Top 11 Transportation Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a transportation engineer in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in the field. Employers look for certified professionals to fill open positions, as certifications indicate that a person is qualified and knowledgeable about the relevant topics. Certified transportation engineers are also more likely to be considered for promotions or higher-paying positions within their organizations. Additionally, certifications provide engineers with access to professional development opportunities, allowing them to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Transportation Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a career in transportation engineering.

What are Transportation Engineer Certifications?

Transportation engineer certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of transportation engineers. This certification is offered by several professional organizations and certifying bodies, such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The purpose of this certification is to ensure that transportation engineers have the necessary qualifications to effectively design, plan, construct and manage transportation projects.

Having a transportation engineer certification helps individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field and gives them an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. It also helps employers identify qualified professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in order to effectively manage complex projects. By having this certification, individuals can show potential employers that they are knowledgeable about the latest trends in transportation engineering and are capable of making informed decisions on various projects.

In addition, having a certified engineer on staff can help reduce project costs by ensuring that all aspects of a project are properly managed and completed on time. Certified engineers also have access to specialized resources such as educational materials, research papers, industry reports and other resources that may not be available to non-certified personnel. This ensures that projects are completed efficiently and cost-effectively while meeting all safety regulations.

Pro Tip: When looking to become a certified transportation engineer, be sure to research and understand the different certification requirements for each state or region. Depending on where you are located, there may be additional requirements that must be met in order to obtain your certification. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in the industry that can impact the criteria necessary for certification.

Related: What does a Transportation Engineer do?

Top 11 Transportation Engineer Certifications

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

1. Professional Engineer (PE) Certification

Professional Engineer (PE) Certification is a professional license that allows individuals to practice engineering and provide engineering services to the public. It is issued by a state board of registration or licensing authority. The PE certification demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices, public safety, and professional excellence.

It typically takes 4-7 years of experience in engineering before an individual can qualify for the PE exam. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and then pass the Principles & Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

The cost of taking the PE exam varies by state but generally ranges from $300-$400 for each section taken. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with applying for licensure such as application fees or background check fees.

In order to keep their license active, engineers must complete continuing education courses every two years in order to stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry best practices.

2. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) Certification

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the transportation industry. It is offered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and it is the only nationally recognized certification for transportation professionals.

The CTP Certification Program requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as safety, operations, management, finance, planning, customer service, and other related topics. To be eligible for the CTP Certification Program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the public or private sector of the transportation industry.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for CTP Certification. The first step is to complete an online application form with personal information and work history. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online profile where they can upload supporting documents such as resumes and letters of recommendation. Once all documents are uploaded, they will be reviewed by APTA staff members who will determine if an applicant meets all eligibility requirements for CTP Certification.

Once approved for certification, applicants must pass a written exam which covers topics such as safety regulations, operations management principles, financial management principles, customer service techniques, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their official CTP Certificate from APTA within four weeks.

The cost of obtaining CTP Certification varies depending on whether you are an APTA member or non-member. For APTA members, the cost is $400; for non-members it is $600 plus a one-time membership fee of $100.

3. 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 recognizes the quality and performance of highway, bridge, and transportation-related products. The certification program is designed to help states make informed decisions about the products they purchase for their transportation projects.

To become certified, a product must meet AASHTO’s rigorous standards for safety, reliability, and performance. The process typically takes several months, depending on the complexity of the product and its application. To get started, a manufacturer must submit an application to AASHTO along with samples of the product and supporting documentation. Once approved, AASHTO will conduct an extensive evaluation of the product in its laboratory or in the field. This includes testing for durability, strength, corrosion resistance, compatibility with other materials, etc.

The cost of certification depends on the type of product being evaluated and can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. In addition to this cost, manufacturers may also need to pay for additional testing or modifications if required by AASHTO.

Once certified, manufacturers are able to use the AASHTO Certified logo on their products as well as promotional materials such as brochures or websites. This helps them stand out from competitors who have not gone through the certification process and provides assurance to potential customers that their product meets high standards for quality and performance.

4. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Certification

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of transportation engineers. It is designed to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated their expertise in the field of transportation engineering.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field and passing an exam. The exam consists of two parts: an online multiple-choice test and a hands-on practical assessment. The online test covers topics such as traffic engineering principles, design standards, safety management systems, and more. The practical assessment tests an applicant’s ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.

