Transportation Engineers

Certification or Licensing

Transportation engineers must hold a professional engineer (PE) license to work on projects that affect property, health, or life. Many transportation engineering jobs are in government agencies, which is why many engineers take the steps required to obtain the PE license. Requirements are different for each state—they involve educational, practical, and teaching experience. Applicants must take an examination on a specified date. Engineering students can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam while they are studying for their bachelor's degree. They receive the engineer in training (EIT) designation when they pass this first exam before going on to the professional engineer exam. These exams are offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam).

Transportation engineers may also receive voluntary certification to enhance their skills and knowledge. The Transportation Professional Certification Board (TPCB) offers the professional traffic operations engineer certification credential. Requirements include four years of professional practice in traffic operations engineering; a valid license to practice civil, mechanical, electrical or general professional engineering; and passing an examination. Visit https://www.tpcb.org/certification/ptoe for more information. The TPCB also offers the professional transportation planner and road safety professional designations.