How to Become a Civil Engineer: The Skills, Education, and Licensing You Need

Table of Contents

Contributor: Neil Harper

Engineers assume a diverse array of important roles in the world today. They help to design and create the structures in which people live, work, and play and the devices that they use every day. Every time you turn on the TV, use the microwave oven, or drive your vehicle, your life is impacted by the designs of engineers. Engineers shape the world.

To enter this vital profession, aspiring engineers must complete a rigorous educational path, develop key technical and interpersonal skills, and meet state licensing requirements. The process is demanding but rewarding—offering the opportunity to build a career that shapes the world we live in every day.

To become a civil engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, strong skills in math and science, and a commitment to solving real-world infrastructure challenges. Civil engineers must pass the FE and PE exams, gain relevant work experience, and often specialize in fields like structural, environmental, or transportation engineering.

Below we discuss in more detail what civil engineers do, the kind of education they need, and how they become licensed in their field.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers are the creative problem-solvers behind the infrastructure that powers modern life. From highways and water systems to airports and city skylines, they design, build, and maintain the essential systems that keep communities functioning and growing.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Planning: Civil engineers develop detailed blueprints for structures like bridges, buildings, roads, tunnels, and dams. They use advanced modeling software to evaluate safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Site Assessment and Testing: Before construction begins, they analyze soil, rock, and groundwater conditions and perform site surveys to ensure the land is suitable for the proposed design.
Construction Oversight: Engineers often manage large teams and coordinate with architects, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure projects meet specifications and stay on schedule.
Sustainability and Resilience: Many modern civil engineers focus on climate resilience and environmental impact—designing flood control systems, green roofs, or energy-efficient transportation networks.
Maintenance and Inspections: Even after projects are complete, civil engineers may conduct structural inspections, oversee repairs, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Real-World Example:

Think of the last bridge you crossed, the storm drain system protecting your neighborhood, or the transit hub in your city—chances are, a civil engineer played a key role in its design and construction.

Beyond the Build:

Civil engineers must balance innovation with practical constraints. They navigate:

Government regulations and permitting
Budget limitations and material costs
Geographic and environmental challenges

Through all stages of a project—planning, execution, and long-term maintenance—civil engineers act as stewards of public safety and sustainability.

Learn more about continuing education for licensed civil engineers.

Civil Engineering Specializations

Civil engineering is a broad field that includes multiple sub-disciplines, each addressing different aspects of infrastructure design, development, and maintenance. Understanding these specializations can help aspiring engineers identify areas of interest and align their education and experience with long-term career goals.

1. Structural Engineering

Structural engineers are responsible for the design and integrity of buildings, bridges, towers, and other load-bearing structures. They ensure that these structures can withstand environmental forces and human use while adhering to safety and building codes. This specialization requires a strong understanding of physics, materials science, and load analysis.

2. Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineers plan, design, and manage systems that move people and goods efficiently. This includes highways, airports, railways, and public transit systems. They also focus on traffic flow, safety analysis, and the impact of infrastructure on surrounding communities.

3. Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineers study soil, rock, and underground water to determine their suitability for construction projects. Their work is essential for designing foundations, retaining walls, tunnels, and earthworks. A deep understanding of soil mechanics and subsurface conditions is critical in this field.

4. Environmental Engineering

This specialization involves designing systems that protect and improve environmental quality. Environmental engineers develop water and wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater management systems, air pollution control strategies, and sustainable waste disposal methods.

5. Water Resources Engineering

Water resources engineers manage the movement, distribution, and quality of water. They design infrastructure such as dams, levees, canals, and stormwater systems to address issues related to flood control, water conservation, and distribution. This field is becoming increasingly important due to climate change and urban expansion.

6. Construction Engineering

Construction engineers focus on the planning and execution of infrastructure projects. They work closely with contractors, architects, and project managers to ensure that engineering designs are translated into built structures safely, on time, and within budget. This role often requires knowledge of cost estimating, scheduling software, and safety regulations.

Educational Requirements for Civil Engineers

To become a licensed civil engineer, most professionals begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program. These programs provide the technical foundation and hands-on experience required for professional licensure in most U.S. states.

Recommended High School Preparation

Students interested in civil engineering should begin developing strong skills in:

Mathematics (Algebra II, Calculus, Geometry)
Sciences (Physics, Chemistry)
Technical courses (CAD, Engineering Design)
Communication and writing

Extracurricular activities like STEM clubs, engineering summer camps, and science fairs are excellent ways to build experience and interest in the field.

Typical College Curriculum

A civil engineering degree program usually includes coursework in:

Structural analysis and design
Geotechnical engineering
Fluid mechanics and hydrology
Construction materials and methods
Transportation systems
Engineering economics and project management

Students also complete lab work and often engage in internships or cooperative education (co-op) programs to gain real-world experience.

Accreditation and Online Programs

When selecting a school, it’s critical to confirm that the program is accredited by ABET, as this is a requirement for sitting for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and later becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). While a few universities offer online components or hybrid options, most civil engineering degrees are primarily in-person due to the hands-on nature of lab and design courses.

How to Become a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer

To practice as a professional civil engineer and take legal responsibility for engineering work, individuals must become licensed Professional Engineers (PEs). Licensure demonstrates a commitment to public safety, technical competence, and ethical practice.

In the United States, the licensure process typically includes the following steps:

1. Earn a Degree from an ABET-Accredited Program

Before anything else, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This ensures the curriculum meets the standards required for licensure.

2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the FE exam is usually taken shortly before or after graduation. Upon passing, individuals earn the title Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI).

3. Gain Professional Work Experience

Most states require four years of qualifying work experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. This period allows engineers to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects and develop the judgment needed for independent practice.

4. Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

After completing the required experience, candidates can sit for the PE exam in civil engineering. This rigorous test assesses both general and discipline-specific knowledge and is the final hurdle to earning the PE license.

5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education

Once licensed, civil engineers must meet continuing professional competency (CPC) requirements, which vary by state. This often includes earning Professional Development Hours (PDHs) through courses, seminars, or webinars related to engineering practice and ethics.

Continuing Education and Career Development

Becoming a licensed civil engineer is just the beginning of a lifelong professional journey. To stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and regulations, most states require licensed engineers to complete continuing education on a regular basis—often every one or two years as part of license renewal.

Why Continuing Education Matters

Civil engineers must keep pace with:

Changing building codes, environmental regulations, and material standards
New technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and smart infrastructure systems
Emerging concerns like sustainable design, resilient infrastructure, and climate adaptation

Completing approved Professional Development Hours (PDHs) helps engineers maintain technical competence and uphold public safety. Most states require a specific number of PDHs per renewal period—often including at least one hour of engineering ethics.

Career Growth Opportunities

With experience and continued learning, civil engineers can advance into roles such as:

Project Manager
Senior Engineer or Technical Specialist
Engineering Director
City or State Engineer
Private Consultant or Firm Principal

Engineers who develop expertise in areas like environmental compliance, water resources, or transportation planning may also pursue certifications or leadership roles in public agencies or private industry.

Looking to renew your license? PDH-Pro offers convenient, state-approved online courses and live webinars tailored to civil engineers in all 50 states.

Civil Engineer Salaries and Earning Potential

Professional engineers generally make a good salary. The exact amount of an engineer’s salary depends on the branch of engineering in which they specialize, their level of expertise and experience, their reputation, and the amount of demand there is for their skills. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics figures for 2018, the median income for civil engineers was $86,640.

Read our article about the value of engineering to the world economy.

What Does It Take to Become a Civil Engineer