Civil Engineers

Certification or Licensing

Most civil engineers go on to study and qualify for a professional engineer (PE) license. It is required before one can work on projects affecting property, health, or life. Because many engineering jobs are found in government specialties, most engineers take the necessary steps to obtain the license. Requirements are different for each state—they involve educational, practical, and teaching experience. Applicants must take an examination on a specified date.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing professional licensure in these professions. NCEES develops, administers, and scores the examinations (including the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam) used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States.

Civil Engineering Certification Inc., a sub-organization of the American Society of Civil Engineers, offers board certification in the following areas: coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, navigation engineering, ocean engineering, pipeline engineering-water, port engineering, and water resources engineering. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have a P.E. license, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and at least 10 years of relevant experience, with additional requirements dependent on the specialty area. After these requirements are met, candidates must complete an application and pass an examination. Visit https://www.asce.org/career-growth/civil-engineering-certification for more information.