As engineering is a highly regulated field, professionals are required to obtain educational credits and certifications to prove their competency. One such essential credential is the engineer in training certificate.

The engineer in training certificate or EIT certificate is a vital stepping stone for aspiring engineers aiming for professional licensure. It showcases their foundational understanding and ability to perform entry-level engineering roles.

However, obtaining this certification entails more than passing exams—prospective engineers must also fulfill specific requirements set by their state’s regulatory board. Since these requirements typically vary by state, they pose a challenge for candidates to navigate.

This article will help you overcome this obstacle by guiding you through the process of obtaining the EIT certificate. Here, we’ll discuss what an EIT certificate is and cover:

• The requirements for obtaining it
• The benefits it offers

We’ll also show you how Harbor Compliance’s Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions can simplify the process of navigating your professional engineering licenses and certificates.

What Is an Engineer in Training Certification?

The EIT certificate, also known as the engineering intern (EI) certificate, is a credential awarded to aspiring engineers who have successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exams.

The FE exam is a rigorous six-hour test administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), which evaluates a candidate's understanding of fundamental engineering principles. As such, the EIT certification marks an important milestone in an engineer’s career journey, demonstrating their aptitude for entry-level engineering positions.

While obtaining an EIT certificate is a significant achievement, it’s important to note that it doesn’t make you a licensed professional engineer (PE). Becoming a PE requires candidates to acquire industry experience and pass the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exam conducted by NCEES. Nonetheless, an EIT certificate brings you one step closer to becoming a professional engineer.

How To Get an Engineer in Training Certificate

Although the process for obtaining an EIT certificate often varies from state to state, the core requirements are relatively uniform. To qualify for the EIT certificate, candidates typically need to meet two primary prerequisites:

1. They must hold an engineering degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
2. They must successfully pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Here’s how registering for the FE exam works:

1. Visit the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) website and create a MyNCEES account.
2. Check the requirements for your region on the website (as some states may request that you provide prior notification before you can take the exam).
3. Complete the exam registration via your MyNCEES account.
4. Pick an exam date that fits your schedule.

After passing the FE exam, you can proceed to your state’s engineering regulatory board. Here, you’ll be required to provide details like your university transcript and FE exam score. Once all provided data has been verified, your state’s board will issue your engineer in training certificate.

Benefits of Obtaining the Engineer in Training Certification

While it is not mandatory for all engineering disciplines and positions, obtaining an EIT certificate is advisable, especially for those planning to become licensed professional engineers. This is because there are numerous benefits associated with obtaining an engineer in training license. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Prestige and recognition—Securing an EIT certificate demonstrates your fundamental understanding of engineering principles and your ability to assume an entry-level engineering position in an organization.
• Competitive edge—While not all engineering job openings require candidates to have an EIT certificate, possessing one can distinguish you among a pool of applicants. It also allows you to apply for positions that explicitly seek candidates with EIT certifications.
• Pathway to securing professional engineer licensure—Obtaining an EIT certificate often requires meeting some of the requirements necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. Consequently, securing EIT credentials often serves as a foundation for future career advancements.

Harbor Compliance—Navigating the Engineer in Training Certification Requirements Made Easy

Obtaining an EIT certificate can be time-consuming, especially since the process often varies across states, and it can be difficult to determine each state’s specific requirements. Our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions help individuals and firms navigate the complexities of obtaining the licenses and certifications needed in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries.

From providing detailed insights into application and renewal requirements, we strive to help our clients meet state requirements and maintain good standing in their respective industries.

Benefits of Using Harbor Compliance

Navigating the process of obtaining an EIT certificate independently can be an exhausting endeavor. After registering and passing the six-hour FE test, you have to conduct extensive research to understand the requirements for securing and maintaining the certification from your state engineering regulatory board. That’s where Harbor Compliance comes in!

Harbor Compliance offers a software solution called Compliance Core™, which features a vast database with information on over 800 AEC-specific licenses. This includes information on requirements for individual and firm licenses shown in the table below:

Individual Licenses	Firm Licenses
Hazardous material transportation Nuclear engineer Professional geologist Professional mechanical engineer Engineer-in-charge	Biomedical engineering firms Engineering firms Soil science firms

The Process of Ordering Harbor Compliance Services

Harbor Compliance provides three major service options, allowing you to decide the level of assistance you need to meet your licensing requirements:

• Self-managed—Here, you have the freedom to manage your licensing independently while leveraging the power of Compliance CoreTM, the algorithm powering our proprietary software platform. This platform has a database with licensing regulatory information for all states.
• Hybrid service—This option allows users to enjoy the benefits of our software platform along with personalized guidance from our team of licensing experts.
• Fully managed—In this case, our expert team takes care of all licensing-related tasks, from initial application submission to renewal management. Additionally, we’ll keep you informed with regular updates on your license status and any regulatory changes. Note that this option is available for firm licenses only.

In any case, you need to take the following steps to order our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions:

1. Visit this page to fill out the form.
2. Enter the required personal information, including your name, email, and phone number.
3. Choose Engineering from the drop-down menu when asked to select the industry.
4. Click Submit.

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance goes beyond simplifying the process of obtaining engineering licenses for firms. In the table below, we highlighted the most notable services from our diverse portfolio:

Category	Services
Entity lifecycle management	We offer support to organizations through every phase of their lifecycle, from obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and reserving names in multiple states to handling reinstatement, dissolution, and withdrawal processes.
Document filing and retrieval	Assisting organizations in fulfilling regulatory requirements by handling tasks like drop-off filing, annual report filing, and obtaining certificates of good standing.
Registered agent service	Acting as a registered agent, we accept legal documents like subpoenas and lawsuits on your behalf.
Business licensing support	Helping secure, manage, and renew general business licenses by assisting in the preparation and filing of required applications.
Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting	Helping organizations maintain accurate records and fulfill regulatory requirements by collecting and storing beneficial ownership information into a file and providing proof of completion when filings are completed.
Nonprofit formation	Assisting in establishing nonprofit incorporation and supporting nonprofit organizations seeking to apply for 501(c) tax exemption.
Tax registration	Helping organizations navigate the complexities of the tax landscape by providing support for payroll tax registration and sale and use tax registration.

Engineer in Training Certificate FAQs

Below are some frequently asked EIT certification questions. For additional details on your state’s regulatory board and regulatory requirements, visit Harbor Compliance’s Information Center.

Explore Engineer in Training Certificate Requirements and Manage Your Firm Licenses With Harbor Compliance

Engineering is a highly regulated industry, and the certification requirements often vary across states, demanding extensive and time-consuming research. This doesn’t apply only to individuals—as a company, you need to understand and stay up to date with the licensing requirements in your state and potential expansion territories.

Harbor Compliance offers a way out with its robust software solutions and expert guidance which can save you time, effort, and money. Sign up for our Architecture and Engineering Compliance Solutions today and let us help you preserve good standing across the U.S.

If you’d like to partner with us, our team of experts can help you choose the best service option for your needs. Additionally, you can request a demo to familiarize yourself with our proprietary software.

You can ensure compliance with your state’s regulatory board by obtaining your free Harbor Compliance Score™.