The Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is the foundational credential and the mandatory first step toward achieving a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States. This designation is a formal, legal acknowledgment that an individual has successfully met the educational and examination requirements necessary to begin the structured, supervised work experience phase of their career. EIT status provides evidence of a strong grasp of fundamental engineering principles and a commitment to professional licensure. This initial status is a required prerequisite for earning the full PE license.
Defining the Engineer in Training Status
The EIT status, sometimes referred to as Engineer Intern (EI) depending on the state, is a professional designation granted by a state’s licensing board. It legally signifies that the individual has completed the academic requirements and passed the first of two required licensure examinations. The designation allows the holder to perform engineering work under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. The EIT/EI designation demonstrates that the engineer is actively pursuing full licensure.
The process is largely standardized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which develops and administers the required examination. However, the authority to confer the EIT designation rests with the individual state licensing board. Each board manages the specific legal requirements and the application process, which is why the exact terminology and prerequisites can vary slightly by state.
Eligibility Requirements for EIT Certification
The primary qualification for obtaining the EIT designation involves meeting specific educational standards before or shortly after passing the required examination. The most common path is earning a bachelor’s degree from an engineering program accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). ABET accreditation is considered the benchmark for quality engineering education and streamlines the entire licensure process.
Many state boards permit students in the final year of an ABET-accredited program to sit for the exam before graduation. Some states may also allow individuals with a non-ABET engineering degree or a related science degree to qualify. This often requires a review of academic credentials by NCEES or the state board, and sometimes additional years of experience may be substituted for a lack of accreditation. Meeting the educational requirement allows the candidate to register for the first hurdle on the path to licensure.
Key Details of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the prerequisite test for EIT status, developed and administered by the NCEES. This computer-based examination assesses the candidate’s understanding of foundational knowledge acquired in an undergraduate engineering curriculum. The exam is offered year-round in four testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers, allowing candidates flexibility in scheduling.
The FE exam is a six-hour session, including a tutorial, a break, and the testing time for 110 multiple-choice questions. It is a closed-book test, but a digital reference handbook is provided on-screen. Candidates choose one of seven discipline-specific versions:
- Civil
- Mechanical
- Electrical and Computer
- Chemical
- Environmental
- Industrial and Systems
- Other Disciplines
Registration is handled through the NCEES website, where candidates select their exam discipline and schedule their test date.
The EIT Application and Verification Process
Passing the FE exam is a necessary step, but it does not automatically confer the EIT status; the candidate must formally apply to their state’s licensing board. After receiving notification of a passing score from NCEES, the candidate must gather and submit the required documentation. This application package typically includes official academic transcripts, confirming the degree conferral date, and verification of the FE exam results directly from NCEES.
The state board reviews the application to ensure all educational and examination requirements are satisfied according to their specific statutes. This review and verification process can take several weeks or months. Once the application is approved, the state board officially grants the EIT or EI designation, which can then be used on professional correspondence and résumés.
The Path from EIT to Professional Engineer (PE)
The EIT designation serves as a bridge to the ultimate goal of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Once certified as an EIT, the engineer enters the second phase of the licensure process: gaining qualifying experience. Most states require a minimum of four years of progressive engineering work experience performed under the supervision of a licensed PE.
This supervised period is intended to provide the EIT with practical application of engineering principles and to develop professional judgment. The EIT must maintain meticulous records of their work experience, detailing projects, responsibilities, and the time spent on various engineering tasks. This work log is later validated by the supervising PE and submitted as part of the final PE license application.
After fulfilling the four-year experience requirement, the EIT becomes eligible to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE exam is a rigorous, eight-hour, discipline-specific test that assesses the candidate’s ability to practice engineering competently and independently. Successfully passing the PE exam and satisfying all requirements leads to the state board granting the full Professional Engineer license, which permits the engineer to sign and seal engineering documents.