Application Fee
See agencyCivil Engineer Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Alabama
Estimated timeline: 1 monthCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
This applicant must be an engineering graduate of an institute approved by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and have four (4) years apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer
- Be a graduate of an unapproved engineering curriculum and have six (6) years of experience, under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer
- The applicant must pass a 16-hour written examination
- 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice.
- 7
To become a licensed engineer intern, applicants must be either an engineering graduate of an institution which is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology or, a graduate of an unapproved engineering curriculum having two (2) years satisfactory engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer
- and the applicant must pass an 8-hour written examination in the fundamental engineering subjects administered by the Alabama State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Exam and processing details
- written examination
- 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$98,100 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required written examination; 8 hours fundamental and 8 hours principles and practice.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $98,100, Civil Engineers in Alabama earn 1% below the national median of $99,590. Alabama ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$98,100Hourly estimate
$47.16Difference: -$1,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $118,450 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $112,250 |
| #3 | Alaska | $107,240 |
| #4 | Washington | $105,090 |
| #5 | New Mexico | $104,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Civil Engineer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $98,100 | Degree required | State exam required | 1 month |
| Tennessee | $97,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 4-3196 years |
| Georgia | $81,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Florida | $97,810 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $103,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Florida | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors
P.O. Box 304451, Montgomery, AL, 36130
Phone: 3342425568
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $94,170 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,240 | Degree required | 19 years |
| Certified Public Accountant | $71,070 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $80,060 | Degree required | 1-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Alabama?
Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Alabama?
The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Alabama.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Alabama is $98,100. Salaries range from $64,640 (10th percentile) to $162,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Alabama earn 1% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $98,100.
How many Civil Engineers work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 5,920 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in Alabama?
The licensing agency is Alabama State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.bels.alabama.gov/.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.