- Earn an ABET-accredited engineering degree. Most boards require a bachelor's degree in engineering from a program accredited by ABET (or an approved equivalent evaluation for non-ABET/foreign degrees).
- Pass the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. The computer-based FE exam is administered year-round by NCEES. Most candidates take it in their final year of school or shortly after graduating. Passing it earns the Engineer Intern (EI) / Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
- Gain qualifying engineering experience. Boards typically require about four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed PE. The exact length and what counts as qualifying experience varies by state board.
- Pass the PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering) exam. The PE Civil exam (with a chosen depth module: Construction, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, or Water Resources & Environmental) is administered by NCEES. Passing it, once all other requirements are met, qualifies you for licensure.
- Apply to your state board and maintain the license. You apply for the license through your state's engineering board. Most states require continuing education (CE / PDH) for renewal; some require a state-specific ethics or laws exam.
Verify with your board. Experience length, state-specific ethics or laws exams, and continuing-education rules are set by each state's licensing board. Look up the New Mexico board and its current requirements via the NCEES board directory.