Application Fee
See board websiteVerified 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 board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
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 board website
- 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 (4)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of 96,210, Civil Engineers in Virginia earn 3% below the national median of 99590. Virginia ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $100,320 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $88,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $100,200 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $97,730 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $93,590 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 6-24 months |
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.
Official Licensing Agency
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 | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $84,190 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $99,990 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $60,360 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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 61610 (10th percentile) to 145480 (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 99590, with a state median of 96,210.
How many Civil Engineers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 11030 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.
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.