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.
- Certification is an advanced qualification beyond licensure recognized by clients, employers, peers and the public.
- Certification recognizes the individual as a leader in their respective field of engineering practice.
- 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.
Who developed this Specialty Certification?
Specialty Certification development was led by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
with the participation of the ASCE Institutes and the creation of Civil Engineering Certification, Inc. (CEC) in 2004. ASCE 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, however, 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.
Why now?
Specialty Certification 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.
What are the different categories of ACOPNE Certifications?
The 4 category discipline certifications are:
Diplomate, Coastal Engineer (D.CE)
Diplomate, Ocean Engineer (D.OE)
Diplomate, Ports Engineer (D.PE)
Diplomate, Navigation Engineer (D.NE)
How long does it take to complete an application?
Filling out an application normally takes about 30 minutes. You may find it helpful if you have a copy of your resume, bio, or CV handy to draw information from. In order to complete the application, you'll need to send it along with a resume, bio or cv and have 3 licensed engineers complete a reference form and send it to us. Once your application is complete, it will be submitted to the Application Commitee and/or Board of Trustees for final review and vote. You will be notified of the results as soon as possible after the vote. Applications are currently being reviewed on at least a quarterly basis.