ASCE Civil Engineering Certification is an important means for civil engineers to distinguish themselves from their peers, as well as for organizations to hire the best talent.
And, as opportunities for infrastructure grow, board certification is more crucial than ever.
“As civil engineering becomes more complex, the need for specialization grows,” stated Andrew Henry Cairns, P.E., PMP, BC.PE, M.ASCE, president of ASCE’s Civil Engineering Certification Inc.
CEC logo ASCE established Civil Engineering Certification in 2004, and it is still the sole professional civil engineering credential. And this year offers substantial advancements that will make the certificate even more valuable.
Beginning this month, the “D” in a diplomate’s certificate will be replaced with a “BC” – which stands for Board Certified. This Change will improve certification recognition and what it represents to clients, employers, colleagues, and the public: mastery of a civil engineering specialization, a dedication to staying current with advancements, and the highest professionalism and ethics.
ASCE will continue to offer board certifications in six specialty areas – geotechnical, port, navigation, coastal, ocean, and water resources – with a seventh in pipeline engineering/water planned for 2024 in collaboration with the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute.
Meanwhile, engineers can learn more at the newly created Civil Engineering Certification webpage and a new showcase page within ASCE’s LinkedIn home.
Cairns recently spoke with Civil Engineering Source about these changes and the importance of board certification to the civil engineering industry.
Board certification is a valuable demonstration of an individual’s advanced knowledge, training, and skills within a specific area of civil engineering. While obtaining a P.E. or a license in civil engineering is necessary to practice, it does not indicate the engineer’s specialization.
Board certification, on the other hand, signifies the engineer’s concentrated career and experience in a particular discipline. The P.E. is a mandatory requirement for practicing as an engineer, while board certification is voluntary.
However, board certification sets apart engineers as specialists in their chosen field of civil engineering. This distinction is crucial to ensure that the right engineers are assigned to the appropriate projects. For owners and hiring managers, having civil engineers with this credential is advantageous.
Board certification typically follows the attainment of a P.E. and demonstrates that the engineer has accumulated experience and expertise in their specific discipline. Drawing a parallel to the medical field, just as you would prefer a heart specialist for a heart issue, it is important for civil engineers to have demonstrated experience and knowledge within their subdiscipline to ensure optimal project outcomes. For individual civil engineers, especially those starting their careers, having board certification is beneficial for several reasons.
Firstly, it showcases their specialization in a particular discipline, emphasizing their dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Board certification requires 20 credits of continuing education each year, highlighting the engineer’s commitment to staying up to date with advancements in their field.
Additionally, board certification allows young engineers to distinguish themselves among their peers and marks their progress within the civil engineering profession. Board certification goes beyond individual engineers and firms; it is essential for the entire civil engineering profession and the public. As civil engineering becomes more complex, specialization becomes increasingly necessary. Rather than having generalists working on various aspects of infrastructure, it is crucial to have individuals with specialized skills working on specific projects.
With the government’s emphasis on infrastructure and its impact on economic prosperity, having qualified specialists can help reduce project costs, change orders, and schedule delays. For the public, the quality and safety of roads, bridges, and water supply rely on the expertise and competence of civil engineers.
Elevating the level of engineering in society is paramount, and board certification plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By ensuring that certified engineers are responsible for critical projects, we can minimize the risk of disasters and uphold public safety.
In conclusion, board certification is a critical credential that signifies an engineer’s specialization, experience, and dedication to continuous learning. It benefits not only individuals and firms but also the civil engineering profession as a whole and the public’s safety and well-being.
