From civil engineering student to PE: The career path explained

Becoming a licensed civil engineer follows four main steps: earn an ABET-accredited four-year degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain about four years of progressive work experience under a licensed engineer, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Full licensure as a professional engineer (PE) opens significant opportunities for advancement and is well worth pursuing. Though engineers can practice without formal licensure, a PE license is required to lead projects and hold high-ranking positions in the field.

Civil engineering focuses on designing, building, and maintaining structures such as homes and commercial buildings, as well as transportation systems and water and energy networks. Engineers in this field make sure the infrastructure we interact with daily is safe and functional. Becoming a fully licensed civil engineer is a rigorous process that involves intensive scientific and mathematical study, standardized testing, and the development of practical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, but it translates into a career that’s rewarding, well-paid, and impactful.

Basics of civil engineering

Civil engineers are responsible for durable and sustainable development in natural and constructed environments. They design new structures, test load capacities, choose suitable materials, assess environmental impacts, inspect sites for hazards, and ensure safety standards and regulations are met. Professional duties span design, planning, problem-solving, construction, testing, and research. Although many civil engineers work in government and public-sector roles, there are also opportunities in private industry at engineering firms, construction companies, factories, manufacturing sites, and consultancies.

Engineers typically spend much of their day in offices, where they draft, design, analyze data, and update plans as needed. They often visit project sites for inspections and compliance checks and collaborate with other professionals, including engineering colleagues, construction managers, architects, and scientists. The specifics of a civil engineer’s work depend on their expertise and regional requirements. Some focus intensely on one or two major projects, while others offer their expertise across multiple projects.

Civil engineering has a higher demand than many other engineering specialties, with an expected 6% increase in employment from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that about 22,700 new civil engineering positions will open each year over the next decade, a higher rate than in fields like environmental or nuclear engineering. Civil engineers earned a median annual salary of $100,840, with the top 10% earning more than $160,000.

Starting out: The civil engineering degree

The vast majority of civil engineers hold a bachelor’s degree; it is a basic minimum requirement for many jobs, and for the first licensing exam many engineers take (the FE Civil exam). While work experience is sometimes considered commensurate with a four-year degree, national standards generally require a college degree to be eligible for advancement and recognition in the field.

The most important consideration when choosing a degree is whether it is ABET-accredited. ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, accredits programs based on high educational standards through the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). In most cases, accreditation is granted specifically to engineering programs, though some programs in data science, statistics, the hard sciences, or another related discipline may qualify. Always check both your state’s requirements for licensure and the individual school or major’s ABET qualification status.

Here are some examples of degree programs that future civil engineers enroll in:

• Bachelor of Science/Arts in Civil Engineering. This is the most direct path.
• Bachelor of Science/Arts in a closely related field, such as Environmental Engineering.
• Bachelor of Science/Arts in a general discipline such as Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics.

Your “safest” options are degrees in civil or another engineering discipline, as these are more likely to be ABET-accredited and will give you the practical training you’ll need for your certification exam and future work. You don’t necessarily need to major in civil engineering to pursue the field professionally, since you can choose from FE exams in multiple disciplines, though taking some civil coursework will better prepare you.

For students taking more general courses and degree programs, be sure to add engineering-specific courses to your schedule: these apply topics in math, science, and other disciplines to engineering problems and real-life scenarios.

Common classes taken by civil engineering majors

Here’s an example of core classes civil engineering majors take in college:

• Calculus I, II, and III
• Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra
• General Chemistry
• Physics
• English/Social Science requirement
• Engineering Mechanics
• Statics (a branch of mechanics that studies static equilibrium)
• Hydraulics (using pressurized liquids to generate, control, and transmit power)
• Structural Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Environmental and Water Resources
• Construction Management

In these courses, you’ll learn mathematical and scientific foundations and theory, engineering fundamentals, and how to use practical tools and emerging technology. Many highly ranked civil engineering programs require students to complete a thesis or capstone project in their senior year, letting them demonstrate what they’ve learned through practical application.

Pro-tip: Taking AP math and science courses in high school, like AP Calculus or AP Physics, and scoring highly on the exams can help you fulfill certain prerequisites faster.

The civil engineering curriculum starts by building a strong foundation in math and science, then develops specific engineering skills as well as communication and critical-thinking abilities.

As an engineer, you’ll need to use your expertise, share findings, and provide recommendations, as part of a team, which is why competency in reading, writing, and comprehension is almost as important as your math and science abilities.

