; no federal hazardous order covers software work.
- College credit
- No statewide programming agreement found; Early College (free) and Running Start with UH; DCAPS list not found ().
- Demand and pay
- Software developers $124,040 median (May 2025), 120 openings/yr; web developer median not published, 20 openings/yr
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Business Management and Marketing in Hawaii
Hawaii business programs of study have no published credential list; a business course may help carry the class of 2030 financial literacy requirement, pending HIDOE confirmation.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program-of-study coursework and national certifications such as MOS where offered; no state credential list exists.
- Credentials
- No state list found (); Certiport credentials need parental consent under 18
- Age and hour rules
- Not found in state sources.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE-Business Management, Finance and Marketing field (from July 1, 2025), covering all five programs; add by licensure exam or 30 semester credits (15 upper level); CTE Permit route.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3); no hour limits except school hours. Alcohol sales not under 18 except approved training programs; 18-20 under supervision (HRS 281-78). Federal HO 12 and HO 2 apply.
- College credit
- No business dual credit agreements found; Early College and Running Start ().
- Demand and pay
- General and operations managers $108,180 median (May 2025); +4.3% 2024-34; 1,110 openings/yr. Retail sales supervisors $55,850; -5.6%; 700 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Entrepreneurship in Hawaii
Hawaii offers an Entrepreneurship program of study without published codes or credentials; school-sponsored student groups are exempt from GET on fundraiser income run through the school account.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program-of-study coursework and school enterprise experience; no state credential list exists.
- Credentials
- No state credential list for ENTRE found; ESB not on Certiport's list of Hawaii approvals ()
- Age and hour rules
- No LLC organizer age stated in statute; contract capacity starts at 18.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE-Business Management, Finance and Marketing field (names Entrepreneurship; from July 1, 2025): add by licensure exam or 30 semester credits (15 upper level); current teachers transition at renewal from Jan 1, 2026.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) for paid work; no hour limits except school hours.
- College credit
- No high school articulation found; UH community colleges run entrepreneurship programs; Early College (Confirm with the college).
- Demand and pay
- No SOC for entrepreneurship. Related: general and operations managers $108,180 median (May 2025); +4.3% 2024-34; 1,110 openings/yr. Market research analysts $59,390; +4.3%; 150 openings/yr
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Law, Public Safety and Corrections in Hawaii
Hawaii Law Enforcement Services students build skills through coursework and HPD ride-alongs; no state credential is listed, guards register at 18 and Honolulu police recruit at 21.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Coursework, ride-alongs and internships; no state-listed credential, and guard registration waits until 18.
- Credentials
- No HIDOE-listed credential for Law Enforcement Services ()
- Age and hour rules
- Guard registration 18 with 8 classroom hours and FBI fingerprints (HRS 463-10.5); adult corrections officer 20 at application (the application form asks about age 21: Confirm with the agency); Honolulu police 21; LESB draft certification age 21 ().
- Who can teach
- HIDOE CTE licensure (including Leeward CC's alternative CTE licensure program); pathway-specific requirements not found.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) for paid work. HPD youth ride-alongs ages 12-17 with an HPD 233 consent form and a commander-approved permit. Federal HO 2 bars driving agency vehicles in paid work.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; UH community college Administration of Justice programs through Early College ().
- Demand and pay
- Police $83,820 median (May 2025); +4.3% 2024-34; 200 openings/yr. Security guards $42,820; +1.9%; 1,280 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Firefighting in Hawaii
Hawaii has no state firefighter certification for school programs; students take Fire and Emergency Services courses and join county youth programs such as Honolulu Fire Explorers.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Coursework plus CPR and first aid through county youth programs; no state Firefighter I or II certification is available to school programs.
- Credentials
- No state Firefighter I or II for school programs; CPR and first aid through county youth programs (Maui Next Gen)
- Age and hour rules
- No state certification; Honolulu Fire Explorers 14-21, Maui Next Gen 16-21, Hawaii County volunteers 18.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE field or CTE Permit (HIDOE employee, diploma, 3 years full-time field experience, industry credentials where they exist); county partners supply skills instructors; field name for Fire and Emergency Services: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) for paid work. HAR 12-25 has no firefighting order or volunteer exemption; 16-17-year-olds may do forest protection such as fire trails and lookout. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland suppression.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement; Hawaii CC Fire Science (A.S., Certificate of Achievement) and Honolulu CC programs; Early College.
- Demand and pay
- Firefighter wage and projections not published for Hawaii (BLS OEWS May 2025; Projections Central 2024-34); in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Culinary Arts and Hospitality in Hawaii
Hawaii's Culinary Arts program of study is the state's largest cluster; employed minors may not use any power-driven mixer, and alcohol service starts at 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program coursework and dual credit; alcohol service at 18-20 at work, under 18 only in UH, community college or federal training programs.
