Ethics and Professional Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real EIT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics and Professional Practice flashcards as text
A licensed engineer in State A wishes to practice engineering in State B without obtaining licensure there. Which mechanism allows this in many states?
Answer: Reciprocity or comity agreements between states
Reciprocity (comity) agreements allow a PE licensed in one state to obtain licensure in another state without retaking examinations, based on equivalent standards.
According to engineering ethics principles, when an engineer is uncertain whether a design meets safety requirements, they should:
Answer: Apply a conservative approach and resolve the uncertainty before finalizing the design
When safety requirements are uncertain, engineers must resolve the uncertainty through analysis, testing, or consultation before finalizing the design.
Which of the following is an example of an engineer acting as a 'faithful agent' of their client?
Answer: Keeping the client's confidential project information private from competitors
Acting as a faithful agent includes protecting client confidentiality, provided doing so does not conflict with the public safety obligation.
The Fundamental Canon that engineers 'shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession' most directly prohibits:
Answer: Making false or misleading statements about professional qualifications
Misrepresenting qualifications directly violates the obligation to uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession.
An engineer submits a proposal that intentionally understates the true project cost to win a contract, planning to recover costs through change orders. This practice is known as:
Answer: Low-ball bidding
Low-ball bidding with intent to recover costs through change orders is an unethical practice that deceives clients and undermines fair competition.
An engineer who holds a PE license is offered a position managing a non-engineering department (e.g., marketing). Which statement is most accurate?
Answer: The PE license requires annual renewal regardless of professional role
PE licenses require periodic renewal (typically every two years) regardless of whether the holder is actively practicing engineering.
A client requests that an engineer certify a product as compliant with a standard the engineer has not fully reviewed. The engineer should:
Answer: Decline to certify until a thorough review of the applicable standard is completed
Engineers must not certify compliance with standards they have not personally and thoroughly reviewed; verbal assurances from others are insufficient.