Civil engineers are tasked with the enormous responsibility of designing society’s infrastructure. From roads and sewer to structure design development and more, civil engineers have important duties that require specific qualifications. Here are 3 important ones your civil engineer should possess.  

First (and most importantly), civil engineers must have the required education.  

At a minimum, a qualified civil engineer needs to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, a civil engineering specialty, or in civil engineering technology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through this education, civil engineers will gain an understanding for the field and foundation for the future work they’ll do.  

Second, they need to have the appropriate license(s) and certifications.  

Civil engineers typically must be licensed if they provide services to the public (this excludes entry-level positions who are required to work under a licensed civil engineer for a designated time period). However, licensure requirements can vary by state. It’s important to determine what is required in the state where you’re seeking services and ensure the professional you hire, has that required license.  

Licensed engineers are called professional engineers or PEs. According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), PE licensure generally requires:  

• A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program  
• A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam 

• Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years working under a licensed engineer 
• A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam 

According to the State of Wyoming’s Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors’ Rules and Regulations, the above requirements must be met to obtain Professional Engineer licensure in Wyoming. 

Third, qualified civil engineers possess certain personal skills and attributes. 

Civil engineers are often faced with a number of tough decisions and required to balance the needs or requests of their clients with their professional experience, firm protocols, budget limitations and other factors. The ability to make decisions and communicate effectively are critical qualities you should look for in a civil engineer. Similarly, problem-solving skills are just as necessary when working with a qualified civil engineer. Projects can and often do present unexpected issues that require quick thinking and innovative solutions. The civil engineer you hire should be able to problem solve and steer the project towards a successful completion. Other qualities, such as leadership skills and organization are also important to look for.   

 While this list is not exhaustive, the required education, state licensure, and professional and personal attributes above will help ensure the civil engineer you hire for your next project will be qualified for the job. Contact WLC to work with our qualified civil engineers today!