Top 11 Highway Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for highway engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers can trust. Certifications also signify that a highway engineer has met certain standards, which is essential for working with complex road projects. Furthermore, certifications provide evidence of a highway engineer’s commitment to their profession, which can be attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications may open up opportunities for career advancement, as they can provide access to more specialized positions or higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for highway engineers and explain how these certifications can benefit a highway engineer's career.

What are Highway Engineer Certifications?

Highway engineer certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of highway engineering. This certification is awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and is considered a mark of excellence for those who work in the highway engineering profession.

The process to obtain this certification involves taking a two-hour exam, passing with a score of 70 percent or higher, and completing four years of relevant experience. Those who pass this exam are recognized as having achieved a high level of proficiency in their field, and are seen as more qualified than their non-certified peers.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for jobs or promotions. It can also be used to demonstrate to employers that they have taken steps to further develop their skills and abilities related to highway engineering. Additionally, it is often required for certain positions within state departments of transportation or other similar organizations. Finally, it may provide access to exclusive professional networks and resources that could help further one’s career prospects.

Pro Tip: When applying for highway engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements for each state you are looking to work in. Each state typically has its own criteria for certification, so it is important to be aware of any specific requirements that may apply.

Related: What does a Highway Engineer do?

Top 11 Highway Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Highway Engineers today.

1. Professional Engineer (PE) Certification

Professional Engineer (PE) Certification is a professional license that allows engineers to practice engineering and/or provide engineering services to the public. This certification is granted by individual states in the US and is required for many engineering positions.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of four years of experience in the field of engineering, pass two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), and meet any additional requirements set forth by their state board. Depending on the state, this process can take anywhere from six months to two years or more.

The NCEES administers two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam covers general engineering knowledge while the PE exam covers specific areas such as electrical, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering.

The cost for taking both exams varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $400-$600 per exam plus an additional fee for application processing. In addition to these fees, some states may require additional fees for licensing or registration purposes.

2. Certified Transportation Engineer (CTE) Certification

Certified Transportation Engineer (CTE) Certification is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of transportation engineering. The CTE certification requires a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience and passing an examination that covers topics related to transportation engineering, such as traffic operations, safety, planning, design, maintenance, and construction.

The CTE certification process typically takes six to twelve months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application package including their resume and transcripts. Once the application is reviewed and approved, applicants will be asked to take a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of transportation engineering. After passing this exam with a score of at least 70%, applicants will receive their CTE certification.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the applicant’s location; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This cost includes the application fee as well as any associated fees for taking the exam or attending review courses.

In addition to providing recognition for those who have achieved a high level of expertise in transportation engineering, having a CTE certification can also help open doors for career advancement opportunities within the industry.

3. Certified Highway Safety Specialist (CHSS) Certification

Certified Highway Safety Specialist (CHSS) Certification is a certification program offered by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in highway safety. The certification is valid for three years, and it can be renewed every three years.

To get the CHSS certification, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it to ITE. Applicants must also provide proof of their professional experience in highway safety, such as a resume or other documentation. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants must then pass an exam administered by ITE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to highway safety, including traffic engineering principles, crash data analysis, roadway design principles, and more.

The cost for the CHSS certification is $400 USD for members of ITE and $500 USD for non-members. The cost includes the application fee, exam fee, and certificate fee. The entire process typically takes about two months from start to finish.

4. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a professional organization that certifies civil engineers. ASCE certification is a voluntary process that recognizes the knowledge, experience, and expertise of civil engineers in their field. It is designed to help engineers stay up-to-date with industry standards and trends, as well as provide them with recognition for their accomplishments.

In order to obtain ASCE certification, an engineer must first meet the requirements set by the society. These include having a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university, having at least four years of relevant work experience, and passing both written and oral exams administered by ASCE. The exam consists of a two-hour written exam followed by an hour-long oral exam.

