PE Exam

Do I need the EIT License and Certification to get my PE?

February 28, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners that asked:

Do I need to get the EIT license in order to be able to get my PE? I already passed the FE exam but I just wonder if I can just skip this process of actually obtaining the EIT certification?

The EIT License and Certification is a professional designation you receive after passing the NCEES FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering exam) and completing a degree from an ABET-accredited school. It’s kind of like the trophy you get for finishing the race, if you will. “EIT” is an acronym that stands for Engineer-in-Training. This designation is often referred to as “EIT certification,” but it can be used interchangeably with “EIT license” or “EIT FE certification.”

The EIT certification authority is each individual state’s engineering board. While an EIT certification doesn’t give you a license to practice as a PE (professional engineer), holding this certificate signifies that you have successfully completed the FE exam, the first of two exams you’ll need to pass in order to become a PE.

Becoming an EIT is worth it for most engineers, but it’s essential for those planning to take the NCEES PE exam and become fully licensed professional engineers.

You are not eligible to take the PE Exam without first passing the FE exam and thereby earning EIT status. Furthermore, having an EIT certification can be required for even some entry-level engineering positions. The EIT license can also help set you apart from other candidates in a competitive job market. So yes, you need to pick up your trophy after you win the race!

Benefits of Earning Your EIT Certification:

An EIT certification showcases your industry knowledge. Passing the FE exam and earning an EIT certificate are huge milestones in your career and demonstrate your competence with fundamental engineering concepts that every graduate should know.
An EIT certification improves your job prospects. Having the EIT certification on your resume can set you apart from other candidates when you apply for jobs. It shows employers that you are committed to learning and are working toward professional licensure.
An EIT certification advances your career. Getting an EIT certificate is one of the most important things you can do for your career in engineering. It demonstrates that you have mastered the fundamentals and are on the road to earning your PE license and a higher salary.

Will Getting an EIT Certification Increase Your Salary?

Earning an EIT certification may increase your salary, depending on your employer and industry. Most civil engineers view passing the FE exam at the beginning of their careers as a requirement, because it is so important in their field. Most employers will not promote civil engineers until they have passed the FE exam and earned an EIT certificate, so if you’re eyeing a promotion with a higher salary, earning EIT status is crucial.

For other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or chemical, passing the FE exam is not required prior to employment. In fact, some employers may value an EIT certificate more than others. However, earning an EIT certificate demonstrates your mastery of engineering fundamentals and your motivation to advance in your career, which may help you earn a promotion or higher salary.

Ultimately, passing the FE exam and earning EIT certification is necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. Once you’ve completed those steps and passed the PE exam, you will likely earn a higher salary as a fully licensed professional engineer. An increase in annual salary can be anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000 once you’ve achieved PE status.

You don’t know where your career will take you, so why not obtain your EIT certificate now? It becomes very difficult to go back and pass the FE Exam, the further removed from school you get.

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.

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video or 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 … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Civil PE Exam Day | Do You Get Extra Time if You Finish Early?

February 14, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

If you finish early on the morning exam, does the remaining time get added to the afternoon session? Things have changed in 2023 and we’re here to guide you to pass the Civil PE Exam.

The PE exam has a morning session and afternoon session, 4 hours each and in between you get a 50-minute break.

Let’s say you finish your morning portion of the PE exam in 3 hours. Do you get 5 hours for the afternoon session or is 4 hours the maximum time you get for each half session?

Although there is no official rule to whether or not you can use extra time in the afternoon, I have interviewed engineers who took the PE exam recently, and they all confirmed that they were allowed to use that extra time in the afternoon session.

Now remember that time management is extremely important during the PE exam.

Eligibility Criteria for the PE Exam: What Engineering Experience Qualifies?

January 31, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

Are you an engineer looking to take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam? Not sure if your engineering experience qualifies you to sit for the exam? This video is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the eligibility criteria for the PE exam. We’ll take a deep dive into the qualifications required to apply for the exam and provide tips to help ensure your application is approved.

