A few questions about the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and EIT (Engineer-In-Training) certification:
My son took and passed it in the state where he just earned his degree. He’s moved back home and will be looking for FT jobs here and in nearby states. Does it matter that he passed the exam in a different state?
Also, if you have passed the FE in your discipline and earned your bachelor’s degree in an ABET-accredited program, are you automatically considered an EIT? I understand it’s a good idea to highlight that on your resume, but not sure exactly how and where to do that.
And should you list the state where you took the exam?
Generally, the state does not matter for purposes of the FE exam. (I say “generally” because I honestly don’t know the requirements in all 50 states)
One wrinkle that does exist is that the definition of EIT varies by state. Often, there is a little bit of paperwork involved after passing the exam in order to call yourself and EIT. Check with the board in either the testing state or home state to see if you need to do anything.
I am guessing the deeper question is how to put this on a resume. A simple statement indicating the FE exam was passed is sufficient.
The FE exam is a national test. There are some state requirements before you can sit for the test, but they are things like getting your diploma to register for the test. I think the EIT is more for getting all the requirements checked off to sit for the PE exam someday.
I’ve seen some job listings that say they prefer an EIT and also read a hiring manager recommending applicants place the EIT after their names on their resume so he can find it easily when going through stacks of resumes.
Maybe it’s something you add after your name on a case-by-case basis?
No, it doesn’t matter that he pass his EIT in other states. EIT certificate is recognized in all 50 states doesn’t matter where he took the exam.
It depends on what engineering career field he is going into. Some engineering field don’t have PE licenses like Aerospace Engineering and Astronautical Engineering even if your degree is ABET accredited. You are not going to find PE exams in those areas. You didn’t list what engineering field your son is taking the exam in.
Some job descriptions say it requires an EIT but EIT is really not needed for the job. For example, Project Manager and Construction Manager jobs don’t require a(n) EIT or PE but employers put that unnecessary requirement on there.
@IncorE206, sorry, I should have mentioned that in my OP - he took and passed the FE exam in mechanical engineering and may want to become a PE in the future.
In some states there are no general Mechanical Engineering PE exam. So, it would be best for your son to choose an area of focus if he want to become a PE in mechanical engineering. For example, NCEES’ PE Mechanical Engineering Exam covers only three areas:
Mechanical: HVAC and Refrigeration
Mechanical: Machine Design and Materials
Mechanical: Thermal and Fluids Systems