MHIC NASCLA Contractors Practice Exam

What is required for minors aged 14 to 17 in order to be employed?

1. A driver's license

2. A work permit

3. Parental consent

4. A social security card

The correct answer is: A work permit

To employ minors aged 14 to 17, obtaining a work permit is a vital requirement. Work permits serve to ensure that minors are legally permitted to work, and they comply with labor laws that are designed to protect young workers. These permits often require documentation that confirms the minor's age and allows the employer to understand and follow the restrictions related to working hours, types of jobs, and safety regulations that apply specifically to minors. While a driver's license, parental consent, and a social security card can be important in various contexts surrounding employment, they are not universally required for the employment of minors in this age range. For instance, a social security card is essential for reporting earnings but does not authorize employment by itself. Parental consent varies by state and is often implied within the work permit process. Therefore, the work permit is the formal requirement that legally facilitates the employment of minors under the age of 18.