Hmmm...I know that you can pass the exam but not get licensed until you document your experience. But it depends on the state. NY doesn't allow that. Experience must be approved by the state prior to sitting for exam.
You mean until you pass the PE*. Yes, my father had to eventually pass the FE in order to be licensed. 7 years ago seems too recent for something like that to be allowed. I guess there are loopholes I'm unaware of.
Millennials are defined by low patience (I'm one of them). My father took the FE and PE on back to back days in '93 and passed PE and failed FE. Had to wait for the mailman to deliver the news.