Once all requirements have been met, the engineer can apply for certification through ASCE's website. There is no cost to apply for certification; however, there are fees associated with taking the exams which range from $250-$400 depending on the type of exam taken.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on how quickly the applicant completes each step in the process. Once certified, engineers will receive a certificate from ASCE which they can use to demonstrate their expertise in their field.

5. National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Certification is a voluntary program that provides recognition to individuals who have met the highest standards of professional competency in engineering or surveying. It is an important credential for those seeking licensure as a professional engineer or surveyor.

The process of obtaining NCEES certification begins with passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, depending on your profession. The FE/FS exams are typically taken after completing a four-year degree in engineering or surveying. Once you pass the FE/FS exam, you will then need to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) or Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, depending on your profession. You must also meet other educational and experience requirements before applying for certification.

It can take up to two years to complete all the steps necessary for NCEES certification, depending on individual circumstances. The cost varies by state but generally ranges from $100-$600, including examination fees and application fees.

6. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Certification

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of transportation engineering. It is designed to provide a measure of assurance that an individual has the necessary qualifications to practice in the field.

To obtain ITE Certification, individuals must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Transportation Engineering Exam and the Principles and Practices of Transportation Engineering Exam. Both exams are administered by the ITE. The Fundamentals exam covers topics such as traffic engineering fundamentals, traffic operations, highway design, and safety. The Principles and Practices exam covers topics such as planning and policy, public involvement, environmental considerations, project management, construction management, maintenance management, and finance.

The process to obtain ITE Certification typically takes between 6-12 months depending on an individual’s preparation for the exams. In order to become certified, individuals must first apply for membership with ITE and then register for both exams. Once registered for the exams, individuals can begin studying for them using study materials provided by ITE or other sources. After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher within three attempts each, applicants will receive their certification from ITE.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether or not an individual is already a member of ITE. If an individual is not yet a member of ITE then they must pay $150 for membership plus $200 per exam ($400 total). If an individual is already a member then they only need to pay $200 per exam ($400 total). Additionally there may be additional fees associated with study materials or courses taken prior to taking the exams.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification program for project managers. It is administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects, including planning, execution, and closure.

To obtain the PMP certification, you must meet certain requirements set by the PMI. These include having a minimum of 4500 hours of experience in leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education. Additionally, you must pass an exam given by the PMI. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cost management, quality management, risk management, and more.

The process of obtaining the PMP certification can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on your current level of experience and education. To get started on your journey towards becoming certified, you should first review the requirements set by the PMI and determine if you meet them. Next, you should create a study plan and register for an exam date with the PMI. Finally, once you have passed your exam, you will need to submit an application for certification with supporting documentation to be officially certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on how many resources you use during your preparation process (e.g., online courses or tutoring services). Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $400-$2000 USD in total fees associated with taking the exam and submitting your application for certification.

8. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Certification

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Certification is a voluntary program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of transportation. The certification program is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of professional competence in their respective fields.

To get AASHTO Certification, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination administered by the AASHTO Professional Development Program. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as traffic engineering, highway design, construction, maintenance, safety, materials testing, and other related areas. The exam can be taken at any approved testing center or online through the AASHTO website.

The cost for taking the AASHTO Certification Exam varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the exam.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their AASHTO Certification within 4-6 weeks after passing their exam. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance and must be renewed every three years in order to maintain its validity.

Overall, obtaining AASHTO Certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in transportation-related fields and can help you stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions in this field.

9. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification

The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize the highest level of professional achievement in construction management. The CCM certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to manage complex construction projects successfully.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a written examination, and agree to adhere to a code of ethics. The educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in construction management or engineering from an accredited university or college, or equivalent work experience. Those without a degree may be able to satisfy the educational requirements through other means such as completing relevant coursework or obtaining certifications in related areas.

In addition, applicants must have at least five years of full-time construction management experience within the past 10 years prior to submitting their application for the CCM certification. This experience must include at least three years in a supervisory role with direct responsibility for managing personnel and/or projects.

