Is the EIT Exam Crucial for a Career in Aerospace?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Freeman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Aerospace Industry
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relevance of the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam for careers in the aerospace industry, particularly in relation to its necessity and advantages compared to other engineering fields. Participants explore the implications of obtaining the EIT certification within the context of private aerospace work.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the importance of the EIT exam for the aerospace industry, suggesting it may not provide significant advantages compared to other fields like HVAC or civil engineering.
  • One participant with experience in the aerospace sector indicates that there was little to no advantage to being an EIT or Professional Engineer (PE) in large companies, attributing any perceived benefits to work ethic rather than certification.
  • Another participant expresses a personal view that while they see no immediate need for the PE exam, they believe all engineers should pass the EIT exam for foundational knowledge.
  • A suggestion is made for current students to take the FE (EIT) exam while still in school to avoid relearning fundamental concepts later if they choose to pursue a PE.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the necessity and advantages of the EIT exam in aerospace careers, indicating that there is no consensus on its importance.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the advantages of certification are based on personal experience and may not account for all contexts within the aerospace industry. The discussion reflects a variety of perspectives on the value of the EIT exam without resolving the underlying uncertainties.

Greg Freeman
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
I know the EIT test is important for HVAC, infrastructure, and civil engineering, but how important is it for the aerospace/aviation industry? Does it make a difference at all if someone is completely involved in the private aerospace industry?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Greg,
I worked for the aerospace industry for 8 years after college (rocket launching from Cape Canaveral and Vandenburg, AFB). As far as I could tell, there was very little to no advantage to being an EIT or PE in that industry.

I've worked for a chemical company for 12 years since then, and still there seems to be very little advantage to being a PE. I think in general, there is little if any advantage to being a PE in large companies. If I had to put a number on it, I'd say there is a 10 to 20 % advantage, but most if not all of that advantage is in the fact that those people are generally more likely to work that much harder. It has little, if anything to do with the piece of paper.
 
I agree. I decided to put off the PE exam for quite a while. I just have no need for it. If I do decide to take it, it would be for personal reasons only. There are quite a few PEs in our company, but none of them have any requirement for putting their stamp of approval on anything.

Personally, I think every engineer should have to take and pass the EIT. But that's just my opinion.
 
If you're still in school, you might as well take the FE (EIT) exam. It's very broad, so if you decide to pursue a PE later on, you won't have to relearn lots of (albeit fundamental) concepts.

It's a little expensive, and quite long, but extremely easy if you are at an ABET accredited school.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
20K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K