2024 Professional Engineers Day: Navigating the Path to PE
Every year, Professional Engineer (PE) Day provides an opportunity to honor the incredible contributions of PEs who advance the world. While we typically celebrate the achievements of licensed PEs, this year we shine a spotlight on the journey toward earning that prestigious title. Becoming a PE begins with foundational steps such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and earning the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation. These milestones represent the first steps in a rewarding and challenging career.
The Gateway to PE: The FE Exam and EIT Explained
Administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the FE exam tests candidates on a comprehensive range of engineering concepts. It serves as a benchmark of basic engineering knowledge. It is typically taken by recent graduates or students close to completing an undergraduate engineering degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited program.
Upon passing the FE exam, individuals earn the EIT or Engineer Intern (EI) designation. This designation signifies that they have mastered the fundamentals of engineering and are on the path toward becoming licensed PEs. The EIT status is a mark of dedication and readiness to take on more complex challenges in the engineering field.
AEI Employee FE & EIT Journeys
To honor National PE Day, we asked AEI employees to share their FE and EIT journeys and describe how they believe these steps toward a PE license will impact their career trajectory. Our respondents are at various stages on the path to PE, from those diligently studying and balancing preparation with work responsibilities to others who have recently completed and passed the FE exam. No matter where they are on their journey, this process represents a significant milestone in their professional development.
How do the FE exam and EIT designation influence professional opportunities?
Achieving FE certification and earning the EIT designation can open doors to new professional opportunities and set the stage for a successful career in engineering. For many, it marks the beginning of a transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application in real-world projects. The certification is often a requirement for more advanced roles within the industry, and it serves as a stepping stone toward PE licensure. Read how AEI employees anticipate the FE exam and the EIT designation will shape their careers:
Kristin Cimmerer
“I hope obtaining my FE certification will open up more career advancement opportunities. Ultimately, my goal is to get my PE certification. Receiving my FE will be a big milestone towards that goal!” – Kristin Cimmerer (She/Her), Mechanical Engineer I, Studying for the FE Exam.
Shant Diarbi
“Having my FE certification shows that I am dedicated to my trade and allows me to pursue PE certification if I choose to do so in the future. Having PE certification is valuable for showcasing my experience and technical abilities to employers and opens the door to future opportunities.” – Shant Diarbi (He/Him), Piping/Plumbing Engineer I, Achieved FE/EIT.
Tessa Luzney
“Obtaining an FE certification demonstrates ambition and commitment to the engineering profession. This certification will highlight my readiness to tackle complex engineering challenges with ethical and accurate solutions. Additionally, it will open doors for continuous learning and mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals throughout my career.” – Tessa Luzney (She/Her), Piping/Plumbing Engineer Intern, Achieved FE/EIT.
Jimmy Nguyen
“I believe my FE certification will open many doors in my professional career. Obtaining a PE license is one of my biggest goals, and I am one step closer to achieving that. It will be satisfying to see my name on a stamp and know that my work will help build society.” – Jimmy Nguyen (He/Him), Mechanical Engineer I, Achieved FE/EIT.
Chrizzell Jay (CJ) Sanchez
“I am anticipating that I will be able to take more ownership of the projects that I work on and will eventually be able to sign and seal my own projects once I pass the PE.” – Chrizzell Jay (CJ) Sanchez (He/Him), Electrical Engineer I, Achieved FE/EIT.
Adam Smith
“I believe obtaining my FE will allow me to strive towards my goal of being a PE and influence my career trajectory by allowing me to grow and thrive into higher leadership positions at AEI.” – Adam Smith (He/Him), Mechanical Engineer I, Studying for the FE Exam.
Fahad Syed
“It will increase my credibility and marketability as an engineer. It will open up more professional opportunities, such as higher-level positions, projects requiring licensed engineers, and the potential for salary increases. The certification demonstrates my commitment to the field and my readiness for further licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).” – Fahad Syed (He/Him), Mechanical Engineer I, Achieved FE/EIT.
Celebrating the Path to PE
PE Day is not just a celebration of the achievements of professional engineers; it's also a recognition of the journey each engineer takes to reach this esteemed status. We honor those currently pursuing their FE certification and EIT designation. Your dedication and perseverance are commendable, and we look forward to celebrating your future successes.