Phase 8 · Years 2–10

Credential & PE License

Complete a legal route to licensure and pass the PE Civil exam.

Choose your licensure route

Most US states require an ABET-accredited degree. If you're already enrolled in one, finish it — you're on the main route.

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Route A: ABET-accredited degree (full-time, part-time or online). If your current civil program is ABET-accredited, this is your route.
Route B: a few state boards accept long experience (often 8–12+ years) in place of a degree. Rules change — confirm directly with the board.
Route C: ABET-accredited Engineering Technology degree — some states accept it with extra experience.
Once licensed in one state, you can usually get licensed in others through comity (NCEES Record).

Check that your civil engineering program is ABET-accredited (search your school)

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Email your state board to confirm the exact route for your situation (save their written answer)

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Open an NCEES Record to store your experience and references

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The final exam. Pass it, and you can legally sign and seal civil engineering work.

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Computer-based, taken after your state-required experience (typically 4 years post-degree, under a PE)
Choose one depth module: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, or Water Resources & Environmental
Exam and state license fees apply (several hundred dollars total) — see NCEES for current prices

Accumulate the required years of progressive engineering experience under a PE

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Get references from licensed PEs who supervised you

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Pass the PE Civil exam

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Receive your PE license 🎉

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