#eit certification

While obtaining EIT certification may seem overwhelming, it provides numerous benefits and enhances your career opportunities. Wondering how to get certified? Here are the key steps you need to follow to obtain EIT certification.

State Board Requirements

Before starting the registration process, it's important to grasp the EIT requirements. You should have finished a bachelor's degree in engineering or a specific discipline from an ABET-accredited program. If you're in your final year of an engineering program, you may also qualify to take the EIT exam, which is the initial step toward EIT certification.

Register for the EIT Exam

The EIT exam, also known as the FE exam, plays a critical role in an engineer's career prospects. This exam will be administered by the NCEES board. Register for the EIT exam through the NCEES portal. 

While registering, choose your preferred FE exam discipline and select your convenient exam date/location. Submit the appropriate documentation and pay the exam fee to complete your registration process.

Prepare for the EIT Exam

How should you approach preparing for your EIT exam? Begin by reviewing the EIT exam syllabus and noting down the concepts that are crucial for exam success. Gather high-quality study materials to gain a thorough understanding of the concepts. Consistency is key! Always ensure that you prepare according to your study plan to help you keep track of your progress.

Consider enrolling in a School of PE review course to help you organize your studies and enhance your preparation. With expert guidance, you can grasp EIT concepts more efficiently. Take advantage of School of PE’s comprehensive study resources to become well-versed in all the topics, as each subject is equally important and likely to be covered in the exam.

Join our lecture classes to learn how to solve problems more efficiently. Our instructors will provide valuable tips and tricks to help you apply fundamental formulas and answer questions more quickly.

By taking full-length practice exams, you'll get an accurate idea of what the actual exam will be like. This will help you develop test-taking strategies, improve your time management skills, and more. After completing the practice exam, assess your performance to pinpoint areas that need improvement. This will allow you to focus on those areas and better prepare for the actual exam.

Pass the EIT Exam

Remember to review the EIT question paper and start by attempting all the easy questions first. This will allow you to finish the easy questions quickly and then move on to the difficult ones. Since the EIT exam does not have negative markings, it's a good idea to answer all the questions and make an educated guess if needed. Manage your time effectively and aim to complete all the questions within the allocated 6-hour time frame.

Apply for EIT Certification

Once you pass the EIT exam, apply for EIT certification through your state’s engineering licensure board. Most of the EIT application process varies from state to state, but typically, it involves submitting proof of your educational qualifications, the EIT exam results, and an application fee. While you wait for the certification, you can track the application progress through the licensing portal.

Conclusion

Achieving EIT certification is a significant milestone in your career, setting a solid foundation for obtaining your PE license. Start your journey today and take essential steps to reach your goal.

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) is a professional designation given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to a person who has passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination. In this blog, we answer some of the frequently asked questions on the EIT certification exam.

What is the EIT Certification exam?

The EIT certification exam, also known as the FE exam, is the first of the two exams engineers must pass to get their Professional Engineering (PE) license in the United States. Upon passing the FE exam, engineers can apply to the respective state boards for an EIT certificate. The state boards will review the application and grant them an official designation as an Engineer-in-Training. 

What is the EIT Certification exam pattern?

The FE exam is 6 hours long and consists of 110 MCQs. This exam is offered year-round in seven different disciplines, and they are as follows:

FE Chemical

FE Civil

FE Electrical and Computer

FE Environmental

FE Industrial and Systems

FE Mechanical

FE Other Disciplines

Is the EIT Exam a computer-based test?

Since 2014, the NCEES has offered all the EIT/FE disciplines in computer-based testing (CBT) format rather than pencil-and-paper format. It has resulted in the following changes:

The EIT certification exam will no longer be a pencil-and-paper exam.

Exam registration is open year-round.

The number of questions dropped down from 180 to 110.

The removal of the common breadth section of the test.

Who can take the EIT exam?

Recent graduates and students in their senior year of an EAC/ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering degree program can appear for the FE/EIT exam. 

Why should I take the EIT exam?

To secure a Professional Engineering (PE) license, you must pass the FE exam. Becoming a PE has a lot of advantages, so passing the FE/EIT exam early in your career is essential to become a successful engineer.

How to register for the exam?

You can register online via the NCEES website. Login to your MyNCEES account, choose the 'Register' option and follow the instructions on the screen. An exam fee of $175 is payable directly to the NCEES.

When is the FE exam offered?

The NCEES offers the FE exam year-round in four 2-month testing windows:

January-February

April-May

July-August

October-November 

Can I retake the FE/EIT exam?

You can take the exam once during each testing window     and up to a maximum of 3 times per 12-month span. However, the policy may vary from state to state, so check your state board's regulations to avoid confusion. 

What is the ideal time to take the FE/EIT exam?

Taking the exam soon after graduation or in the final year of your undergrad program is a wise decision because the basic concepts will be fresh in your memory, and it can boost your chances of passing the exam. If more than 4-5 have passed since your graduation, the FE exam can be notoriously hard to pass.

How long should I study?

Starting your prep early, at least 4-6 months before the examination date, gives you a better shot at passing the exam. Spend 1-2 hours on the weekdays and half a day on weekends, and do not miss out on any topics in the syllabus. 

Does the EIT certification guarantee job opportunities?

Having an EIT adds value to your resume, and some companies prefer candidates with an EIT over others. However, passing the FE exam does not guarantee job opportunities.

However, more government and private firms are interested in hiring licensed engineers down the line. So, having an EIT certification is essential for earning the PE license.

Hope we have answered some of your burning questions regarding the FE/EIT exam. 

How to Prepare for the Engineer in Training (EIT) Exam?

Are you preparing for the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam? Kickstart your preparation with the School of PE. Our course, meticulously designed to meet the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) specifications, provides everything you need to excel. Take advantage of expert instruction to apply your knowledge on the specific questions and maximize your chances of success in the exam. Please register today and join the ranks of our successful students!

Before we learn about EIT certification, let us address the most frequently asked question:

Are FE and EIT the Same? What Is the Difference?

While FE and EIT are not the same, they differ by an official confirmation through an application. In short, EIT is a certification provided to you by your State Licensing Board once you pass the FE Exam.

Engineer in Training (EIT) is a certification to show your commitment to becoming a professional engineer. Now that we have cleared that up, let us see how you can get one.

Steps to Become an EIT:

Check your state requirements. Every state has specific requirements that are available on the NCEES website

Create an account with NCEES and register to take the FE Exam.

Once you finish your undergraduate degree, you can take the FE Exam. You can also take it while you are in your final year.

Pass the FE Exam

Send an application to your State Licensing Board to obtain your EIT certificate. The application fee ranges between $50-75 for most states. The board might take up to 8 weeks to send your EIT certification.

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam:

Passing the FE Exam is necessary to call yourself an EIT and take your PE Exam. You can choose any of the following disciplines to pass the FE Exam:

FE Chemical

FE Civil

FE Electrical

FE Environmental

FE Industrial

FE Mechanical

FE Other (General)

Learn More About EIT:

Not a license: Remember, EIT is not a license to practice or introduce yourself as an engineer. EIT is just a title given to you that ensures you have passed the FE Exam

Every state recognizes EIT: As this certificate is provided by the State Licensing Board, it is recognized nationally. Even if you get your EIT certification and relocate to another state, you do not need to apply for another certification.

Working as an EIT: Once you get an EIT certification, you must work as an Engineer in Training for four years. You must pursue this experience under a licensed professional engineer. After completion, you will be eligible to take the PE Exam.

Exception: While many states require four years of experience as an EIT, some, like South Carolina, just want you to pass the FE Exam. You can take the PE Exam right after you pass the FE and complete your undergraduate. You can start working and acquire experience as a PE if you pass the exam. It is only valid when you reside in that state.

Job opportunities: EIT certification is given to you after successfully passing your FE Exam and completing your bachelor's degree. Engineering firms recognize it more and more employment opportunities are available to you.

Takeaway: