Education · 1 of 4

The path

Four years of college, then four years of supervised work, then the license.

  1. 1

    High school diploma

    Grade 12

    Calculus and physics are the two that matter. Take both as far as your school goes.

  2. 2

    Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

    4 years

    It must be from a program accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), or your state board will not count it toward a license.

  3. 3

    Fundamentals of Engineering exam

    Senior year

    110 questions in a testing center, a bit over five hours of test time. Most people take it in their final year of college while the math is fresh.

  4. 4

    Work under a licensed engineer

    About 4 years

    Usually four years of progressive experience. You are called an engineer in training or engineer intern during this stretch.

  5. 5

    Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and license

    After your experience

    Choose a civil module: construction, geotechnical, structural, transportation, or water resources and environmental. Pass it and your state board issues the license.