In this article (and video above), I explain the difference between the EIT and FE exam, and give you the steps to register both for the EIT and FE Exam.
The FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam and EIT (Engineer in Training) certification are steps towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Passing the FE exam makes an individual an EIT, which is a mark of distinction for engineers. The EIT is more of an apprenticeship than an exam, as there is no formal training program and experience must be accumulated under a PE in a company of choice. The EIT is followed by the Principles and Practices (PP) exam and then the PE exam to become a fully qualified PE. The FE exam and EIT certification can be used interchangeably, although the EIT title represents passing the FE exam.
To elaborate on that, in order to become a PE, an EIT must gain a certain amount of professional experience as an engineer. This amount of experience required varies, depending on the US State you are seeking licensure in, but is typically eight years. Four of these years can be accumulated during college study and one to two more through postgraduate studies (in some states), such as a Master’s or a PhD. This leaves two to three years of actual on-site experience if a master’s degree was obtained, or four years, otherwise.
Once an EIT has acquired the total experience required, he or she can apply for the Principles and Practice or PE exam. In addition to experience, the NCEES requires EITs to acquire several letters of recommendation, at least three of which should come from PEs. The PE exam is divided into two sections, but the content and the passing scores vary between states. After passing this exam, the EIT becomes a fully qualified PE in the state where they took the exam.
Here’s the General Sequence for EIT and FE Registrations:
- Check state requirements to register for the FE exam on ncees.org for the state where you want certification. Some states require paperwork beforehand, so do this early!
- Pay for the exam.
- Receive an authorization email from NCEES to schedule your FE exam. This might take up to 48 hours after step 2.
- Schedule the FE exam. The latest you can schedule is 24 hours before the exam date; the latest is 12 months after you paid for the exam. It’s recommended to schedule 1-2 months ahead of your test date, depending on your flexibility.
- Take and pass the FE exam.
- Apply to the state board to receive your EIT certificate. You will need to have passed the exam and received your engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institution.
- Gain experience and take the PE exam. Things can get a bit scrambled here. Depending on the state, experience is considered at different stages in the process, and experience before/after certification may be considered differently. You can check out our Pass the PE Exam channel for information related to the experience needed at youtube.com/c/PassthePEExam
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI
has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
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