The short version: EIT stands for Engineer in Training. It is a state designation you earn after you pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and meet your state board’s education rules. Some states call it EI, for Engineer Intern. An EIT is not a license, but it shows employers you are on the path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
We see EIT on job posts all the time, usually as preferred for entry-level civil, structural, and building systems roles. Here is what it means and how to get it.
What is an EIT certification?
An EIT certification is your state board’s record that you have the education and passed the FE exam, the first exam toward a PE license. It sits between graduation and licensure. You cannot sign or seal engineering drawings as an EIT. You work under a licensed PE while you build the experience you need to take the PE exam.
| EIT or EI | PE | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A state designation | A state license |
| Exams passed | FE | FE and PE |
| Experience needed | None | Usually about four years |
| Can sign and seal work | No | Yes |
| Typical career stage | Graduation to year 4 | Year 4 and beyond |
How to get your EIT certification
- Earn an engineering degree. Most boards expect a bachelor’s from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. Many accept seniors who are close to finishing.
- Pass the FE exam. It is a computer-based exam from NCEES with 110 questions and a $225 fee. Our FE exam guide covers the format and how to study.
- Apply to your state board. Send proof of your degree and FE result and pay any board fee. Some states skip this step. Minnesota, for example, issues the EIT certificate automatically once you pass the FE.
The names differ by state. Engineer in Training, Engineer Intern, and Engineering Intern all mean the same stage. Check what your board calls it before you put it on your resume.
How much does an EIT certification cost?
The main cost is the $225 NCEES fee for the FE exam. State board fees for the EIT application are usually modest and vary by state, and some states charge nothing extra. Review books or courses are optional.
Does an EIT certification expire?
Rules vary. In many states your passing FE result stays valid for life, but some boards ask you to renew the EIT designation or set a time limit for moving on to the PE. Check your state board’s rules.
Why the EIT matters to employers
From the hiring side, an EIT tells an employer three things: you finished an accredited degree, you passed a hard national exam, and you plan to get licensed. That matters most at consulting firms and public agencies, where PEs lead projects and stamp drawings. Firms often pay for the PE exam and give a raise when you pass.
Not every engineering job cares. Product design, plant, and R&D roles often do not require a license at all. Our PE vs EIT guide for hiring managers explains when each one matters.
From EIT to PE
After you earn your EIT, you build about four years of qualifying experience, usually under a licensed PE, then pass the PE exam in your discipline. Keep a simple log of your projects, dates, duties, and supervisors from your first day. That log is the hardest part of the PE application to rebuild later. See how to get a PE license for the full path.
Frequently asked questions
Is EIT the same as EI?
Yes. Engineer in Training and Engineer Intern are two names states use for the same stage after passing the FE exam.
Is an EIT a license?
No. It is a designation. Only a PE license lets you offer engineering services to the public and seal drawings.
How do I list EIT on my resume?
Put it after your name and in your certifications section with the state, for example EIT, Georgia. Recruiters search for it.
Can I get an EIT without an engineering degree?
Some states allow related degrees or engineering technology degrees, sometimes with extra experience. Check with your board.
New EIT looking for your first role? Browse our open engineering jobs or send us your resume.
