Certification Frequently Asked Questions
What is Specialty Certification?
Specialty Certification is a voluntary, post-license credential that provides recognition of advanced expertise in a technical specialty, superior experience, strong ethics and a commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development.
Why is Specialty Certification beneficial?
- Certification is an advanced qualification beyond licensure recognized by clients, employers, peers and the public.
- Certification provides a tangible advantage for individuals looking to standout.
- Certification demonstrates mastery of a specialty within civil engineering and commitment to stay up to date on new technological innovations.
- Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism through its ethics and continuing professional development requirements.
- Certification allows civil engineers to maintain strong input into the advanced credentialing process.
Specialty Certification development was led by ASCE with the participation of the ASCE Institutes and their associated Academies. Institute members are the professionals best qualified to identify a civil engineering specialty, define the body of knowledge that makes up that specialty, and determine the criteria to qualify for certification. Specialty certifications will be created only with the support of Institutes and their Academies. Specialty certifications may not become available in all disciplines.
What will be required to achieve Specialty Certification?
Individual certifications will be developed by ASCE Institutes and their Academies will require:
- Formal education consistent with ASCE Policy 465.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer.
- Additional professional engineering experience beyond licensure.
- Strong professional ethics.
- Oral or written examination.
- Continuing professional development.
- Specialty certifications programs are growing in most professions as the knowledge needed to practice increases so rapidly.
- Specialty certification supports the explosion of continuing professional development.
- Increased demand for globally recognized credentials.
- Numerous entities are creating civil engineering certifications with questionable value or relevance. ASCE Institutes and Academies are best qualified to define and develop advanced civil engineering specialty credentials.
- Certification helps to advance ASCE's strategic plan by assisting members develop leadership, advance technology, advocate lifelong learning, and promote the profession.
The online application process normally takes about 45 minutes to complete. It is helpful for a speedy process if you have an electronic copy of your resume and/or CV readily available to provide information from. A resume or CV will also need to be uploaded into the online application. It will also be beneficial if additional documents such as the Qualifications statement and Contributions to the Profession are readily available also.
Could I save portions of the online application and go back later to complete?
Yes, you will be able to save portions/sections to your online application and then go back later to complete. You will need to remember your Username and Password in order to log in each time you sign out.
How long is the application process once I have submitted the online application?
If you have completed all necessary sections of the online application and submitted your payment for the program, the application process depends on when you submitted your online application. There are two review cycles per year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Typically, applicants are notified of the application status after full review either in mid April or mid October.
What should I do if I obtained my educational degree(s) from a foreign country?
Please contact your educational institution(s) overseas and request for your transcript(s) to be translated into English (if different from English language) regarding the degree curriculum courses and hours, and have sent directly to AAWRE.
If you have a question that is not listed or answered on this page, please email your question to AAWRE at: E-mail:certification@aawre.org