Being an engineer also involves working closely with teams and across organizations, interfacing with project leads, vendors, architects, designers, and other stakeholders. Higher-level and specialized engineering courses include lessons on management and coordination, since these skills are vital to succeed in this field.

Investing in your studies will make it much easier to prepare for and pass the interdisciplinary, wide-ranging FE Civil exam.

FE Civil: The gateway to your career

After completing or reaching the final months of your degree, the FE Civil is the next big item to cross off the checklist. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam generally serves as the first step toward earning a PE license. Specifically, the FE Civil exam targets civil engineering students, testing critical knowledge and skills. It covers a broad range of topics from coursework, including basic math, structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and engineering ethics.

Many aspiring engineers sit for the FE Civil exam in their final year or soon after graduation to keep the material fresh, though some wait until they have gained work experience before tackling the test. Understanding the exam topics and their weight can help you prepare more effectively and stay focused.

The FE Civil exam is an essential milestone toward earning an engineering license in the U.S. Its primary goals are to:

• Qualify you for the engineer-in-training (EIT) certification, a credential often required by employers for entry- to mid-level roles.
• Prepare you for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, usually taken after gaining about four years of work experience under a licensed PE.

The FE Civil Reference Handbook is an essential resource for this exam, serving as the official guidebook for equations, formulas, and data you’ll need during the test.

Topics covered

FE exams are known for covering a broad range of topics. Here’s an overview of what to study for the FE Civil, including the estimated number of questions for each subject.

An effectively structured FE Civil study guide that emphasizes key topics can keep you focused during exam preparation. The exam primarily features questions drawn from your undergraduate coursework, including both general education and civil engineering subjects.

How the FE Civil is structured

The FE exam primarily targets engineers or engineering students close to finishing an accredited four-year undergraduate program. Passing the FE is the first step toward licensure and boosts your competitiveness in the job market. While licensing is not legally required for every engineering role in the U.S., passing the FE is often necessary for job applications or promotions.

While the exam is primarily intended for U.S. professionals, international candidates with comparable experience can also qualify. Certain exceptions apply: individuals with extensive work or educational backgrounds, such as a master’s or PhD, may petition their state licensing board to take the exam. Although the FE exams are standardized nationwide, licensure is ultimately awarded by individual state boards. Always check whether your state requires pre-approval before taking the exam, as regulations vary.

After confirming your eligibility to take the FE exam, you can begin exploring the details and preparing. These facts apply universally, no matter your specialty:

• Administration: A computer-based exam conducted at Pearson test centers approved by NCEES.
• Schedule: The FE exam is available year-round at Pearson VUE centers. However, there are four quarterly testing windows (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December), which restrict how often you can retake the exam.
• Cost: An exam fee of $225 is payable directly to NCEES during registration.
• Number of questions: The FE exam includes 110 multiple-choice questions that test a wide spectrum of engineering fundamentals.
• Length: The exam appointment lasts approximately six hours, including a tutorial, a nondisclosure agreement, and a scheduled break. This leaves about five hours and 20 minutes for actual testing.
• Calculator policy: Examinees are restricted to certain approved calculator models, such as Casio fx-115 and fx-991 models.
• Reference materials: Candidates cannot use outside books or notes, but they have access to the official, exam-specific FE Reference Handbook during the test.

You can take the FE exam in a discipline other than civil engineering and still pursue a professional engineering career, though it’s advisable to keep your educational, testing, and professional paths aligned. Graduates from different engineering disciplines can take the FE Civil exam to enter the field. The exam assesses your ability to apply engineering knowledge practically, with many questions simulating real-world problems. Passing it is a strategic step toward advancing your career, opening doors to higher-level roles and increased compensation earlier than those without the credential.

Civil engineering internships and entry-level jobs

If you’ve recently passed the FE exam or completed a civil engineering degree program, here are some roles you may target:

• Civil Engineer Intern/Apprentice
• Entry-Level Site/Civil Engineer
• Entry-Level Structural Engineer
• Entry-Level Water Systems Engineer
• Entry-Level Office Engineer
• Junior staff role (usually reserved for those with more experience)
• Public-sector jobs in local, state, and federal government

Starting out, your typical daily responsibilities as an intern or entry-level civil engineer will include:

• Building 2D and 3D design plans using software like AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Running basic stormwater, hydraulic, or structural load computations.
• Compiling technical reports, cost estimates, and compliance documents for local regulatory agencies.
• Visiting active construction sites to observe field conditions or assist with material testing.
• Tracking administrative and project details under the supervision of experienced engineers.

