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Civil Engineers

Unions and Associations

Some engineers may be represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and other unions.

ABET, a non-governmental organization, accredits postsecondary programs in engineering, engineering technology, and related fields. Most employers seek civil engineering graduates who have obtained a degree from a program approved by ABET. The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 160,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. The organization has groups for students and younger members (age 35 and younger) and nine specialty institutes (e.g., Transportation & Development Institute, Coasts, Oceans, Ports & Rivers Institute). The Institute of Transportation Engineers is an international educational and scientific association of more than 18,000 members working in over 78 countries. 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 used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States. The National Society of Professional Engineers assists with the licensure process, and provides networking opportunities and information about career advancement. The Society of Women Engineers provides support to women engineers and offers scholarships and continuing education opportunities. It also hosts an annual conference, which it describes as the the "world’s largest conference for women in engineering and technology."

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