The Engineer in Training (EIT) designation is the first formal step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the United States. This certification signals that an aspiring engineer has completed the fundamental academic and examination requirements necessary to begin the professional licensing track. Obtaining this status is a widely recognized milestone that demonstrates a foundational understanding of engineering principles.
Defining the Engineer in Training Designation
The EIT, sometimes referred to as an Engineering Intern (EI), is a professional credential granted by state licensing boards. It officially recognizes that an individual has successfully navigated the initial academic and testing phase of the engineering licensure process. This designation is the direct precursor to earning a Professional Engineer license, which permits independent practice.
The designation does not grant the authority to practice engineering independently or to offer services directly to the public. An EIT is legally required to work under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. This supervised period allows the EIT to gain the necessary practical experience while applying the theoretical knowledge validated by the certification.
Prerequisites for EIT Certification
Achieving EIT certification generally requires a specific academic background and the successful completion of a national examination. The most common educational path involves graduating with a bachelor’s degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This accreditation assures state boards that the educational content meets recognized national quality standards.
Many state boards permit students to take the required examination while they are still in their final year of an ABET-accredited program, often without needing to wait for the degree to be officially conferred. While an ABET degree is the standard, some states allow candidates with non-ABET-accredited degrees or those with sufficient progressive engineering experience to apply. In these cases, the candidate’s education or experience is subject to a detailed evaluation by the state board or the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the mechanism used to demonstrate the foundational knowledge required for EIT certification. This exam is developed and administered by the NCEES and measures a candidate’s mastery of the core engineering curriculum. Successful completion of the FE exam is universally required before an individual can be awarded the EIT designation.
Exam Format and Timing
The FE exam is delivered as a computer-based test (CBT) and is offered year-round in four testing windows at approved testing centers. The total appointment time is six hours, which includes a tutorial, a scheduled break, and the actual testing time. Candidates are given five hours and 20 minutes to answer the 110-question exam.
Content and Subject Areas
The examination is offered in seven distinct, discipline-specific versions, including:
Discipline-Specific Versions
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical and Computer
Chemical
There is also a general “Other Disciplines” option for candidates from specialized engineering programs. The content covers fundamental principles and concepts typically taught in an undergraduate curriculum, ranging from mathematics and engineering economics to discipline-specific subjects. The exam is closed-book, but candidates are provided with an electronic, searchable reference handbook during the test.
Registration and Eligibility
The registration process for the FE exam is managed directly through the NCEES website, where candidates pay the exam fee. While NCEES administers the exam, state licensing boards determine the specific eligibility requirements, which can vary regarding when a student or graduate may sit for the test. After passing, the NCEES reports the results to the relevant state board, which then proceeds with the EIT certification application process.
The Importance of EIT Status for Career Growth
Holding the EIT designation provides advantages that enhance an aspiring engineer’s career trajectory. It serves as a recognized signal to employers that the candidate has mastered the fundamental technical concepts. Many major engineering firms and public sector organizations require EIT status as a prerequisite for entry-level engineering positions.
The certification can positively impact a new graduate’s earning potential, as EITs often command higher starting salaries compared to their non-certified peers. The average annual salary for EITs across the United States typically falls between $77,500 and $102,500. The EIT status streamlines the process of gaining the necessary professional experience by placing the individual directly onto the formal licensure track.
The Next Step: Transitioning from EIT to Professional Engineer
After obtaining the EIT, the next major requirement is to accrue supervised, progressive engineering experience. This period typically spans four years and must be completed under the direction of a licensed Professional Engineer.
The experience must be analytical and design-focused, demonstrating an increasing level of responsibility and technical proficiency over time. The final step is passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which is distinctly different from the FE exam. The PE exam is a rigorous, discipline-specific, application-focused test that assesses a candidate’s ability to practice engineering competently and safely.
State Variations in EIT Requirements
Engineering licensure is regulated at the state level, meaning that state boards maintain the final authority over all requirements, even though the NCEES standardizes the exams. While the FE exam is consistent nationwide, the rules for applying for EIT status, including the timing of when a candidate can take the exam relative to graduation, can differ.
Some state boards allow the PE exam to be taken immediately after passing the FE exam, even before the experience requirement is met, a concept known as “decoupling.” Other states may have specific rules regarding the acceptance of non-ABET degrees or the minimum years of experience required for those without a traditional engineering degree. Candidates must consult the specific requirements of the state licensing board where they plan to practice to ensure they meet all application and eligibility criteria.