How to Become a Structural Engineer
Buildings, bridges, towers, dams, and other important structures may all be planned, designed, and constructed under the supervision of structural engineers, making it an interesting and fulfilling professional path. The skeletons and frames that enable these enormous constructions to sustain enormous weights and endure pressures are made possible in part by structural engineers. A career as a structural engineer is a fantastic fit if you enjoy making things and solving challenging technical problems.
This in-depth manual will walk you through every important step you need to take to begin a career in structural engineering, from obtaining the necessary degrees to being licensed. We will also offer advice on how to become a professional structural engineer by specializing, landing a position, selecting projects, and growing in the field. Continue reading to get all the information you require!
## Step1: Get a structural engineering bachelor's degree
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in structural engineering or civil engineering is a prerequisite for becoming a structural engineer. The foundational knowledge required for the profession of structural engineering can be obtained with a bachelor's degree. Here are some essential components of an undergraduate curriculum to consider:
### Look for a Program Accredited by ABET
Verify that the program you have selected in structural engineering or civil engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This group makes sure all engineering programs in the US adhere to strict academic requirements by closely examining them. To become a certified structural engineer in the future, you must complete an ABET-accredited curriculum.
#1 Take the courses in core engineering.
Electives in a top-notch bachelor's program in structural engineering should cover subjects like:
The study of things at rest and the forces operating upon them is known as statics.
- Mechanics of Materials: The behavior of materials under loads, stresses, and strains
Compute interior stresses and deformations in structures using structural analysis
The foundations and soil mechanics concepts of geotechnical engineering
- Structural Dynamics: The behavior of structures under dynamic loads
The design of steel components such as connectors, beams, and columns is known as steel design.
Designing concrete components such as walls, slabs, and beams
- Calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations
- Computer Science - Structural analysis-relevant programming abilities
Physics: Mechanics and electromagnetism in particular
Gaining a strong foundation in these fundamental structural engineering subjects will get you ready for the workforce. In order to develop bodily intuition, pay attention throughout lab sessions as well.
### Pick Difficult Electives
To complete your education in structural engineering, consider choosing advanced technical electives. Relevant choices might consist of:
- Earthquake and Wind Engineering - The Resistance of Structures to Natural Disasters
Bridge engineering is the process of creating bridges using various materials and shapes.
Applying matrix techniques to analysis - Matrix Structural Analysis
- Computer modeling and stress analysis - Finite Element Analysis
The study of structural dynamics, or how structures respond to vibrations
Fiber-reinforced plastics and other contemporary materials are used in composite materials.
Your technical knowledge will be strengthened by these courses.
### Continue to Have a High GPA
Put forth a lot of effort from the start of your studies to keep your grade point average (GPA) high. Gaining admission to a reputable graduate program after completing your bachelor's degree program in structural engineering with a competitive GPA can be beneficial. Additionally, it greatly improves your appearance to prospective employers.
Engage in internships
Make sure you participate in cooperative education programs, summer internships, or faculty research projects to obtain some practical experience in structural engineering. Work on building sites or in engineering organizations to hone your practical knowledge and skills. These experiences will help you prove that structural engineering is the proper career choice for you and will also considerably enhance your CV.
## Step 2: Get a license in structural engineering
The engineering licensure board in your state must issue you with a Professional Engineer (PE) license before you may practice structural engineering and approve designs, plans, or drawings. Having a PE license demonstrates your ability to handle engineering tasks on your own without guidance. The key steps are as follows:
### Complete a Program Accredited by ABET to Obtain a Degree
As previously stated, in order to be eligible for licensing, you must complete an engineering degree program that has been approved by ABET. You must complete additional years of experience after graduating from a degree without this accreditation in order to be eligible to apply for a PE license.
### Acquire Useful Work Experience
Before you can get your PE license, each state has a minimum requirement for the amount of years you must have had relevant experience in structural engineering. Typically, one obtains this practical experience while working under the guidance of a professional engineer. Depending on your educational background, the experience requirements might vary from four to six years. Later on, we will go into further depth about the event.
