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    Become a Construction Engineering Technician

    Support construction engineers with surveying, testing, project coordination, and site operations.

    Duration
    9–18 months
    Certifications
    ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician; NICET Construction Materials Testing
    Key Skills
    Attention to detail, measurements, teamwork, safety procedures, field documentation
    Work Settings
    Civil engineering firms, construction companies, surveying teams, testing labs, infrastructure projects, government agencies
    Job Outlook
    +4% (Average growth)
    Salary Range
    $48K–$72K+

    What Is Construction Engineering?

    Construction Engineering Technicians play a crucial role in modern infrastructure by supporting engineers with on-site measurements, materials testing, and project documentation. Students learn how to read blueprints, use surveying tools, perform quality checks, and support project managers.

    This program is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and contributing to roads, bridges, buildings, and large-scale construction projects.

    What You'll Learn in Construction Engineering Training

    Core Skills

    • Surveying and measurement
    • Blueprints and site plans
    • Materials testing
    • AutoCAD basics
    • Construction safety
    • Project documentation
    • Inspection techniques
    • Field reporting

    Safety & Compliance

    • OSHA basics
    • PPE
    • Hazard awareness
    • Jobsite safety
    • Tool safety
    • Workplace professionalism

    Tools & Technology

    • ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician
    • NICET Construction Materials Testing

    Admissions Requirements for Construction Engineering Training

    Most Construction Engineering programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    Minimum age requirement
    Ability to perform physical job tasks
    High school diploma/GED may be preferred

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Construction Engineering

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician

    American Concrete Institute (ACI)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    NICET Construction Materials Testing

    National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Construction Engineering Salary & Job Outlook

    $48K–$72K+
    National Salary Range
    ~$60,000
    Median Salary
    +4% (Average growth)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Steady demand driven by ongoing infrastructure projects, public works investment, and the need for technical support roles within civil and construction engineering teams

    Career Outlook for Construction Engineering

    Work Settings

    Civil engineering firms, surveying companies, testing labs, infrastructure contractors, government agencies

    Advancement Path

    Progress to advanced certifications; specialize in a niche; move into lead, supervisor, estimator, or business owner roles with experience.

    What Is the Difference Between Construction Engineering and Engineering Management?

    TL;DR: Construction Engineering emphasizes technical design and field-based engineering execution, while Engineering Management focuses on leading engineering teams, budgets, and projects.

    Construction Engineering programs prepare students to apply engineering principles directly to construction projects, including structural systems, materials, surveying, site engineering, and compliance with building codes and safety standards. Roles are often field-oriented, combining technical calculations with on-site problem solving and coordination between design plans and real-world conditions. Engineering Management programs, by contrast, focus less on hands-on engineering calculations and more on managing engineering-driven projects, teams, schedules, budgets, and risk. Engineering managers often work in office or hybrid environments overseeing delivery rather than executing technical design themselves. Choose Construction Engineering if you want a technically grounded, site-focused engineering role; choose Engineering Management if you want to lead engineering projects and teams at a strategic and organizational level.

    Comparing Programs
    Construction Engineering
    Engineering Management
    Primary Focus
    Construction Engineering

    Applying engineering principles directly to construction design and field execution

    Engineering Management

    Leading engineering teams, projects, budgets, and delivery strategy

    Typical Training Length
    Construction Engineering

    Associate to bachelor-level programs with technical engineering emphasis

    Engineering Management

    Bachelor-level or graduate programs focused on management and leadership

    Core Skills
    Construction Engineering

    Structural systems, materials, surveying, site engineering, code compliance

    Engineering Management

    Project leadership, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, team coordination

    Certifications
    Construction Engineering

    Engineering or construction engineering credentials depending on program

    Engineering Management

    Engineering management or project management credentials depending on program

    Work Settings
    Construction Engineering

    Construction sites, field offices, engineering project locations

    Engineering Management

    Office or hybrid environments overseeing engineering projects

    Technology Used
    Construction Engineering

    Engineering design tools, surveying equipment, construction documentation systems

    Engineering Management

    Project management software, budgeting tools, reporting systems

    Career Progression
    Construction Engineering

    Construction engineer, field engineer, senior technical engineering roles

    Engineering Management

    Engineering manager, program manager, senior leadership roles

    Best For
    Construction Engineering

    Students who want technically grounded, site-focused engineering work

    Engineering Management

    Students who want to lead engineering teams and projects strategically

    Construction Engineering

    Students who want technically grounded, site-focused engineering work

    Engineering Management

    Students who want to lead engineering teams and projects strategically

    Benefits of Construction Engineering Training

    Work on real construction projects
    Support engineers and project managers
    Gain skills used in infrastructure development
    Build a stable and respected career
    Opportunities for fieldwork and advancement

    Construction Engineering Student Reviews

    "I love being out on job sites — this program prepared me well for fieldwork and inspections."

    Brendan S.
    Engineering Technician

    "The hands-on labs were incredibly helpful for understanding concrete and soil testing."

    Kylie T.
    Materials Testing Assistant

    "The training made it easy to transition into a civil engineering support role."

    Marcus J.
    Surveying Technician

    Construction Engineering FAQs

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