A profession that’s regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts usually requires complex skills and advanced knowledge to carry out the job. Those who work in these types of occupations have the potential to put others or themselves at risk if they fail to perform their duties correctly.
Who is in charge of these regulations?
In Massachusetts, the Division of Professional Licensure is the agency in charge of overseeing the various registration boards. This division provides professional licensure while also regulating individuals, schools, and businesses that encompass more than 150 trades.
Some of the professions that are most regulated in Massachusetts include:
- Architects
- Land surveyors
- Electricians
- Electrologists
- Home inspectors
- Plumbers
- Gasfitters
- Sanitarians
- Sheet metal workers
- Professional Engineers
- Drinking water supply facility operators
Healthcare-related occupations
Any profession in health care is crucial to regulate so that all patients are protected. Many jobs that are indirectly related to a patient’s care, such as medical equipment providers, undergo just as much regulation because of how vital their work is to the physicians.
- Psychologists
- Audiologists
- Optometrists
- Podiatrists
- Dietitians
- Nutritionists
- Chiropractors
- Speech-language pathologists
- Massage therapists
- Certified health officers
- Social workers
- Veterinarians
- Hearing instrument specialists
- Dispensing opticians
There are a number of regulated jobs in the realm of real estate, including:
- Appraisers
- Brokers
- Salespeople
Other state-regulated professions
- Barbers
- Cosmetologists
- Embalmers
- Funeral directors
In some professions such as painting, licensure is not a requirement in Massachusetts, but registration by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is. It’s important to be aware of these nuances in professional regulations to avoid legal complications.
