Advanced Credentialing
My previous articles started a discussion about the varied, yet complimentary roles of the different disciplines within civil engineering. The education, experience, and examination components of licensing was discussed. This article will discuss advanced credentials in civil engineering that signify a greater depth of qualifications.
There are additional credentials that represent practical application experience and a higher level of qualifications. ASCE has three academies wherein certifications are provided for those demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in civil engineering: The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers, The Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers and the Academy of Geo-Professionals. The requirements for certification in these academies include approval of the education and professional references as well as an oral examination. Those engineers certified must attest to continued active practice, possession of a valid license, attaining 20 to 30 professional development hours during the preceding 12 months and adherence to the Code of Ethics.
In the area of structural engineering, advanced knowledge and skills are represented by certification from the Structural Engineering Certification Board similar to the above Academies, but without the oral exam. In addition, a higher level of skill is represented by passing the NCEES 16-hour Structural Engineering (SE) Examination. This examination consists of two days of examination. There is an exam for building structural engineers and a separate exam for bridge structural engineers. The first day of both includes 40 multiple choice questions in the morning and 3 or 4 essay show-your-work (constructed response) questions in the afternoon covering the design and analysis for vertical forces due to gravity loads such as dead, live and snow loads. The second day of examination represents 40 multiple choice questions in the morning and 3 or 4 essay (constructed response) questions in the afternoon covering the design and analysis for lateral forces such as high wind and earthquake. The pass rate for the SE exam ranges between 29% and 57% depending on which day of exam and whether it is the building or bridge exam.
There are very few civil engineers that are generalists, i.e., practice with proficiency in many sub-disciplines. The most qualified engineers have advanced levels of qualifications and proficiency represented by licenses or certifications in a specialty sub-discipline. These licenses and credentials for forensic civil engineers represent the advanced levels of education, experience and examination in these different sub-disciplines.
Portions of this blog were from an article authored by Mr. Randall P. Bernhardt and published in the June 8, 2016 Practice Points.
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