Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Business
Civil Engineer Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board) examines, licenses, and regulates approximately 35,000 individuals and related business entities in Virginia
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board)
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,210 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia 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: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board) and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $96,210, Civil Engineers in Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $99,590. Virginia ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$96,210Hourly estimate
$46.253% below national median
Difference: -$3,380
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCivil Engineer Salary Ranking
#26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $96,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $100,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $88,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $100,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $97,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 4-3196 years |
| North Carolina | $93,590 | Varies by state board | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board)
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043678514
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $84,190 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $77,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Civil Engineers in Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Civil Engineers.
What education do you need to become a Civil Engineer in Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Civil Engineer licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Virginia is $96,210. Salaries range from $61,610 (10th percentile) to $145,480 (90th percentile).
How does the Civil Engineer salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Virginia earn 3% below the national median of $99,590, with a state median of $96,210.
How many Civil Engineers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 11,030 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board). Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/APELS.
How often do you renew a Civil Engineer license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.