What Is EIT And EI Certification & How to Get EIT/EI Certified?

Have you passed your FE exam? Now, what’s next?

After passing your FE exam, you can earn an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) certification, an optional credential.

The engineering intern license does not provide any exceptional legal privileges. Instead, it informs employers and peers that you have passed the FE exam and are on your route to becoming a fully licensed professional engineer (PE).

This article will explain EIT, the steps to earning EI certification, and what you can do after obtaining your EIT or EI license.

So, let’s start by understanding the difference between EIT and EI certification:

What is Meant by EIT and EI Certification?

After passing the FE exam, prospective engineers are awarded the Engineer in Training or Engineer Intern certification, the most popularly known NCEES® certification in the United States. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES®) recognizes the EIT and EI certification as valid designations and equivalent versions in terminology that differs from state to state.

Candidates who complete an educational program can acquire the EIT or EI certification before taking the Professional Engineer (PE) exam to earn the PE license. Obtaining the EIT or EI certification demonstrates to employers that you are competent in the fundamentals of engineering and advancing toward professional licensing.

Furthermore, while the EI certificate isn’t mandatory, taking and passing the FE exam is, as it demonstrates your grasp of specialized engineering principles. 

How to Get EIT/EI Certification?

If you want to become an engineer, you may wonder how to get EIT/EI certification. This can be a great way to show your dedication and skills as an engineer. Here, we’ll outline the certification process and what it can do for your career. Let’s get started.

1. Get an Engineering Degree From an Accredited Institute in the US

Complete your engineering education and earn an engineering degree from an ABET-accredited institute in the US to meet the FE exam’s eligibility requirements. A bachelor’s degree may be required on a minimum basis, depending on your specialization.

Employers in highly specialized industries such as chemical, biotechnical, nuclear, and geotechnical engineering, for example, may frequently require degrees. A diploma in engineering, on the other hand, can prepare you for a career in software, mechanical, or technical engineering fields.

While it’s possible to get your foot into engineering with a diploma, the number of employers requiring experts with degrees is increasing.

2. Study For the FE Exam

Earning an EI certificate requires passing the FE exam, also known as the EI exam, which demonstrates your skill and understanding of the industry.

So, start preparing for the FE exam. Ensure to receive a free copy of the FE Reference Handbook in digital form (PDF) from NCEES®. Although you can buy a physical copy too, we recommend you become used to searching and browsing the PDF because that will be available during the official exam.

Get an NCEES® approved calculator, familiarize yourself with it, and learn the functions that will be useful during the exam.

We recommend considering our FE electrical exam course preparation, which will able you to manage time and solve FE-styled questions.

3. Register For the FE Exam

To take the FE exam, you will first need to register for it by creating a MyNCEES® account. After you sign up, you will have to pay $175 as an FE exam fee. Then, you will get access to their dashboard, where you may obtain the required test materials, register, and schedule the date for the FE exam.

Make sure to check out your state board’s requirements, as some states require you to fulfill specific needs, such as paperwork, before you register for the FE exam. If you need help registering, check out our guide on how to register for the FE exam.

4. Give FE Exam

The next step is to give the FE test, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES®), via each state’s licensing body.

The FE test comprises 110 questions and requires at least six hours to be completed. That time is split into four parts:

• 2 minutes for signing a non-disclosure agreement
• 8 minutes for the exam tutorial
• 5 hours and 20 minutes for the actual test
• 25 minutes for a scheduled break

We have a complete guide on what is on the FE exam. We highly recommend checking it out.

5. Get Your EIT/EI Certificate

Gaining an engineering intern license is necessary to obtain a Professional Engineer license.

You can fill out and submit your EI or EIT certification application on the NCEES® website, where you can also access your test results, including the EIT. Test scores, completion dates, and verification of a degree or diploma in your engineering field are among the prerequisites that vary from state to state. The NCEES® confirms you once you are approved and then mails you your EI certification.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resource for your PE Power exam preparation, explore our PE Power Examination Prep Resource.

Our proven, on-demand content and live training have successfully helped thousands of students pass their PE exam.

Related Reading

• Can You Get A PE License Without An Engineering Degree
• Does PE License Transfer Between States
• Is A PE License Worth It
• Benefits Of PE License
• PE Experience
• How To Get EIT
• How To Get PE License
• PE License Renewal
• PE Exam Requirements To Become A Certified Engineer

Maximizing Your EIT/EI Advantage  

Earning your EIT/EI certification is a stepping stone to your engineering career, but it doesn’t end there. Here’s how to maximize the value of your certification:

Network Like a Pro: EIT/EI certification opens doors to professional organizations with dedicated Young Engineer (YE) or Younger Member Groups. These groups host networking events, conferences, and mentorship programs. Actively participating allows you to connect with experienced PEs, gain valuable insights into the profession, and build a strong network that can be a significant asset throughout your career.

Stand Out in the Job Market: While an EIT/EI certification isn’t a golden ticket, it can give you a significant edge in the entry-level job market. A 2021 survey by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) found that 77% of employers consider EIT/EI certification a positive factor when evaluating candidates for engineering positions. Highlight your certification prominently on your resume, using relevant keywords tailored to your engineering discipline.

Boost Your Resume and Skills: Don’t just list your EIT/EI certification – showcase it! Create a dedicated “Professional Licensure and Certifications” section on your resume. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so incorporating relevant keywords increases your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

Gain Practical Experience: As an EIT/EI, you’ll often have the opportunity to work alongside licensed PEs on real projects. Take initiative! Seek out opportunities to contribute meaningfully under a PE’s supervision. This practical experience allows you to develop problem-solving skills, gain valuable industry knowledge, and demonstrate your commitment to the profession – all essential ingredients for a successful engineering career.

By leveraging your EIT/EI certification for networking, job market advantage, resume building, and gaining practical experience, you can transform it from a credential into a springboard that propels you toward your engineering goals.

Conclusion

EIT and EI certification show that the person has passed the FE exam but requires sufficient work experience to become a licensed professional engineer (PE).

You can get your EI certification by earning a degree from an ABET-accredited school, taking and passing the FE exam, and submitting an application to your state board.

We hope this article clarifies the difference between EIT and EI certification and how to get one.