Education · 1 of 5

The path

A civil engineering degree, then a specialization, then a license.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Calculus, physics and chemistry. Take drafting or computer-aided design if your school offers it.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

   4 years

   Accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Soil mechanics and foundation design are usually third and fourth year courses.

3. 3

   Fundamentals of Engineering exam

   Final year

   Six-hour computer-based test, normally taken in your final year. Passing makes you an engineer in training.

4. 4

   Master's degree

   1 to 2 years

   One to two years focused on soil and rock. Not legally required, but most geotechnical engineers have one and many firms expect it.

5. 5

   Experience, then the license

   4 years

   Four years working under a licensed engineer, then sit the Civil: Geotechnical paper of the Principles and Practice exam and apply to your state board.