Starting salaries for civil engineers typically range from $68,000 to $72,000 annually, but gaining experience and obtaining the PE license can lead to six-figure earnings.

How to find and land your first civil engineering job

You can begin your job search simply by looking up “civil engineering government jobs” or “civil engineering internships” near you. If you’re still a student, take advantage of your school’s network and internal resources to connect with potential employers through career events, internships, and co-ops. When seeking pre- or post-graduation opportunities, look for roles that emphasize practical experience, mentorship, and the possibility of a full-time offer, even if the position is temporary or on contract.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you enter the job search:

1. Pass the FE exam.
2. Learn key software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation, and create a public portfolio of projects.
3. Refine your LinkedIn profile, showcase project experience and relevant coursework, and connect with recruiters or managers.
4. Attend local networking events and job fairs with industry leaders.
5. Use informal interviews with former students or employees at companies of interest to gauge work culture.
6. Join professional organizations to meet local hiring managers.
7. Consider stepping-stone roles like field inspection, materials testing, or technician positions, especially if you have limited practical experience.
8. Do your research and show a willingness to learn when interviewing at new firms or organizations.

While there’s nothing wrong with casting a wide net at first, try to target specific firms or agencies rather than sending countless disconnected applications. For example, you might focus on firms that specialize in an area like transportation or water infrastructure, or commit to applying for roles within your local city government.

Weigh both salary and career interests when making your decision: your top choice may not be the place that pays the most, but the best fit based on your ultimate goals. Deciding wisely and strategically will improve career satisfaction and growth long-term. Landing a job that’s meaningful, satisfying, and builds real skills will make it much easier to fulfill the progressive work requirements for full licensure, which typically take about four years.

How to become a professional engineer

Engineers may specialize in areas like civil engineering, but their educational and certification paths are quite similar across fields. Many early-career engineers pursue the Professional Engineer (PE) designation, which serves as a key indicator of their engineering knowledge, ethical standards, and dedication to quality work.

The core requirements include:

• Preliminary certification: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
• Gain four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a PE (the exact requirement varies by state).
• Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in civil engineering, the final step in the typical engineering career path.

Civil engineers can choose between five different exams based on their chosen specialty:

• PE Civil: Construction
• PE Civil: Geotechnical
• PE Civil: Structural
• PE Civil: Transportation
• PE Civil: Water Resources and Environment

Try to align your professional experience with your exam of choice: this will make it easier to apply what you’ve learned in the field on your test and better train you for future roles.

Licensed engineers preside and assume legal responsibility over engineering projects. Although you can work as an engineer for several years after earning your FE certificate, advancing to senior or specialized roles typically requires a PE license. A graduate degree can also be helpful for gaining leadership and high-level positions in certain engineering disciplines.

Additional questions

Is civil engineering in demand, and is it a good career?

Civil engineering is a popular and stable career option. While median salaries may be slightly lower than in some other industries, the employment outlook remains strong. The field employs a large workforce, roughly 369,000 civil engineers, compared with about 125,000 architects and around 26,000 chemical engineers, and provides more annual job openings. The diverse roles within civil engineering also allow professionals to apply their degrees and skills across many sectors.

How much do civil engineers make?

The median salary for civil engineers is approximately $100,840. Entry-level civil engineers in the lowest 10% earn less than $68,240, whereas those in the top 10% earn over $160,000.

Is a master’s in civil engineering worth it?

Many engineers pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field to deepen their expertise and enhance their career prospects. Since the average age of engineers taking the FE exam is around 26-27, it’s clear that many students spend time earning additional degrees beyond their bachelor’s before seeking licensure.

Deciding whether this investment is right for you depends on several factors:

• Whether you have a different disciplinary background and aim to switch to civil engineering, or are looking to specialize.
• Whether you’re willing to leave work temporarily to pursue further education.
• Whether your employer can help with tuition costs, or whether you can self-fund your degree.
• Whether you intend to move into a senior role requiring advanced degrees.
• Whether you’re considering a future in teaching or academia.

A master’s degree can be a valuable investment for engineers seeking to specialize further. Although work experience often complements the training a master’s provides, some senior positions require an advanced degree. Note, however, that a master’s in civil engineering is not a substitute for a PE license, which remains the legal credential for advanced engineers.

Closing thoughts: Your future framework

Civil engineers keep our communities safe, mobile, healthy, and prosperous. Although the profession can be competitive and demanding, it offers a rewarding career for those passionate about applying engineering to build useful structures and systems. Passing the FE exam in civil engineering early, even while still a student, opens doors to career advancement and licensure in this dynamic field.