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

When you submit your PE application, you must catalogue all your work experience and list the supervisor that oversaw you during that process.
One very important thing to understand about the PE exam is that while the exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), whether or not you can sit for the exam and get your license is depended upon the state that you want to work in. Typically the state education in each state has an engineering board that reviews the application and decides if you are worthy taking the PE exam. I recommend reaching out to somebody on that board to determine the eligibility criteria for the PE exam. This will help you to better understand what is expectable and what is not exactable.
When submitting your application, you have to be very specific about the work that YOU did and list all of the things that you specifically did.
It can be very beneficial to find someone, either in your company or someone that you know, that had an application accepted by your state board and took the PE exam. Go through their application and use it as an example to look at the terms and language they used and the type of work they submitted that was approved.
If possible, you can also meet someone from the state board in person and explain your situation to them to determine the eligibility criteria for the PE exam.
People who are located outside of the US, looking to get their PE licenses will need to contact their state education to understand their process of evaluating people from outside the US.

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Studying for the PE Exam While Working Full Time

January 17, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk to Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E., a transportation engineer from Parametrix, about her experience studying for the PE exam while working full-time. She breaks down the PE exam tips, tricks and strategies she used to prep, study and pass her CBT Professional Engineering Exam.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jo:

You took the CBT PE exam while working full-time. What did your study schedule look like, seeing that you were working during the day?
What was the most challenging part of studying for the exam while working full-time?
While studying for the PE exam, did you set goals for yourself, and if so, how did the goals help you along the way?
Did you have a support system, either at work or at home, that helped you in your preparations?
What part of the exam did you find more challenging, the morning session or the afternoon session?
Did you enroll in any prep courses while studying for the PE Exam?
Do you have advice for engineers who are thinking of taking the PE exam while working full-time?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Studying for the CBT while you are working during the day can be difficult to get a grasp on. Try to be consistent in your studies and stick to your schedule. Use the CBT reference book to plan out how much time you should allocate to each section. Try to study at the same times each day to help you get into a routine.
Tackling concepts you have not seen before can be very challenging because they take extra time and impact your schedule.
Having a milestones approach for your studies is great if you battle with allocating set times for specific sections. Set goals for yourself to ensure you are staying on track with what you have planned to achieve in your studies.
If you have a support system at work, they will give you advice on what is in the PE exam. They will give you mentorship support and provide tips and tricks on how to get through and pass the PE exam.
Keeping up your stamina and ensuring your body is nourished throughout the exam can be challenging. The first part of the exam is similar to the FE exam, whereas the second part deals more with the things you work on daily, but can include other things that you do not deal with at work. Going back and forth between your different skill sets in the morning session can be difficult. Being able to dial into all the different concepts of the exam in the afternoon session can also be challenging.
Knowing how the references are presented in the CBT is very important. You must understand what you are given and be able to work with it.
Look at what the contents of the exam will be and look for the areas that you will be comfortable with self-studying. For the areas you are not sure about, consider taking a prep course for those sections. It can help you by keeping you accountable and on track with your schedule and studies.
If you want to take the PE exam while you are working full-time, you must decide when you are going to start preparing for it and set goals for yourself. Life will happen and you will feel like you will not have time to prepare for the exam, but you will have to make it a commitment and responsibility. Do not feel ashamed if you are in a situation where you must take the exam at a later date. Continue working toward your goal until you make it.

About Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E.

Jo is a professional engineer consultant working on transportation, site development, general civil, and stormwater projects for local agencies across Washington State’s Puget Sound area.

Sources:

Parametrix
Exam Prep Materials
Connect with Joanna (Jo) Johnson, P.E., on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

I’ll see you next week … on Pass the PE Exam.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

Pass the Civil PE Exam EASILY (NEW Secret Tip)

January 3, 2023 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk to Nabeal (Newton) W. Khatib, M.S., E.I., CEO of Legendfortutoring, about a framework that you can utilize to help prepare and pass the Civil PE exam, as well as a widely unknown tip about how you might be able to get more time in the afternoon session when you take your PE exam.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nabeal:

