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 PE exam.  

Transportation engineers may also receive voluntary certification to enhance their skills and knowledge. The American Planning Association offers certification in transportation planning to those who meet education and work experience requirements. This certification must be renewed every two years. Find information at https://www.planning.org/certification. The Transportation Professional Certification Board, in affiliation with the Institute of Transportation Engineers, offers several certification programs: Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, Professional Transportation Planner, and Road Safety Professional. Find information at https://www.tpcb.org.