### Succeed on the Introduction to Engineering (FE) test
The six-hour computer-based FE exam covers a wide range of basic engineering topics, including mechanics, materials, arithmetic, physics, statistics, and more. It usually begins immediately upon graduation from college. If you pass, you'll be able to begin working as an Engineer in Training (EIT) and earning professional experience.
### Become a Professional Engineer (PE) tester
You can take the PE test after fulfilling the educational and experience requirements set out by your state. The PE structural engineering exam measures your capacity for self-directed, unsupervised practice. It's an intense eight-hour test, so make sure you allow enough time for preparation. You receive your PE license upon passing.
### Get a PE license.
Once you have completed your degree, experience, FE test, and PE exam, send your application for licensure to your state board. You will become a licensed Professional Engineer after you are authorized!
We'll soon send you additional information about the licensing procedure. As of right now, the most important lesson is that you cannot sign off on construction designs or declare yourself a structural engineer without a license. A license demonstrates to the public and companies that you are capable of handling major structural design responsibilities.
Step 3: Take Into Account Getting a Master's Degree
While obtaining a master's degree in structural engineering is not a prerequisite for employment as a structural engineer, it can be very advantageous for a number of reasons:
### Acquire sophisticated technical expertise
You can take advanced graduate-level courses in a master's degree to genuinely expand your understanding of structural engineering. Programs could include:
The analysis of finite elements
Particular Dynamics
- Engineering for Wind and Earthquakes
High-Tech Steel Architecture
Reimagined Concrete Architecture
- Engineering Bridges
- Tall Structures
- Shell Formations
– Structural Soundness
Disintegration Mechanics
By exploring these intricate subjects, you will improve your technical and design skills.
### Electives: A Way to Specialize
A master's program's electives allow you to focus your degree on a particular area of study, such as wind turbines, glass facades, offshore constructions, or seismic engineering. Get specialized knowledge that makes you stand out.
### Meet Licensing Procedure Requirements
In many states, obtaining a master's degree can reduce the experience requirements for a PE license by up to a year. This expedites the licensing process for you.
Enhance Employment Opportunities
Applying for engineering employment is significantly aided by having a master's degree. Candidates with extensive technical expertise, master's program specialties, and research experience are frequently preferred by employers. This may result in more pay and more employment opportunities.
Aim to enroll as soon as possible after completing your bachelor's degree if you decide to pursue an M.Sc. This enables you to get professional job experience and graduate-level study concurrently, as opposed to sequentially. High achievers frequently move directly from undergraduate to graduate school.
Step 4: Acquire Useful Work Experience
Getting practical experience in structural engineering is essential to becoming a structural engineer with full licensing. About the experience requirements, it's important to be aware of the following:
### Experience Length
Every state stipulates a minimum number of years that you must finish your experience working under the supervision of a licensed engineer in order to be eligible for the PE license. This includes:
- Four years in an ABET-accredited bachelor's program
- Three years in an ABET-accredited curriculum leading to a master's and bachelor's degree
6 years in the event that your bachelor's degree is not properly accredited.
The majority of ambitious engineers decide to study both a bachelor's and a master's degree because of the decrease permitted with a master's degree.
### Level of Experience Quality
The quality of the experience is more important than its duration. You must be adequately prepared for unsupervised engineering practice by your job experience. Jobs at entry levels frequently entail:
Carrying out engineering computations manually or using software
- Supervised structural analysis and design
- Creating technical documentation, plans, representations, and drawings
- Helping with contracts, applications for permits, and proposals
Supervising field tests and field construction
You go into more intricate analysis, design problems, project management, and client contact after a few years.
Diverse Background
Aim to obtain experience working on a variety of projects and with a range of clients, lifecycle phases, materials (such as steel and concrete), and responsibilities. work on building sites and in engineering organizations. You will be more prepared the more experience you have.
###Traditional Knowledge
There are states where you can replace up to a year of job experience with schooling. However, before receiving a PE license, you must still devote at least three years to studying structural engineering exclusively. Verify that your background closely matches the position.
