Engineer-in-Training

Image Courtesy of Paulson Mitchell Inc

A few weeks back, I took the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)/Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Exam. Being perfectly honest, it was one of the worst tests of my life.  Not because it was hard. But because it was so long...8 hours to be exact.

So what is the FE?

The FE is the the stepping stone to becoming a Professional Engineer.  The test incorporates basically all of Mechanical Engineering into 1 (although it's not just for Mech E's).  The certification is required for many Civil Engineering jobs and those that deal with public welfare/projects.  Personally, I recommend everyone to take the exam.

So what is a Professional Engineer?

From the NCEES website, a Professional Engineer has the following responsibilities/duties:

• Stamping and sealing designs
• Bidding for government contracts
• Owning a firm
• Consulting
• Offering expert witness testimony
• Advertising services to the public

If you would like more information about the FE/PE Process, refer to this website.

You should probably think about taking this dreaded test, and I will tell you why.

1. Many companies give a salary boost. Who doesn't want that?
2. You don't want to take it later.  You've already taken the relevant classes.  You don't want to have to go back and study 4 years worth of material in 3 years when you've forgotten it.  You don't wanna study now- what will make you want to then?
3. It lines you up to become a Licensed Professional Engineer...after a few more hoops :-) Becoming a Professional Engineer lines you up for more opportunities in the distant future. If you aren't sure you want to pursue PE-ship...take the test anyway.
4. Did I mention that the test is Pass/No Pass? It never has to go onto your record if you don't pass.  But if you do....even better!

Man, I really hope I passed...

-Serena