Using the EIT title: Business cards, email, etc. 1

[tue98161]

I just passed my FE exam, and am now an EIT. I work at a small consulting company.

I wanted to ask advice/clarify a few things:

1. "EIT" title on business card? What are the reasons for/against doing this? What is most common?

2. Same question, but for email signature.

3. I'm not a PE, so I'm definitely not an engineer who signs drawings and calculations. But in conversation, either with people related to my field of work, or outside of my field, what is the best way to explain my "EIT" status? In other words, how do I accurately/ethically describe my responsibilities between doing engineering work but not actually being a licensed professional engineer yet? How do I not misrepresent myself?

Thanks!

 

[Hoxton]

From the UK: never be ashamed of what you have achieved. Be proud.

 

[MrHershey]

I'd only include if your title is engineer to avoid confusion and possible legal issues. If 'engineer' isn't in your title, then I don't think it's deceptive to omit it. If I don't see PE/SE after someone's name, I assume they're not a licensed engineer. Including the EIT instead isn't going to change that.

Probably an unpopular opinion but at least for me EIT doesn't lend much (if any) extra credibility. I would assume if you're doing engineering work that you're already an EIT (or just haven't taken it yet for whatever reason). It should be in your resume but I wouldn't list EIT on a business card or in an email any more than I'd advertise that I have a bachelor's degree. At least in my eyes, it's a prerequisite to work in this field rather than something that sets you apart.

 

[JAE]

From the PA board law:

[blue]A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice
engineering, land surveying or geology who practices any branch
of the profession of engineering, land surveying or geology; or
who, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or
in any other way represents himself to be an engineer, land
surveyor or geologist, or through the use of some other title
implies that he is an engineer, land surveyor or geologist or
that he is registered under this act; or who holds himself out
as able to perform, or who does perform any engineering, land
surveying or geological service or work or any other service
designated by the practitioner or recognized as engineering,
land surveying or geology.[/blue]

[blue]Section 6. Practice by Firms and Corporations.
The practice of engineering, of land surveying and of geology being
the function of an individual or of individuals working in concerted
effort, it shall be unlawful for any firm or corporation to engage in such
practice, or to offer to practice, or to assume use or advertise any title
or description, including the use of the term “engineer” or “engineering”
in its firm or corporate name, conveying the impression that such firm
or corporation is engaged in or is offering to practice such profession,
unless the directing heads and employes of such firm or corporation in
responsible charge of its activities in the practice of such profession are
licensed and registered in conformity with the requirements of this act,
and whose name, seal and signature, along with the date of signature,
shall be stamped on all plans, specifications, plats and reports issued by
such firm or corporation.[/blue]

So in PA it appears that they prohibit the term "engineer". Some states in the US only govern the term "Professional Engineer".
In this case PA probably uses the context of the offer, advertisement, card, etc. to determine if the use of engineer would be confusing to the public and applicable to actual engineering practice.

So for an EIT, to just put the term "Engineer" on your card or letter signature would be against the PA law.

Use of "Engineer-in-Training", "EIT", "Engineer Intern", though, would not.

Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
faq731-376