Education · 1 of 5

The path

Civil degree, usually a master's, supervised experience, licence.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Advanced Functions, Calculus, Physics and Chemistry are required for admission. Marks in the high 80s or above at most schools.

2. 2

   Civil engineering degree

   4 to 5 years with co-op

   Structural is a specialty of civil engineering. Take the structural stream in third and fourth year at any accredited civil program: Toronto, Waterloo, UBC (University of British Columbia), McGill, Alberta, Calgary, Queen's, McMaster and many others.

3. 3

   Master's in structural engineering

   1 to 2 years

   Steel, concrete, timber and seismic design in depth. Not legally required, but most big firms prefer it.

4. 4

   Engineer-in-training

   About 4 years

   Register as an engineer-in-training (EIT). Work under a licensed structural engineer: check calculations, coordinate drawings, visit sites.

5. 5

   Exam and P.Eng (professional engineer) licence

   After 4 years

   Pass the professional practice exam, then apply with your experience record. Now you can seal drawings and carry legal responsibility for the structure.