Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al (currently every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in California
Estimated timeline: 1-17 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Fees: Application: For current fee schedule, please refer to the Board's website at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/application_fees.shtml.
- 3
Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Chemical 8 hour examination and Take-Home California State Laws and Board Rules exam.
- 4
Renewal (currently every 2 years):.
- 5
Examination Frequency: Continuous.
- 6
Exam Locations: Statewide at designated locations.
- 7
Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Continuous. See our website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Locations: Statewide at designated locations. See website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Experience
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate, six years of professional level qualifying experience in the branch of engineering in which the applicant is seeking licensure less applicable credit for verified educat
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al (currently every 2 years
- Salary Position
$118,450 median (19% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#1 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Experience Requirement: Professional licensure for engineering is based on a demonstration of education and experience.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Examination Requirements: National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCEES) Chemical 8 hour examination and Take-Home Cal...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Continuous. See our website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Locations: Statewide at designated locations. See website: www.bpelsg.ca.gov. Experience.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: For current fee schedule, please refer to the Board's website at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/applicants/application_fees...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (currently every 2 years).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $118,450, Civil Engineers in California earn 19% above the national median of $99,590. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-17 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$118,450Hourly estimate
$56.9519% above national median
Difference: +$18,860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#1 of 50 statesfor Civil Engineer median salary
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $118,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-17 years |
| Oregon | $103,070 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $98,690 | Degree required | State exam required | 2-21 years |
| Arizona | $93,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA, 95833-2944
Phone: 916993635
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $105,840 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,240 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,360 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $90,900 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-17 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in California?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in California is $118,450. Salaries range from $77,620 (10th percentile) to $171,760 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in California compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in California earn 19% above the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $118,450.
How many Civil Engineers work in California?
California employs approximately 54,640 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Review agency details at https://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (currently every 2 years.