Has anyone taken both the EIT and PE Exams at the same time? Any tips 1

[abzpdl]

I have many years of experience and want to start my own business in engineering. I am considering taking both the EIT exam and the PE exam at the same time. Did anyone try that? Were you successful and how much prep time did it take?

 

[borjame]

this link should answer most of your questions

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/engineering/pe-eit-exam/

 

[nornrich]

Dear abzpdl,

In taking my review course for the PE exam, I had an instructor who took both the EIT and the PE on consecutive days. He managed to pass both but said it was the worst two days of his life and he walked away with a spliting headache. Each state regulates how and when you will be able to sit for the exams. In Pennsylvania there has been a transition from old laws to new. Under the old laws you were able to take both exams within the same timeframe. The laws now state that "if you recieved a degree after June 30, 1994, or began experience after February 19, 1991" you must adhere to the following:

with a degree you will need the EIT and 4 more years of progressive experience.

without a degree you must have EIT certificate and the candidate's amplified record of experience must show at least 12 years of experience (8 of which qualified one to sit for the FE exam) and an additional 4 years gained after the issuance of the certificate, under the supervision of a PE.

So each state varies as to when and how you can take the exam. It is best to check with your state board of licensing on the laws that apply in your case. It might not be feasible to take both exams at the same time.

IMHO, I would take at least a year between the two exams. The preparation for each is totally different and the amount of time in preparation is going to vary. For the EIT exam you need a firm grasp of the basics and the ability to recall them quickly. For the PE exam you will need to the ability to do more complex, and in depth analysis on fewer problems.

Hope this helps....

Rich.....

Richard Nornhold, PE
nornrich@redrose.net

 

[plasgears]

I rather enjoyed the experience even after graduating eng school 13 yrs prior. I took a 6 mo prep course that was very helpful not only for passing the exams but for building confidence in future problem solving. I would recommend going for the PE for all graduate engineers.

 

[abzpdl]

Thank you for your replies and helpful link. I do indeed look forward to studying for a big technical exam, like the ol' college days. Since I do not want to give myself a splitting headache, and am now enlightened to the significant differences in preparing for the two exams, I'll take the EIT exam first, and the PE in the next round.