Education · 1 of 5
The path
A real license with a real exam, in a defined order. Four years of school, four years of supervised work, two national exams.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Calculus and physics are the two that matter. Getting into calculus in your senior year is worth planning for in your sophomore year.
- 2
Accredited engineering degree
4 years
A bachelor's in civil or environmental engineering from a program accredited by ABET (the national accreditor for engineering degrees). Most state boards will not license you without it.
- 3
Fundamentals of Engineering exam
Final year
The first national exam, normally taken in your final year of school. Passing makes you an engineer in training.
- 4
Work under a licensed engineer
4 years
Four years of engineering experience signed off by a Professional Engineer. This is where you learn hydraulics on real projects.
- 5
Principles and Practice of Engineering exam
After 4 years of work
Choose the civil depth exam in water resources and environmental engineering. Pass it, pay your state board, and you are licensed.