General Information regarding Engineer In Training (EIT)

For detailed information regarding the entire process of becoming
a Professional Engineer (PE), please visit the NCEES website and
your state's licensure website (California).

What is EIT?

The Engineer In Training (EIT) certification is a crucial step in the process of becoming a Professional Engineer. It is also known as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate.

Who should take the EIT test?

Students who have meet the minimum requirements should take the test as soon as possible. Generally speaking, an EIT candidate needs to complete three years of engineering experience, three years of post-secondary engineering education, or a combination of the two options totaling three years.

Where and When is the test?

The current schedule of tests can be found on the website of the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. You will select a test location when you register for the exam with the NCEES. There are usually test sites in Pomona and San Diego.

How to register?

It is crucial to review the registration deadlines published by both the California Board and NCEES because they are different. Currently you will register through the NCEES site first. Upon complete registration with NCEES you will print a form, sign and date, and mail the form with your check and self-addressed confirmation postcard to the California Board. In the past, the California registration deadline occurs at least a month before the NCEES deadline.
There are very specific rules governing what resources can be used during the test (including what kind of calculator). Please review these rules on both the California Board and NCEES websites.

How much does the test cost?

Registration with the NCEES is free. When you mail your registration form to the California Board you will need to include a $100 payment (as specified by the Board).
CSULB Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management students who pass the exam on their first attempt can be reimbursed the $100 fee! Proof of passing the exam needs to be submitted to Ms. Ameeta Perera and the CE/CEM department will reimburse you.

What is on the test?

A summary of the testing subjects and proportions for the exam can be found here. At CSULB, the Chi Epsilon club provides review sessions leading up to the exam dates. Please look for fliers and emails advertising the sessions or email Chi Epsilon directly.

What to do before taking the PE test?

Generally speaking (please look into the requirements on your own):

Obtain six years of engineering experience working under a Professional Engineer (graduating from an ABET accredited bachelor degree program counts as four of the six years).

Obtain four letters of recommendation from existing Professional Engineers under whose direction you have performed engineering duties.

Obtain a Ph.D. in engineering or pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The state of California currently refers to this exam and its resulting certification as Engineer In Training (EIT).