Country edition: USA Beta
Construction · Architecture & Civil Engineering

Civil engineer: ABET degree, FE exam, experience, PE license

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Entry-level jobs need no license, but civil engineers usually must hold a state PE license to provide services directly to the public.

For: Students strong in math and physics who want to design roads, bridges, water systems and buildings.

See the roadmap Civil Engineer guide

Route 1: Bachelor's in civil engineering Typical

Employers usually prefer graduates of accredited civil engineering programs.

  1. Start here

    High school: math and science

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in civil engineering

    Math, physics, engineering mechanics and construction systems, with lab work.

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. During college

    Co-op or internship

    Practical experience while pursuing the degree.

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
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    21 Oct 2026
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  4. Goal

    Entry-level civil engineer

    Licensure is not required for entry-level civil engineers.

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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Route 2: Professional Engineer (PE) license To serve the public

A PE may oversee other engineers, approve design plans, sign off on projects and provide services directly to the public.

  1. Start here

    Degree from an accredited engineering program

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. Exam gate

    FE exam

    Passing usually leads to Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) status.

    NCEES
    FE examNCEES
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    7 Oct 2026
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    FE and PE exams

  3. Several years

    Relevant work experience

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  4. Exam gate

    PE exam

    NCEES
    PE examNCEES
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    7 Oct 2026
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  5. Goal

    State PE license

    Each state issues its own; some require continuing education.

    BLS
    Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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    PE license steps

Licenses, registrations and certifications

Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.

Specialty certification
Optional · Voluntary
May show competence in a civil engineering specialty and help PEs advance into senior technical or managerial roles.
BLS
Civil Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
Checked
21 Oct 2026
View source
More careers in Construction

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Back to the full Civil Engineer guide

What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 21 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →