The Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is the first formal step on the path toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). This designation is acquired by recent engineering graduates and students approaching graduation who have demonstrated a foundational understanding of engineering principles. Earning the EIT certification is a recognized milestone that establishes a professional commitment to competence and ethical practice. It represents the beginning of the structured, multi-year process required to eventually hold a full professional engineering license.
What Is the Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification?
The Engineer in Training (EIT), sometimes called the Engineer Intern (EI), is a professional designation granted by state engineering licensing boards. It is a certification, not a license to practice independently, and signifies that an individual has met the academic requirements and passed the foundational examination for engineering practice. The EIT designation confirms the individual has demonstrated basic competency in engineering principles and is now officially on the licensure track.
The process is governed by standards established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which develops the required exams and ensures a uniform approach across the United States. State boards use the EIT credential to recognize that a candidate has completed the first major step toward full licensure. Holding the EIT designation qualifies a professional to perform engineering work, but only under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.
Eligibility Requirements for EIT Status
The primary prerequisite for pursuing EIT status is the completion or near-completion of an engineering degree. The standard path involves holding a bachelor’s degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous quality standards, which state licensing boards recognize as sufficient for the education requirement. Most candidates take the required exam while in their final year of an ABET-accredited program or shortly after graduation.
Requirements for EIT status can vary depending on the jurisdiction where the candidate applies. Some state boards may allow applicants with non-ABET-accredited degrees or degrees in related science fields to qualify by requiring a review of their academic transcripts or by substituting progressive work experience. In most states, the degree and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam are the two core components required to apply for the official EIT or EI certification. The state board officially issues the EIT certificate after verifying both the educational background and the exam results.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the mechanism used to test a candidate’s academic knowledge and is the direct prerequisite for obtaining EIT certification. Designed for recent graduates, the FE exam assesses the fundamental concepts learned during a four-year undergraduate engineering program. Passing this exam is necessary to secure the EIT designation.
Exam Format and Structure
The FE exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 110 multiple-choice questions administered over a six-hour testing appointment. This time includes a tutorial, a nondisclosure agreement, a scheduled break, and five hours and twenty minutes dedicated to answering questions. The exam is closed-book, but examinees are provided with an electronic, searchable NCEES reference handbook accessible during the test. The FE exam is offered in seven discipline-specific versions, such as Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical, allowing candidates to select the version most relevant to their degree.
Registration and Administration
The NCEES administers the FE exam year-round in four-month testing windows at approved Pearson VUE test centers across the country. Candidates must register directly through their MyNCEES account and pay the required exam fee. While the NCEES handles the exam development and administration, candidates must often receive approval from their state licensing board before they are eligible to sit for the test. After successfully passing the FE exam, the candidate must formally apply to their specific state licensing board to be granted the official EIT or EI certification.
Preparing for the FE Exam
Preparation for the FE exam should involve structured study focused on the NCEES-published specifications for the chosen discipline. Candidates should use the official NCEES FE Reference Handbook during their study to become familiar with the exact formulas and data they will have access to on exam day. Utilizing official NCEES practice exams is recommended to simulate the computer-based testing environment and manage the time constraint. Selecting the correct discipline-specific exam is also important, as the content is tailored to the core subjects of that particular engineering field.
The Path to Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure
The EIT certification formally starts the experience phase required for full Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. This is a legally mandated period of supervised practice. An engineer holding the EIT credential must accumulate a specific number of years of qualifying engineering experience, typically four years in most jurisdictions. This experience must be progressive, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility and technical judgment, and must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed PE.
During this time, the EIT applies the theoretical knowledge tested by the FE exam to real-world projects and learns the professional and ethical standards of the field. The supervising Professional Engineer is responsible for mentoring the EIT and attesting to the quality and duration of the experience gained.
The final hurdle is the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam, which the EIT becomes eligible to take after fulfilling the experience requirement. This second NCEES-developed exam focuses on the practical application of engineering principles and requires depth of knowledge in a specific discipline. Passing the PE exam, along with submitting a comprehensive application detailing the required experience and professional references, leads to being granted a PE license. This license grants the legal authority to sign and seal engineering documents and offer services directly to the public.
Why Obtaining EIT Certification Matters
Obtaining the EIT certification provides immediate and tangible professional benefits. The designation serves as a formal validation of foundational knowledge, signaling to prospective employers that a candidate has mastered the academic requirements and is serious about pursuing licensure. This validation often translates directly into increased marketability and higher starting salaries for entry-level engineering positions compared to uncertified peers.
From a career progression standpoint, the EIT status is the necessary first step toward becoming a Professional Engineer. Without the EIT credential, an individual cannot begin to accumulate the years of supervised experience required to qualify for the PE exam and subsequent licensure. For engineers who eventually want the legal authority to take full responsibility for designs, sign off on plans, and manage public-facing projects, the EIT certification is a prerequisite that unlocks the entire career path.