Education · 1 of 5

The path

Four years to a job, about eight to a full license.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grades 11 and 12

   Calculus, chemistry and physics. Engineering programs assume all three and admission is based on them.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Environmental engineering, or civil engineering with an environmental focus. Make sure the program is accredited for engineering, not engineering technology.

3. 3

   Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

   Final year

   Taken near graduation. Passing makes you an engineer in training, which is the first half of licensure.

4. 4

   Work under a licensed engineer

   4 years

   Usually four years of documented, supervised experience at a consulting firm, an agency or a utility.

5. 5

   Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam and state license

   After the experience

   Pass the environmental discipline exam and apply to your state board. Then you can seal your own work.