Do you want to know the process of getting a construction engineering license of your own? Follow up these simple instructions to grab one.
Civil engineering or construction engineering is a government-regulated activity; it is arranged under the state’s licensing laws. This practice’s requirements may differ from state to state, but the basics are the same. There is a process to get a construction or civil engineering license, which is almost the same in the whole United States.
But you have to be eligible to take part in it. Here, we will give you the necessary info on how you can be eligible to do so. Follow this civil engineering pdh to renew your civil engineering license. The licensing process may take up to a year; you do not have any control over it. The processes are discussed below-
Graduate from an Acceptable Engineering Program
Every state has its own requirements with regard to education when you apply for the construction or civil engineering license. Only by having that license you can build your dream engineering career. Normally, you would need a 4-year degree in engineering through a college or a university in an engineering-related subject. You can follow these to find the best graduate place for you.
- Look for those universities that include “EAC/ABET-accredited” in their description while searching for schools with engineering programs.
- It is not required for you to go to school where you will work, but you should know its educational requirements.
- Look in other states, too, if you have not found the perfect one in your state.
- It is essential to note if you are starting only in one state and have plans to move to another. You have to fulfill the requirements, no matter what, but be sure you choose a good state with easier requirements.
- Getting a professional engineering license requires a considerable investment of your time and money. Most people do not want to waste these two for licensure.
- Search the state licensing board website and bookmark the website, so you can easily refer to it regularly.
Sometimes the state licensing board gives a checklist of licensure requirements, which you may want to print out and post in a place where you look daily, e.g., bathroom, refrigerator.
- Every state’s engineering licensing board has a website that shows its educational and work requirements. Watch out for that information.
- Some states have combination programs that allow you to get your credits from a community college. These credits will help you in saving your money. But you have to be prepared to take the required courses and have enough hours.
Get “Engineer Intern” or “Engineer-in-Training” certifications
If you have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before or after your graduation, you can become an “engineer intern” or “engineer-in-training”. This describes to employers that you have mastered the fundamentals of engineering, and you are on your way for licensure. The FE exam is managed over the course of one day. You will face 110 multiple choice questions, and you have to answer them all. The fee for the FE exam is about 225 dollars. In some cases, other states may charge extra for processing fees.
Gain Experience as an Engineer
It is recommended to have at least 4 years of work experience as an engineer before being eligible for licensure. Usually, you will need to work and be advised by a licensed professional engineer. They will give you a professional reference when you apply for your license, and you can get more knowledge to take your engineering to a higher level.
- Focus on achieving experience in designing or analysis because these are experiences most needed by licensing boards.
- Your responsibilities and your supervisor’s expectations shall go up as you work, and it will increase more over time.
- When you apply for your license, you will have to decide the progress you made through your work and training. So it is best to take notes of all the projects you do and even save some brief descriptions for each of them.
- Keep the notes on a daily or a weekly basis. It is beneficial since you will not forget these projects in the future.
Know Your State’s License Requirements
Each state has its own license requirements, so you must check on them regularly and make sure you are fulfilling those appropriately.
- It is essential to note if you are starting only in one state and have plans to move to another. You have to fulfill the requirements, no matter what, but be sure you choose a good state with easier requirements.
- Getting a professional engineering license requires a considerable investment of your time and money. Most people do not want to waste these two for licensure.
- Search the state licensing board website and bookmark the website, so you can easily refer to it regularly.
- Sometimes the state licensing board gives a checklist of licensure requirements, which you may want to print out and post in a place where you look daily, e.g., bathroom, refrigerator.
Write a Professional Application
When you are almost ready for the licensure process, get yourself a copy of the application to review it, and acquire all relevant information. Follow these when you are writing the application.
- This licensing application needs basic identification information, such as your name, date of birth, address, and any other details about your engineering experience and education.
- You must answer the basic questions, such as application history and whether you have been refused a license or had a license suspension in another state.
- There is also a space for describing your workspace with forms you must send to your supervisors to verify the experience you wrote in the application.
- Your application should be accompanied by a licensing fee of $230. Check your licensing board to be sure of the methods of payments.
- Provide professional references in your application because it will testify to your skills as an engineer and your character.
Take the Required Examinations
All professional engineers must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which is administered by the NCEES or National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. Its fee is about $230, and usually, you will pay it when you submit the license application to the state’s licensing board. Your state may add additional fees to this amount.
Maintain Your License
After you have got your civil engineering license, it is vital to maintain the license properly. Every state requires licensed engineers to complete continuing their education courses to stay updated on the latest technological trends and industry standards. Also, do not let your license get suspended because you have not paid any licensing fees or any privilege taxes; pay them regularly. If your license is outdated, there are many ways to renew it.