### Accurately Document
Maintain detailed records of all the structural engineering jobs you have done, including the dates, assignments, assignments, projects, and supervisors. All of these paperwork must be submitted when you apply for a license.
All things considered, well-organized work experience converts textbook knowledge into practical engineering proficiency. Seize the chance to get practical experience wherever possible.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering FE Exam as the fifth step.
Upon completion of your bachelor's degree, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test is often the first step towards obtaining a license. Here are some important FE facts:
Computer-Based Assessment
2014 saw the switch to year-round computer-based assessment for the FE exam. At Pearson VUE exam locations, there are now more than 50 testing periods available. far more practical than the earlier paper tests.
## Exam Duration of Six Hours
It might take up to six hours to finish the FE test. Additionally, there is an optional 25-minute break. It is a lengthy test that calls for mental toughness. Make sure you are getting enough food and sleep.
### Questions Based on CBT
The FE employs computer-based testing formats, including fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, pick all that apply, and point and click. Carry a calculator with you and be proficient with its use.
### Focus on General Engineering
Fundamentals of general engineering are covered in the typical FE test. There are also examinations that are discipline-specific, like as the Civil FE.
### Passing Grade
Every exam window has a different passing score depending on a criteria that was established through psychometric testing. A score of 70% or above is usually required to pass.
### FE Handbook of Reference
Throughout the test, this searchable PDF is shown on the screen. Make sure you are well-versed in it before to the test.
### Application Specific to a State
Join and send the registration fee straight to NCEES. Often, you'll need authorization from your state licensing board. Allocate ample time to the application process planning.
A significant accomplishment that indicates you are prepared for engineering practice is passing the FE test. Students usually need four to twelve weeks to complete their self-study and get ready.
## Step 6: Succeed on the PE Test
The next stage is to pass the NCEES Professional Engineering (PE) test after obtaining the required engineering experience. Key details about the PE structural engineering test are as follows:
### Who Is Eligible
In order to take the PE test, you need to have:
- Passing the FE test
- At least four years of suitable experience after earning a bachelor's degree
at least three years and a bachelor's and master's degree
Computer-Based Assessment
Similar to the FE exam, Pearson VUE locations now provide computer-based testing for the PE exam year-round. Every testing window lasts for three months.
### Eight-Hour Exam Period
It might take up to eight hours to do the PE structural test on a single day. This comprises:
- 40 questions in a 4-hour morning session
- 40 questions in a 4-hour afternoon session.
Between classes, there's a one-hour break as well.
Open Book Format ###
Any references are permitted at the testing center for the PE exam, which is open book. All the information you require, though, should be in the searchable online reference handbook.
## Reduced Passage Rate
In the past, about 60% of candidates passed the PE structural test. To pass, one must be well-prepared and have relevant experience.
### State-Verbal
The application and approval for the PE test originate from the state licensing board in your particular state. Learn about their application procedure, please.
All things considered, the PE test severely evaluates your capacity to independently perform structural engineering and safeguard public safety. Spend some time thoroughly reviewing your technical understanding of topics such as loadings, design, analysis, and details.
## Step 7: Let's get your PE license
Applying for and receiving your Professional Engineer license is the last stage after obtaining your engineering degree, gaining experience, and passing the FE and PE tests. It operates as follows:
Choose Your State ###
The application procedure is governed by the engineering licensure board in each state. Choose the state in which you wish to obtain a license, then carefully read the guidelines provided there.
### Send in your application
Send your state board your license application along with the necessary supporting papers. Transcripts, certifications of completed coursework, experience logs, and references are all included in this.
### License Granting
After reviewing your application, the board confirms that you have fulfilled all the criteria for education, testing, and experience specified in the engineering practice statute of your state.
### Renewal of License
You will formally become a Professional Engineer after approval! When your state requires it, renew your license. In most states, 15 PDHs are needed annually.
### Comity Licensure
Many states provide licensure by comity to expedite the procedure if you need to obtain licenses in various states.
Once you have obtained your PE license, you will be able to act as a licensed structural engineer by signing and sealing engineering drawings, accepting responsibility for designs, and stamping documents. It's time to rejoice!
