If you’re thinking about becoming a civil engineer (and making ~$100k annually), there’s probably one question you want answered before you take the leap…
So how long will it take?
I get it—choosing a career path isn’t just about liking the idea of working on big construction projects or cool infrastructure projects. You also want to know when you’ll actually be out there doing the work (and getting paid for it).
Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Full PE Timeline: Becoming a licensed professional engineer usually takes about 8 years, including school and work experience.
- Fast Track Option: You can work as a civil engineering technologist in as little as 2 years with an associate degree.
- ABET Accreditation: If you want to be a PE, your bachelor’s degree must come from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- Hands-On Experience: Four years of supervised work under a licensed PE is required before you can take the PE exam.
- Specialty Choices: You can focus on areas like geotechnical, structural, or transportation engineering to match your interests.
Step 1: Get Your Education (4 Years)
Most civil engineers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology.
If you want to work as a professional engineer later, you’ll need to complete an ABET-accredited engineering program—this is the stamp of approval that makes you eligible for licensure down the line.
Here’s what to expect in school:
- Fundamental Engineering Principles – The math, physics, and design skills every engineer needs.
- Civil Engineering Specialty Courses – Structural engineering mechanics, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and more.
- Hands-On Projects – Many programs include labs or small construction projects to help you apply what you’ve learned.
💡 Tip: If you’re more interested in getting into the workforce quickly, you could choose a civil engineering technology degree. Civil engineering technologists often start working sooner, but the trade-off is that they might not qualify to become licensed professional engineers without more schooling later.
Step 2: Land Your First Job (Immediately After Graduation)
Once you’ve got your bachelor’s degree, you can start applying for entry-level jobs.
Many new grads work under experienced construction engineers, geotechnical engineers, or structural engineers. You might help assess major projects, assist with planning infrastructure projects, or even manage small parts of construction projects.
At this stage, you’re not a licensed professional engineer yet—but you can still do meaningful work. Think of it as learning the ropes while building real-world experience.
Step 3: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam (0–1 Year)
If you want to become a licensed professional engineer (PE), you’ll need to pass the FE exam.
Most people take it right after graduation while the material is fresh. Once you pass, you become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI)—basically, you’re officially on the path to licensure.
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience (4 Years)
This is where the “patience” part comes in.
Most states require four years of work experience under a licensed professional engineer before you can take the PE exam. During this time, you’ll get to:
- Apply structural engineering mechanics to real projects.
- Work with geotechnical engineers on soil and foundation testing.
- Collaborate with transportation engineers on road or bridge designs.
- Help manage construction projects from planning to completion.
This experience is what takes you from “I know the theory” to “I can handle this in the real world.”
Step 5: Take the PE Exam (1 Year Prep Time)
After you’ve got your work experience, you can take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your civil engineering specialty.
Passing this makes you a fully licensed professional engineer—able to assess major projects, sign off on designs, and take full responsibility for your work.
Studying for the PE can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your schedule. Many engineers prep after work, so it’s not unusual for it to take longer if you’re balancing a busy project load.
Alternative Paths: Civil Engineering Technologists
Not everyone takes the PE route. Some people choose to work as civil engineering technologists instead.
With a two-year associate degree, you can start working sooner—often in roles that focus on supporting engineers, running field tests, or assisting with designs.
You won’t have the same authority as a licensed professional engineer, but you’ll still be part of major infrastructure projects, and you could always go back for more schooling later.
Civil Engineers’ Career Timeline Examples
To give you a better idea of what this looks like in real life, here are two possible timelines:
Path 1: Full Professional Engineer License
- Years 1–4: Earn your bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- Year 4: Take and pass the FE exam.
- Years 4–8: Gain work experience as an Engineer-in-Training.
- Year 8: Take and pass the PE exam.
Total time: ~8 years
Path 2: Civil Engineering Technologist
- Years 1–2: Earn an associate degree in civil engineering technology.
- Year 2: Start working under civil engineers on construction or infrastructure projects.
Total time: ~2 years
Factors That Can Change Your Timeline
While the “textbook” path is helpful, your actual journey might be faster or slower. Here’s why:
- School Choice – Some programs offer accelerated schedules.
- Work Opportunities – If you land a great job early, you might build your experience faster.
- Specialties – Fields like geotechnical engineering or structural engineering may require more specialized training.
- Personal Goals – If you don’t want to become a PE, you can work sooner.
Why the Time Is Worth It
Yes, it’s a long road if you go for the PE license—but civil engineers work on projects that literally shape the world.
From designing bridges to planning water systems, you’ll be part of construction projects and infrastructure projects that communities rely on for decades.
And if you choose a specialty—like geotechnical engineering, structural engineering mechanics, or transportation engineering—you can carve out a career that’s both challenging and stable.
The Bottom Line
If you’re aiming for a professional engineer license, you’re looking at about 8 years from starting school to full licensure. If you just want to get into the field faster as a civil engineering technologist, you could be working in as little as 2 years.
It’s a commitment, but here’s the thing: the work is rewarding, the demand for skilled engineers is high, and the projects you’ll work on will have a lasting impact.
So, if you’re ready to dive into an ABET-accredited engineering program, learn your fundamental engineering principles, and start managing construction projects in the future? Your timeline starts now.
FAQs
If you want to be a licensed professional engineer, it typically takes 8 years. If you choose a civil engineering technologist route, you could start in just 2 years.
It’s challenging but doable with dedication. You’ll need strong math and problem-solving skills, plus a willingness to commit to years of training and experience.
A bachelor’s degree takes 4 years, but you can earn a 2-year associate degree in civil engineering technology to start working sooner.
It can be, especially for office-based roles, but construction projects and deadlines sometimes require longer or irregular hours.
Yes, if you want to be a licensed professional engineer. For technologist or technician roles, a 2-year degree may be enough.