When did you take the PE Exam and what format did you take the exam in? Pen and paper, or computer-based?
One of the things that changed between the CBT and PBT exams, is that the CBT is no longer an open-book exam. How has this changed the way you studied for the exam?
Are any of the resources available to prep for the exam?
Does the NCEES tell you which codes to prepare for the depth exam?
The “old” PE PBT exam had a 50-minute break that would take place halfway through the exam, separating the breadth (AM) portion from the depth (PM) portion. However, there’s no such thing as separate breadth and depth portions anymore. What was that like for you?
How long did it take for you to get your results after completing the CBT exam?
What tips can you give our listeners out there that are in the process of studying for their PE exams, or planning on starting to study for them soon?
For our viewers that are still up in that air about the entire process of obtaining their PE license, what would you tell them based on your career as to whether or not to take the time to pursue their PE license?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

What To Do On The Night Before You Take The PE Exam | PE Exam Tips

December 20, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk about what you should do the night before you take your PE exam, and why planning your accommodation for the PE exam early on is important and can impact your exam results.

Here Is What You Should Do the Night Before You Take the PE Exam

The final night before the PE exam is a crucial time that could either make or break you depending on how you approach it and one thing that examinees don’t often think about when planning to take their PE exams, is how they will spend the night before the exam, and how it may influence them during the exam. Where you spend the night before your PE exam, and what you do, are extremely important.

First of all, when booking your exam, it is of utmost importance that you find the testing center that is most comfortable for you, and it may not be the one closest to you. Consider the distance you will need to travel to get to the testing center, and if you live a considerable distance from the center, I would recommend finding a hotel close to the testing center so that you can get a good night’s rest.

PE EXAM Practice Question: Calculating Flow Rate

December 6, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the flow rate of water at room temperature through 2,000 ft. of 8-in (8.18-in ID) 20 year old cast iron pipe. This question forms part of the Structural Mechanics section of the PE Exam and was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers, LEED Green Associate.

Question:

Water at room temperature flows through 2,000 ft. of 8-in (8.18-in ID) 20 year old cast iron pipe.. The pressure in the pipe drops from 90 psi at the source to 85 psi at the end What is the flow rate in the pipe, in gallons per minute?

Explanation:

PE 62: Your Master’s Degree May Count Toward Your PE License

November 22, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I answer a question from one of our listeners about whether a master’s degree can help you take the P.E. exam sooner, and also cover some of the other benefits of getting your master’s degree.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Each state has its own process and requirements for you to be able to sit for the P.E. exam, so you will therefore need to reach out to the state that you are practicing in, or seeking your license in, and consult their guidelines.
In many states, a master’s degree in engineering can shave one year off your experience requirement, which will help you take the exam sooner.
Some states will also accept internship experience as part of the experience requirements.
I would not recommend getting a master’s degree for the sole purpose of taking your P.E. exam sooner. However, depending on the discipline you are in, some companies require a master’s degree when hiring new staff.

Sources:

Is a Master’s Degree in Engineering Helpful Towards a Professional Engineering License?

This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or 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… on Pass the PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

How to Maintain Your Professional Engineering License

November 8, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

As a professional engineer, you would have worked long and hard to achieve your engineering license. After years of study and after passing both your FE and PE exams, you now have the career that you have been striving towards. But what happens after you have passed your PE exam? Once you can call yourself a professional engineer, it will be essential that you understand how to maintain your engineering license. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the professional engineering license maintenance and renewal process.

Earning a PE license is just the beginning. Many state licensing boards require that professional engineers maintain and improve their skills through continuing education courses and other opportunities for professional development.

If you are a licensed engineer anywhere in the United States, you must understand how your state handles continuing education, as it’s likely to impact your license renewal process. Proper renewals allow professionals to continue practicing engineering without interruption.

Why You Need Continuing Education

PE EXAM Practice Question: Calculating Shear Force

October 25, 2022 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we calculate the maximum shear force and moment resultant from a point load applied to a beam by drawing the shear force diagram and moment diagram associated with the condition. This question forms part of the Structural Mechanics section of the PE Exam and was created and solved by Engineer in training, Enrique Ivers

Question:

For the beam shown, what is the maximum shear force and the maximum moment?