How to Become 

a Civil Engineer?
Students considering a career in engineering should be curious about how the world
around them works. They should also have an aptitude for math and science, and take
at least three years of each in high school to prepare for college. Civil engineering
hopefuls must earn at least a bachelor’s degree. According to the BLS, this might be a
degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technologies, or a related field, like
construction. Some senior positions, such as managerial roles, may require a master’s
or doctoral degree, and other roles may require additional certification such as a
professional engineer license.

If you hope to obtain a professional engineer license, your bachelor’s degree should be
from a program certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. As
the first step in the process, graduates or soon-to-be-graduates must sit for the
Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Those who pass the exam become engineers-in-
training. After at least four years of work experience as an engineer-in-training,
candidates can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Passing this
exam earns the professional engineer license. Engineers with a PE license can sign off
on projects, approve design plans and oversee the work of other engineers.

Continuing education requirements to maintain a PE license vary by state or territory.

Engineers can also earn certifications specific to their work, and options are available in
water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, coastal engineering and more.

“It really depends on what you’re doing,” Lehman says. “For example, I’m a professional
engineer, but I’m also a certified environmental sustainability professional. In what I’m
doing, it’s important that we’re looking at a future vision.”