Certification Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat 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?
Who developed this Specialty Certification?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 all of the following:
For a full list of the requirements, please click here. Why now?
How long does it take to fill out the online application?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. Can 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 induction ceremonies per year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Applicants are notified of the application status after full review well before the next ceremony to give the applicant a chance to make reasonable accommodations. 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 them sent directly to AGP. What is ASCE's Policy Statement on Specialty Certification?LICENSURE AND ADVANCED CREDENTIALING WITHIN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSION The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) that recognizes the traditional breadth of the civil engineering practice. ASCE also supports post-PE credentialing that attests to a Professional Engineer's expertise in a civil engineering specialty area. Obtaining a PE license or post-PE credential shall require the engineer to demonstrate attainment of an appropriate body of knowledge. Issue While the practice of civil engineering may require the performance of tasks within specialty areas, the successful completion of civil engineering projects requires comprehensive knowledge, experience, and judgment in a variety of related elements within the profession. Furthermore, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Model Law states that "licensees must demonstrate by education, experience, and examination that they are competent in their field." Therefore, licensure in accordance with the Model Law conveys to the public the Professional Engineer's qualifications. Additionally, following licensure as a Professional Engineer there is a desire to recognize those with engineering expertise in specialized areas of civil engineering. Post-PE credentialing helps achieve this goal. Credentialing is a generic term defining the granting of a credential; for example diplomas, licenses, and/or certifications. Rationale The NCEES Model Law is intended to provide greater uniformity of qualifications for licensure, simplify interstate licensing procedures and enhance mobility, and establish levels of qualifications for professional licensure that ensure the public's safety, health, and welfare. The traditional concept of civil engineering is the integrated practice of engineering embracing a number of related specialty areas. The process of attaining a Professional Engineer license is the first step towards recognition of competency in these related civil engineering specialty areas. Furthermore, those engineers who exhibit additional or advanced expertise and credentials within a specific practice area of civil engineering should be identified through post-PE credentialing programs. ASCE Policy Statement 524 ----------------------- If you have a question that is not listed or answered on this page, please email your question(s) to AGP at: info@geoprofessionals.org |


