What is the most fundamental ethical obligation for engineers?

Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public

True or False: A PE license grants competence in all engineering disciplines.

False. Competence requires education, training, and experience in specific technical fields.

What must engineers disclose to avoid _____ of interest?

Conflicts

Which organization provides the Model Rules of Professional Conduct?
A) ASCE
B) NCEES
C) IEEE
D) ASME

B) NCEES

Engineers must perform services only in areas of their _____.

Competence

What happens when public safety conflicts with employer directives?

Public safety takes precedence over all other considerations including employment.

True or False: Engineers can seal documents prepared entirely by others.

False. Engineers should only seal documents prepared by them or under their direct supervision.

What does 'responsible charge' require from engineers?

Direct control and personal supervision of engineering work

Which action violates the competence requirement?
A) Seeking qualified assistance
B) Disclosing limitations
C) Accepting work beyond expertise
D) Pursuing additional training

C) Accepting work beyond expertise

Engineers must act as faithful _____ or trustees for employers.

Agents

What should engineers do when professional judgment is overruled endangering safety?

Notify proper authorities of the unsafe condition

True or False: Personal friendships never constitute conflicts of interest.

False. Personal relationships can compromise professional objectivity and must be disclosed.

Name one requirement for issuing public statements.

Must be objective and truthful based on adequate knowledge

What is 'plan stamping' and why is it prohibited?

Sealing work without responsible charge; violates competence and supervision requirements

Engineers cannot accept compensation from _____ parties without disclosure.

Multiple

When must confidentiality be overridden?
A) Never
B) When required by law
C) When public safety is at risk
D) Both B and C

D) Both B and C

What demonstrates competence in a technical field?

Education, training, and experience in that specific area

True or False: Employment threats justify accepting work beyond competence.

False. Public safety obligations supersede employment concerns.

Engineers must give _____ for work to those who deserve it.

Credit

What should engineers do before accepting work in unfamiliar areas?

Disclose limitations and seek assistance from qualified individuals

Which violates deceptive practices rules?
A) Listing earned degrees
B) Claiming unearned qualifications
C) Accurate experience descriptions
D) Truthful capability statements

B) Claiming unearned qualifications

When reviewing another engineer's work, what knowledge is required?

The original engineer's knowledge or terminated connection to the work

True or False: Engineers can use confidential information for personal gain.

False. This violates confidentiality obligations to employers and clients.

What principle supersedes financial gain and project deadlines?

Public safety, health, and welfare

Engineers must avoid conduct that _____ the public.

Deceives

Scenario: A PE discovers structural defects but management refuses repairs. What action?

Document concerns and notify appropriate authorities about unsafe conditions

What should proposals avoid regarding engineer qualifications?

Material misrepresentations or omissions about relevant experience

True or False: Engineers must complete continuing education requirements.

True. Professional competency requires ongoing development throughout careers.

How should engineers handle kickbacks from suppliers?

Refuse all gratuities and compensation from contractors or suppliers

What constitutes responsible charge when sealing documents?

Having direct supervisory control over the work's preparation

When facing ethical dilemmas, what should engineers consult first?

NCEES Model Rules and applicable state board regulations

Scenario: PE lacks wastewater experience but needs job. Ethical to accept?

No, violates competence requirement regardless of employment pressure

What protection exists for engineers reporting safety violations?

Many jurisdictions provide whistleblower protection for good faith reports