CEC FAQ

What is Civil Engineering Certification (CEC)?

CEC is a post-licensure, specialty certification developed by ASCE in 2004 to recognize civil engineers who demonstrate advanced knowledge, experience, and expertise in a specialty area of civil engineering. CEC credentials are the only professional credentials created by civil engineers, for civil engineers. Learn more at www.asce.org/certification

Why should I get board-certified?

Some of the benefits of the CEC certification are:

Recognition of advanced expertise and experience in a specialty area.
Enhanced employment, career advancement, and promotion opportunities.
Potential for higher compensation.
Increased credibility with peers, employers, clients, judicial system, and the public.
Alignment with recognized standards in complex infrastructure projects.
Reduced professional liability insurance rates.

What specialties are available for certification?

Current board certifications are offered in:

What is the difference between certification and membership?

A membership shows your affiliation and commitment to a professional community such as ASCE and/or technical institutes of ASCE (i.e., EWRI, GI, COPRI, UESI, etc.). There are no qualifications required to be a member of an organization.

However, certification validates expertise and professional capability in a defined specialty area and recognizes an individual’s advanced expertise and qualifications and often enhances credibility and career prospects. CEC Certification requires individuals to meet eligibility requirements, apply and pass an oral or written exam validating their technical expertise.

Are CEC certifications accredited programs?

Yes, currently the Coastal, Geotechnical, Navigation, Ocean, Port, and Water Resources Engineering certifications are accredited by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).

What are the eligibility requirements?

To apply for board certification, you must:

Hold a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or international equivalent in your country of practice.
Meet education and experience requirements specific to the specialty certification.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from ABET accredited university.
- 10 years of post-undergraduate work experience (8 in the specialty area with post-graduate education) OR 15 years of post-undergraduate work experience (13 in the specialty area) without post graduate education.
Adherence to the ASCE code of ethics.

View complete eligibility requirements.

How do I apply?

Visit the CEC application page, select your specialty, to begin the application process. As part of the application, you will need to submit documentation of your qualifications and pay the application fee. More details are below.

Required application information:

Your resume or C.V.
Minimum of three professional references, from three different companies or organizations.
Summary statement of your professional qualifications that highlights your experience and qualifications.
Your P.E. licensure or international equivalency information.
Undergraduate and postgraduate education information.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply. You must be registered, chartered, or licensed in the country in which you practice and reside. Licensure outside the U.S. will be evaluated for equivalency during the application review. View complete eligibility requirements here.

What is the application fee?

Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee as part of the multi-step process. This fee covers application review, oral examinations, record maintenance, certificate issuance, and the first year of board certification.

ASCE or Institute members: $350
Nonmembers: $450

Please confirm your eligibility before submitting payment, as fees are non-refundable.

Are there any deadlines associated with the application?

Applications are accepted at any time; however, they will be reviewed in alignment with the application deadlines below.

Spring application deadline: March 31
Summer application deadline: June 30
Fall application deadline: Sept. 30
Winter application deadline: Dec. 31

How long does the certification process take?

The review of applications and subsequent certification typically takes 8-12 weeks from the end of the review period.

Note: CEC certifications are volunteer-led programs, and all applications are reviewed by the respective Applications Review Committee, which are comprised of board-certified engineers.

Is support available during the application process?

Yes. CEC staff are available to answer questions. Contact [email protected] for assistance.

What happens after I am certified?

You will receive a congratulatory email with information on how to utilize your credentials, a sample press release to publicize your achievement, and annual recertification requirements. A printed certificate will be mailed following your email notification.

What if my application is denied?

Applicants who do not meet the requirements may reapply after addressing the identified gaps. An appeals process is available for applicants who wish to contest the decision. Contact [email protected] for more information.

How should I utilize my credentials?

A board-certified geotechnical engineer may use the designation “Board-Certified Geotechnical Engineer” or the credential “BC.GE” after their name and the P.E. designation. For example: John Smith, P.E., BC.GE

Your credentials can be used in your email signature block, on resumes, business cards, LinkedIn profiles, and professional bios.

Is there a recertification required for CEC certifications?

Yes, all current certifications require all board-certified engineers to recertify annually. More information on maintaining your credential.

How do I maintain my certification?

All board-certified engineers must:

Renew annually by Dec. 31 of each year.
Pay the recertification fee:
- $200 for ASCE or institute members
- $250 for nonmembers
- $100 member/$125 nonmember for retired board-certified engineers*

Attain 20 PDHs (professional development hours) annually, of which 2 PDHs must be in ethics PDH.

*Note, retired board-certified engineers are not required to attain PDHs.

You will not be required to submit proof of PDHs unless selected for a random audit. More information on maintaining your credential.

Where can I earn PDHs?

ASCE offers a wide range of continuing education options:

Live online courses
On-demand learning
In-person seminars
Self-study on ethical issues

Explore options

Is there a grace period for renewal?

Yes. A short grace period is provided after the Dec. 31 deadline. Normally, a 60-day grace period is provided to board-certified engineers to recertify each year. Contact [email protected] for details.

What happens if I let my certification lapse?

If you do not recertify and allow your credential to expire:

Your credential will be removed from your ASCE profile.
You will be removed from the Board-Certified Engineer Directory.
You will lose the right to use the board-certified engineer credential.
To reinstate your credential, you must reapply and pay the standard application fee.

Where can I find a copy of CEC’s governing documents?

View the CEC Bylaws and Rules.

I have a question that was not covered here, who can I contact?

Please email [email protected] with any questions and our staff team will be happy to help.