The ITE Certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of work experience and educational transcripts. Once approved, applicants will be notified when they can take the exam. After passing both parts of the exam, applicants will receive their ITE Certification within two weeks.

The cost for ITE Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought but generally ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. This fee includes all necessary materials and resources needed to complete the application process and take the exam.

5. American Public Works Association (APWA) Certification

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Certification is an internationally recognized certification program that recognizes public works professionals for their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of public works. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the public works profession, including its history, theories, principles, and practices.

To become certified as an APWA Professional, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a series of tests. The eligibility requirements include having at least five years of experience in the public works field and completing at least 120 hours of professional development or continuing education courses related to public works.

The APWA Certification process typically takes about three to six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once the application is approved, applicants can begin taking the required exams. The exams are divided into two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as management principles, engineering principles, construction management, environmental regulations, safety regulations, and more. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations by completing tasks such as designing a project plan or creating a budget report.

The cost for becoming certified through the APWA program varies depending on the number of exams taken and other factors such as membership status in APWA or any other professional organizations. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$400 for all required exams. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with obtaining necessary materials for studying or attending preparatory courses offered by APWA or other organizations.

Overall, obtaining APWA Certification is an excellent way for public works professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the field while also gaining recognition from employers and peers alike.

6. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certification

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge, skills and experience of civil engineers. It is designed to demonstrate competence in the field of civil engineering and provide a measure of assurance to employers, clients, and the public that a certified engineer has met established standards.

To become certified, an individual must pass a rigorous exam that covers all aspects of civil engineering. The exam typically takes between four and six hours to complete. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least four years of relevant work experience and an accredited bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.

The cost for ASCE Certification depends on the type of certification sought. For example, the initial application fee for Professional Engineer (PE) certification is $200.00 USD. There are additional fees associated with each renewal cycle as well as fees for late renewals or reinstatement applications.

In order to obtain ASCE Certification, individuals must complete an online application form and submit it along with required supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once approved, applicants will be asked to take the certification exam at an authorized testing center near them. Upon successful completion of the exam, they will receive their official certificate from ASCE certifying their expertise in civil engineering.

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

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors. The NCEES develops, administers, and scores the examinations used for engineering and surveying licensure in the United States.

In order to become a licensed engineer or surveyor, applicants must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam is typically taken by recent graduates or those with four years or less of professional experience. The PE exam is typically taken by those who have been professionally engaged in engineering for at least four years after passing the FE exam.

The NCEES Certification process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on when you register, how quickly you complete your application, and when your state board schedules its exams.

To get started on the NCEES Certification process, applicants must first create an account on the NCEES website. They will then need to submit their application along with any required documents such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once approved, applicants will receive an authorization to test letter that includes instructions on how to register for their chosen exams.

The cost of taking the NCEES Certification exams varies by state but generally ranges from $175-$400 per exam plus any additional fees associated with registration or late applications.

8. National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) Certification

The National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) Certification is a program designed to provide comprehensive training and certification in the areas of railroad safety, operations, and engineering. The program is designed to help individuals become knowledgeable and certified in the various aspects of railroad operations.

The NARS Certification Program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. The Basic level focuses on the fundamentals of railroad operations such as track structure, train operations, signaling systems, and safety regulations. The Intermediate level covers topics such as advanced train operations, locomotive maintenance, hazardous materials handling, and emergency preparedness. Finally, the Advanced level covers topics such as rail system design and management, rail infrastructure planning, and project management.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the NARS Certification Program depending on which level you are pursuing. To get certified at any level you must first complete an approved course or series of courses offered by an accredited institution or organization that is recognized by NARS. Once you have completed your coursework you must then pass a written exam administered by NARS in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the NARS Certification Program varies depending on which level you are pursuing and where you take your coursework from. Generally speaking it can range anywhere from $500 - $3000 USD for each level of certification depending on where you take your classes from.

