Choose a Career Cluster

Every Career and Technical Education course falls into one of 16 career clusters.  A career cluster represents a grouping of occupations that require similar knowledge and skill.

Within each cluster, there are cluster “pathways” that correspond to a collection of courses and training opportunities to prepare you for a given career.

The 16 clusters are recognized across the United States in middle schools, high schools, community and technical colleges, and the workforce.

The career cluster that you choose should align with your career interests.  

What's Your Career Cluster?  

Take a career assessment to find out which cluster best matches your interests.

1. Career Interest Explorer Assessment for Elementary Students  Elementary Students Career Interest Explorer printable worksheet
2. CFNC Career Cluster Assessment Middle School and High School - CFNC Account is required
3. CAREERwise Career Cluster Assessment Middle School and High School - Account not required
4. NCCareers.org  Middle School and High School - Career Portal: Skills and interest assessments; Occupation Exploration; Local job openings; Identify Education/Training
   opportunities related to your career interests

• NC Clusters/Career Pathways (CP) Guide - 2022-2023
• NC Career Pathways by Program Area (CP) Guide - 2022-2023
• CTE Essential Standards 2022-2023
• CTE Course Inventory and Essential Standards 2022-2023
• NCCareers