For any engineering college senior who anticipates applying for registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) sometime in the future, it is advisable to take the EIT exam (formerly the Fundamentals for Engineering, or FE exam) at the earliest possible date.
All applicants for registration as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) must pass a written examination in the fundamentals of engineering before registration can be granted by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The EIT registrants may, after a minimum of four (4) years of professional work experience, apply for registration as a Professional Engineer. All states have similar requirements.
Graduates of an accredited curriculum in engineering may apply for registration as an EIT and will be granted such registration upon passing the required examination. The Board will permit currently enrolled engineering seniors who are within two (2) semesters of graduation to take the exam. If they pass it and submit proof to the Board that they have received an engineering degree, the Board will grant registration (certification) as an EIT.
The application forms for the EIT exam consist of two (2) parts. The first part is called "Application for Certification as Engineer in Training."