- Credentials
- No state credential list found ()
- Age and hour rules
- 18-20 may sell or serve alcohol at work with supervision (HRS 281-78(b)(3)); under 18 only in commission-approved UH, community college or federal training programs; bartending set by county rules.
- Who can teach
- CTE Permit, Standard Limited License or Emergency Hire (3 years full-time in the field); a manager certificate requirement was claimed but not found in rule.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) at 16-17. HAR 12-25-47(c) allows meat machines for student-learners in a DOE-approved co-op program and for DLIR-registered apprentices and trainees; 12-25-48 bars all power-driven dough and batter mixers of any size, sheeters and slicers under 18, with no exemption.
- College credit
- DCAPS dual credit with Kapiolani CC Culinary Arts and UH Maui College named in the inventory; only the DCAPS name confirmed (Confirm with the college).
- Demand and pay
- Restaurant cooks $45,420 median (May 2025), +15.4%, 2,120 openings/yr; chefs and head cooks $77,360, +8.0%, 110/yr (2024-34)
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Cosmetology in Hawaii
Hawaii students cannot earn cosmetology licensure hours in high school; schools offer exploration and a planned move to Honolulu Community College or a licensed beauty school.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Career exploration only; licensure hours begin after graduation.
- Credentials
- None in high school; Hawaii beauty operator license after graduation (Prometric exams)
- Age and hour rules
- Age 16 and a high school education; 1,800 hours in a licensed school or 3,600 as an apprentice (HRS 439-12(b)); schools enroll only high school completers (HAR 16-78-59(b)).
- Who can teach
- CTE Permit or Standard Limited License for an exploration course; the beauty instructor license (600-hour teaching course, 1 year licensed) applies only to licensed schools.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours; no cosmetology-specific order.
- College credit
- Honolulu CC cosmetology certificates and AAS after graduation (Confirm with the college).
- Demand and pay
- $35,040 median (May 2025); +2.1% 2024-34; 240 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Automotive Service in Hawaii
Hawaii students take Automotive Technology 1 and 2 with Early College options; paid repair work needs a licensed mechanic's supervision, and the safety inspector certificate waits until 18.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- ASE Entry-Level and Early College credit; paid repair work only as a helper under a licensed mechanic; the safety inspector certificate waits until 18.
- Credentials
- ASE Entry-Level (national); no state credential list found ()
- Age and hour rules
- Safety inspector at 18 with one year of school automotive training (HAR 19-133.2-12; amendment in process). Mechanic certification: two years of hands-on work, or one year plus three full years of high school automotive training (or two years of postsecondary or apprenticeship training); at least one ASE certification; state certification tests; no minimum age found.
- Who can teach
- HTSB CTE Permit (diploma, 3 years full-time in the field, 5 years, renewable once) or Standard Limited License; whether the teacher needs a Hawaii mechanic license: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17; no hour limits except school hours. State driving rule tracks HO 2 (HAR 12-25-42); federal HO 7 engine hoists barred. The State carries workers' compensation for school-approved WBL.
- College credit
- Early College and Running Start; Kealakehe Early College 2.0 cohort earns up to 36 Hawaii CC credits; no statewide automotive DCAPS found.
- Demand and pay
- $52,160 median (May 2025); +4.8% 2024-34; 300 openings/yr; in-demand list status: Confirm with the agency
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Agriculture in Hawaii
Hawaii offers AFNR programs of study with no published codes or credentials; under-16 farm rules have no school exemption, and a state applicator age of 18 is pending.
- Age and hour rules
- Work-site rules for minors
More for this state
- What high school can deliver
- Program coursework; no state credential list found; the federal applicator floor of 18 applies.
- Credentials
- No credential list found ()
- Age and hour rules
- No applicator age in current state rule (HAR 4-66-56); federal 18 applies through the state plan; amendments setting 18 were heard Apr 27, 2026 and not adopted.
- Who can teach
- CTE Permit (3 years of industry experience plus HIDOE recommendation); any agriculture-specific license: Confirm with the agency.
- Work-site rules for minors
- Certificate of Age (eCL-3) online at 16-17. Under 16, the state farm list (HAR 12-25-57) covers most federal farm tasks plus state-restricted pesticide work, with no student-learner, 4-H, vocational agriculture or family-farm exemption. Combines, mowers, balers, blasting agents and driving passengers are not on the state list, so only the federal rules and exemptions apply to them. Whether HRS ch. 390 adds an exemption: Confirm with the agency.
- College credit
- No statewide agreement found (Confirm locally); Early College and Running Start in general.
- Demand and pay
- Farm equipment mechanics $49,990 median (May 2025), +8.3%, 0 openings/yr (rounded); ag equipment operators median not published, -3.8%, 30/yr; ag technicians $47,960, +3.1%, 10/yr (2024-34)
Pathway facts are in review. Last checked October 5, 2026.
Also see the Hawaii state profile and the District Readiness Assessment.