For an engineering profession, will an engineer be required to have taken the FE Exam? (Fundamentals of Engineering)
Im a chemical engineering student in my senior year and my advisor said that if i take the FE exam, i wont have to take a engineering elective but i have seen a FE practice exam and i haven't taken the proper class that i will be taking until my last semester. I would like to know if in the future i will ever need to take it and if so, how will it affect my career? #engineering #career #engineer #exam
3 answers
Ankit N’s Answer
As you might be knowing by now, chemical engineering is a broad field with applications in areas ranging from space, pharma to biology and even electronics manufacturing.
As someone who is working in semiconductor manufacturing, EIT certification is certainly not required to do my daily job.
I also know that various engineering research departments also don't require EIT certificate.
But it is always a good idea to keep your options open. EIT certification certainly helps you get an edge in traditional chemical manufacturing industries. It also serves as a stepping stone to obtaining PE licence.
So even though it is not required, I strongly urge you to complete EIT certification
Peter’s Answer
Cristian:
The Fundamentals of Engineering (also known as the Engineer-in-Training-EIT) Exam is very important. I believe it is required prior to your taking the Professional Engineering (PE) Exam, the exam you must eventually pass in order to get a PE License. Equally important is that many employers expect their newly hired engineers out of college to have taken and passed the EIT. So YES, I'd advise that you take this exam. Its given twice a year, so you may be able to wait to take the exam until after you have completed the course that you are concerned about.
Pete Sturtevant, P.E.
Megan’s Answer
That being said, once you take and pass your FE exam, your passing score is valid FOREVER. This means even if you are 20 years into your career and suddenly need your PE certification, your FE exam requirement would still be completed. The FE exam is far easier to take when you are in your senior year or fresh out of college, so it is recommended that you go ahead and take it when you can.
Some companies also like to see that you have completed it because you would have an easier time getting your PE down the line if they need it, so it's also a good thing to add to your resume.