9. International Road Federation (IRF) Certification

The International Road Federation (IRF) is an independent, non-profit organization that works to promote the development and maintenance of safe, efficient and sustainable transport systems worldwide. The IRF Certification Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of road infrastructure, construction and management practices as well as safety performance. It is designed to help governments, public authorities and private sector organizations identify areas for improvement in their road infrastructure.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year from start to finish. The process begins with an initial application which includes a detailed description of the organization’s current practices in terms of road infrastructure, construction and management. Following this, an onsite assessment is conducted by an IRF-certified assessor who evaluates the organization’s practices against international standards. After this assessment, a report is generated detailing any areas for improvement or best practice recommendations. Finally, a certificate is issued if all criteria are met.

The cost of getting IRF certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization being assessed but typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 USD. This cost covers the assessor’s time as well as administrative costs associated with conducting the assessment and issuing the certificate.

10. National Transit Institute (NTI) Certification

The National Transit Institute (NTI) Certification is a professional certification program for transit professionals, including bus operators, dispatchers, supervisors, and managers. It is designed to provide industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the transit field. The certification is offered through NTI's online learning platform and includes courses on safety, customer service, operations, maintenance, planning/scheduling/dispatching, security/emergency management and more.

The NTI Certification requires successful completion of all courses within the program and passing an exam with a score of 80% or higher. The entire program can be completed in approximately six months if done at a full-time pace; however, students may take up to two years to complete the program if needed.

To get started with the NTI Certification Program, interested individuals must first register online and pay the registration fee of $250 USD. This fee covers access to all course materials as well as the exam fee. After registering for the program, students will have access to all courses within the program and can begin their studies right away. Upon successful completion of all courses within the program and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, students will receive their NTI Certification credential from NTI via email.

The cost for the NTI Certification Program is $250 USD for registration plus any applicable taxes. There are no additional fees associated with this program once it has been registered for and paid for in full.

11. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the field of project management and is recognized worldwide.

The PMP certification process requires applicants to complete an application, pass a 200-question exam, and provide evidence of professional experience in managing projects. The application process takes approximately 4 weeks to complete, and the exam can take up to 4 hours to finish.

To be eligible for the PMP certification, applicants must have at least three years of project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal project management education. Applicants also need to demonstrate their ability to apply project management principles through their work experience and training.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on your PMI membership status, but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD. In addition, there are renewal fees every three years that range from $60-$150 USD.

Overall, obtaining a PMP certification is a great way to demonstrate your skills as a project manager and can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Do You Really Need a Transportation Engineer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s career goals and level of expertise. If you are looking to work in the transportation engineering field, then a certificate may be beneficial. Having a certificate will show employers that you have taken extra steps to gain knowledge and experience in the field, and it can help set you apart from other candidates.

A certificate program can provide specialized training in areas such as traffic engineering, roadway design, public transit systems, and other related topics. It can also give you a better understanding of laws and regulations related to transportation projects. Depending on the program, you may even be able to gain hands-on experience through internships or other activities.

If you already have a degree in civil engineering or another related field, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you want to pursue more specialized roles within the industry or take on higher-level responsibilities, then having a certificate could help advance your career.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a Transportation Engineer Certificate in order to reach their career goals. A certificate can certainly provide additional knowledge and skills that may be beneficial for certain roles; however, it is important to make sure that any program chosen is accredited by an appropriate organization so that the credentials are recognized by employers.

Related: Transportation Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Transportation Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Transportation Engineer Certification?

Answer: A Transportation Engineer Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates knowledge and competency in the field of transportation engineering. It requires passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements to maintain the certification.

2. How do I become certified as a Transportation Engineer?

Answer: To become certified as a Transportation Engineer, you must complete an accredited educational program in transportation engineering, pass an exam administered by the Professional Engineers Board, and complete continuing education requirements to maintain your certification.

3. Are there different levels of certification for Transportation Engineers?

Answer: Yes, there are three levels of certification available for Transportation Engineers: Certified Associate Transportation Engineer (CATE), Certified Professional Transportation Engineer (CPTE), and Certified Senior Transportation Engineer (CSTE).

4. What are the requirements for maintaining my certification as a Transportation Engineer?

Answer: To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education courses every two years to demonstrate your commitment to keeping up with current industry trends and practices. You may also be required to submit proof of professional experience or participate in peer review activities on an ongoing basis.

5. Is there a time limit to complete the examination for becoming certified as a Transportation Engineer?

Answer: Yes, you have six months from the date of application to take and pass the examination or you will need to reapply for certification eligibility.