Vocational-Technical Teacher Licensure

voke3Career vocational-technical education programs approved by the DESE pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 74 are known as Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs. Educators employed in Ch. 74 programs are required to hold licensure issued under the Ch. 74 regulations 603 CMR 4.00

Clusters and Fields

Career vocational-technical education programs are divided into eleven clusters of programming for secondary and post-secondary levels.  Within each cluster, one or more educator licenses are offered to match specific programs within the cluster. The educational and professional requirements for each field/area are unique. Educators are encouraged to use the Licensure Requirements Tool and review the specific requirements for each license cluster and area.

Vocational-technical teacher licenses are valid for grades 9-14.


Agriculture and Natural Resources Cluster
  • Agricultural Mechanics
  • Animal Science
  • Environmental Technology
  • Horticulture
Arts and Communication Services Cluster

  • Design and Visual Communications

  • Graphic Communications

  • Radio & TV Broadcasting

Business and Consumer Services Cluster
  • Agricultural Mechanics
  • Animal Science
  • Environmental Technology
  • Horticulture
Education Cluster

  • Early Education and Care

Hospitality and Tourism Cluster
  • Baking
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management
Information Technology Services Cluster
  • Programming & Web Development
  • Information Support Services and Networking
Legal and Protective Services Cluster
  • Criminal Justice
Transportation Cluster
  • Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Marine Services Technology
  • Power Equipment Technology
Health Services Cluster
  • Dental Assisting
  • Health Assisting
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Laboratory Tech
  • Operating Room Technology
  • Practical Nursing (LPN)
Construction Cluster

  • Cabinetmaking

  • Carpentry

  • Construction Craft Laborer         

  • Electricity

  • Building and Property Management

  • Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

  • Mason & Tilesetting

  • Painting & Design Technology

  • Plumbing

  • Sheet Metal Working

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Cluster
  • Biotechnology
  • Drafting
  • Electronics
  • Engineering Technology
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Major Appliance Installation/Repairing
  • Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies
  • Robotics and Automation Technology
  • Stationary Engineering 
  • Telecommunication/Fiber Optics
  • Welding