The civil engineering profession has had its name since the mid-18th century, when that designation was adopted to distinguish it from military engineering. Civil engineers design and construct structures and facilities such as airports, bridges, dams, factories, highways, railroads, and tall buildings. To become a civil engineer in the United States, a candidate must have four years of college leading to a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. After four years' experience beyond a college education, a civil engineer may be licensed by a state board of registration for professional engineers. To ensure uniformity, the state agencies are members of the National Council of Engineering Examiners. The American Society of Civil Engineers, with headquarters in New York City, promotes the interests of the profession on a national level.