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
Leave a Reply