Step 8: Take Specializations Into Account
After obtaining your structural engineering license and becoming recognized in the field, you might decide to specialize through more training, certifications, or concentrated work experience. Typical specializations consist of:
### Engineering for Forensics
looking at structural breakdowns and collapses to identify the reasons. demands painstaking study and effective communication in order to provide paperwork and proof for court cases.
### Engineering Wind
building buildings, such as stadiums and skyscrapers, with hurricane and strong wind resistance in mind. A PhD or master's degree with a focus on wind engineering can be necessary.
### Engineering for Earthquakes
using seismic isolation, energy-dissipating mechanisms, and meticulous craftsmanship when designing structures in seismically active areas. Soil-structure interaction modeling is one example of advanced analysis that is employed.
### Engineering of Bridges
arranging and creating bridges using various forms, materials, and features. Considerations also include constructability, inspection/maintenance, and aesthetics.
### Structures Offshore
designing buildings such as wind turbines, pipelines, docks, and oil platforms for use in maritime areas. Needs to take underwater construction, corrosion, and wave forces into account.
### Engineering Blast
constructing buildings and other structures with explosive resistance in mind. relevant to military and counterterrorism initiatives.
### Historic Site Maintenance
maintaining the original engineering and design while retrofitting and repairing old structures and monuments. needs investigating more antiquated resources and techniques.
You may take on more demanding, prestigious assignments and obtain better compensation at elite businesses by pursuing a speciality. Consider the structural engineering domains that most appeal to you.
## Step 9: Look for Additional States to Issue Licenses
Through comity, it is rather easy to get licensure in additional states after you are a licensed PE in your native state:
### Establish Qualifications
To find out if you fulfill the new state's comity standards, get in touch with the board. Usually, this entails having a valid PE license in another state.
**** Send in your Comity Application
With your papers, submit an application for a community license to the new state. a lot easier than the entire PE application procedure.
### Quick Approval
After reviewing your application, the new board takes a decision. It is sometimes quicker than obtaining a new license because your credentials have already been verified.
### Extra prerequisites
Applicants for comity status in some jurisdictions must pass a state-specific test covering rules and requirements. A few more set experience requirements.
### Renewal of License
Along with your initial state license, renew the extra one if granted. Online multi-state license renewal is generally simple in most states.
Working on projects across state boundaries is unrestricted if you hold a PE in more than one state. It also improves your mobility and flexibility in the workplace.
##Step 10: Continue Your Education
To keep your PE license current, you must continue to study through continuing education. It operates as follows:
Accumulate PDHs
A license to practice engineering requires the completion of Professional Development Hours (PDHs) either twice a year or yearly. The annual need is between 12 and 15 PDHs.
### Activities that Qualify
PDHs can be obtained via participation in technical committees, conferences, seminars, workshops, books, videos, research, and more. Courses from colleges also apply. There are regulations on qualifying activities from your state board.
### Pick Topics That Are Relevant
Choose from a variety of structural engineering-related continuing education courses on subjects including analysis, design, construction, materials, software, ethics, and business procedures. Increase and refresh your knowledge.
### Record PDHs
To prepare for audits, keep documentation such as completion certificates. Online PDH monitoring applications that automatically archive your credits are permitted in some states.
### Renewal of License
To keep your PE valid, submit your PDHs and any additional criteria throughout each renewal term.
Continuing education keeps licensed engineers up to date, which enhances public safety. Throughout your career, it also enables you to increase your talents.
Step 11: Take into Account Registering as a Structural Engineer
In addition to PE licensing, a small but increasing number of jurisdictions provide structural engineering certification or registration. As of right now, these states comprise Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii, Illinois, California, and Utah. The main advantage is that you may call yourself a "Structural Engineer," or "S.E." Here's how it works:
### Establish Qualifications
Every state has unique requirements for qualifying. For example, structural experience under a licensed S.E. is required in California for two years. before registering.
### Send in your application
To become a structural engineer, submit an application to the state board together with documentation demonstrating you fulfill all prerequisites for education, testing, and work experience.
