How to Become a Construction Engineer

Construction is considered as one of the largest service industry in many nations worldwide, making the demand for skilled construction engineers high. Construction engineers are responsible for the planning, development, and management of various construction projects such as buildings, houses and establishments. They see to it that the construction process is implemented in a safe and efficient manner. Construction engineering is a branch of engineering that involves the proper planning and management of different structures we see in our society such as highways, bridges and airports.

It is closely related with civil engineering, but differs from it because construction engineering also focuses on business procedures and management principles. Considering the demand for skilled construction engineers and the fast-paced and analytical thinking that the job requires, a lot of people are eager to go into a construction engineer career.


Pursuing a construction engineer career may require you to be adept in some specific courses necessary to develop analytical and innovative skills. As early as high school, you must have a thorough knowledge in applied mathematics, science and physics because these are essential for people who wish to become a construction engineer. Familiarize yourself with the schools and universities in your area which are offering courses in construction engineering.

The competition in the admission to a construction engineering course is so high; therefore, you must be highly competitive. If such course is not available in your area, you may pursue a civil engineering course, instead, and double major on construction management. During school breaks, acquire skills by working in construction jobs to get hands-on experience on the ways of a construction engineer. Generally, a bachelor’s degree requires students to enroll in an internship. It is best to spend your internship in the construction industry to gain more practical construction experiences. After gaining your bachelor’s degree in construction engineering, take a certification examination to become a licensed, professional construction engineer. The exam will test your knowledge in the basic principles of engineering and is needed to qualify you for construction engineering positions in the industry.

Skilled professional construction engineers will always have a place in the construction industry, being the frontrunner of every innovative and safe design of buildings and other structures in the society. What one needs to have in becoming a successful construction engineer is not only the license or the education he gets in school. You also have to seek experience, as well as maintain your passion for this field to have a flourishing construction engineer career.