There are a lot of different types of work you can do as a civil engineer. Each one has its own certifications that you can get to show your skill, education and experience in that particular field. Civil engineering can sometimes turn into a competition to see who can get the most letters after their name. You can go after a lot of certifications in your career, and many of them will be worth while. However, it is usually best to pick the certifications in the field of civil engineering that you enjoy most and work towards those. Then supplement your knowledge by taking professional development courses in other areas that you need to know, but don’t need to be an expert at.

First, the EIT and the PE.

EIT
What it is – The Engineer in Training certification (EIT) is the first place most people start in the Civil Engineering world. It says that you have graduated and that you understand the basics of engineering.

Who governs it – You get your EIT from your state licensing board.

Requirements – A degree in an engineering from an ABET accredited school
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam offer by NCEES.org
- Apply for it through your states licensing board

Who needs it – I believe that every engineer should get it. If you are going to make a career out of design or analysis then you need it.

Why you should get it – It is a requirement to get your PE license. It also gives you an edge when applying for a job, compared to some with a degree that doesn’t have their EIT.

Why you should not get it – The only reason not to get it is if you knew for a fact that you would never do or want to do design or analysis work in your career. Even if you don’t think you would do that sort of work you should get it just in case. IT will never hurt your career.

When you should get it – Get it as soon as you can. Take the FE Exam your senior year while all of your classes are still fresh in your mind.

Other notes – Rules for getting the EIT vary. Check with your states licensing board. The rules do change, but years of experience may be able to offset the ABET accreditation requirement. Other rules may apply. Even though you get your certificate from your state licensing board the EIT certification is national. You don’t need a separate one for each state you might work in.

PE
What it is – The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the license that certifies you as a professional engineer. It allows you to sign plans so that they can be completed. It also holds you responsible for the designs

Who governs it – Your state engineer licensing board

Requirements – A degree in an engineering from an ABET accredited school
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam offer by NCEES.org
- Pass the Principles and Practice Exam
- Pass state required exams
- Four years of approved experience
- Apply for it through your states licensing board

Who needs it – Anyone who plans on being in charge of engineering projects. Anyone who plans or needs to sign engineering documents and plans.

Why you should get it – It shows that you are a professional engineer. It allows you to be in charge of engineering projects. PEs also make a good bit more money than EITs.

Why you should not get it – It does increase your responsibility. If there is a design problem, the first place people look is to the person that signed the documents.

When you should get it – Get it as soon as you are ready. Not everyone is ready after four years of experience. But as soon as you are ready, apply to take the test.

Other notes – The PE is state specific. Each state has their own requirements. You must be licensed in the state that you are working in to sign the documents. Sometimes, experience as an intern can count towards your 4 years. The amount depends on the type of work you did the hours you work and your licensing board’s rules.

That’s the quick basics of the two most common. I’ll go into more details on other licenses and certifications in later posts. What are some other points you think should be mentioned? What are some questions that you have about the EIT and PE?