The written examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project planning and scheduling; risk management; contracts; cost estimating; safety; quality control; dispute resolution; environmental protection and sustainability; communication; and legal issues related to construction management. Applicants must pass this exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

The cost for taking the CCM exam is $450 for CMAA members ($650 for non-members). In addition, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification which are due every three years ($150 for CMAA members/$200 for non-members).

Overall, it typically takes between six months and one year from start to finish in order to become certified as a CCM.

10. American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) Quality Control Technician Certificate

The American Society for Quality Control (ASQC) Quality Control Technician Certificate is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a quality control technician. The certificate is designed to help individuals develop an understanding of the principles, tools, and techniques used in quality assurance and control.

The ASQC Quality Control Technician Certificate is a two-year program that consists of four courses: Fundamentals of Quality Assurance and Control, Statistical Process Control, Design of Experiments, and Quality Management Systems. Each course is offered online or in person at various locations across the United States.

To obtain the ASQC Quality Control Technician Certificate, applicants must successfully complete all four courses within two years. Upon successful completion of the program, applicants will receive a certificate from ASQC recognizing their achievement.

The cost of obtaining the ASQC Quality Control Technician Certificate varies depending on the location and format chosen for each course. Generally speaking, the total cost ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD.

11. International Right-of-Way Association (IRWA) Right-of-Way Professional Certificate

The International Right-of-Way Association (IRWA) Right-of-Way Professional Certificate is a professional certification program for those who work in the field of right-of-way. It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the acquisition, management, and disposition of rights-of-way. This certificate is recognized by employers around the world as an indication that an individual has achieved a certain level of competency in their profession.

The IRWA Right-of-Way Professional Certificate is obtained through a comprehensive exam process. The exam consists of four parts: Part 1 covers general right-of-way principles; Part 2 covers federal laws and regulations; Part 3 covers state laws and regulations; and Part 4 covers local government laws and regulations. The exam requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge on topics such as land use planning, environmental law, real estate transactions, eminent domain, taxation, title insurance, surveying, construction law, contracts, and more.

In order to obtain the IRWA Right-of-Way Professional Certificate, applicants must complete all four parts of the exam within two years of enrolling in the program. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of at least 15 hours of continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost for the IRWA Right-of Way Professional Certificate is $425 USD for members or $525 USD for nonmembers. There may be additional costs associated with taking the exam depending on where it is taken (e.g., proctoring fees).

Do You Really Need a Highway Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the specific requirements of the project you are working on. For some projects, a highway engineer certificate may be helpful or even necessary in order to complete the work successfully. In other cases, it may not be necessary at all.

If you are considering whether you need a highway engineer certificate for your project, it is important to research the specific requirements and expectations of the project. If a highway engineer certificate is required, then it is important to obtain one from an accredited institution in order to ensure that you have the appropriate level of knowledge and experience for the job. On the other hand, if a certificate is not necessary for your project or if you already have sufficient knowledge and experience in this area, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary.

In general, having a highway engineer certification can provide evidence that you have a certain level of expertise in this area, which may help to make employers more confident in your abilities when applying for positions related to highway engineering. However, there are also many successful engineers who do not possess such certificates. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they need a highway engineer certification or not based on their own needs and goals.

Related: Highway Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Highway Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are required to become a highway engineer?

Answer: Highway engineers typically need to have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, as well as any additional state-required exams.

2. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified will vary depending on the type of certification and the state you live in, but it can generally range from 6 months to 2 years.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified highway engineer?

Answer: Certified highway engineers can have access to more job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition within their field. Additionally, they may be able to provide better services due to their increased expertise and knowledge base.

4. What topics are covered on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam?

Answer: The FE exam covers topics such as mathematics, probability and statistics, chemistry, mechanics of materials, electrical circuits and electronics, computer science and engineering economics.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining a certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that highway engineers complete continuing education courses or workshops in order to maintain their certification status.