Ethics & Professional Engineering Practices 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 & Professional Engineering Practices flashcards as text
Which of the following is an engineer's obligation regarding continuing education after licensure?
Answer: Most states require continuing professional competency (CPC) or PDH hours for PE license renewal
The majority of U.S. states require licensed PEs to complete Professional Development Hours (PDH) or equivalent continuing education as a condition of license renewal.
An engineer designing a structure for a seismic zone deliberately uses lower-grade specifications to reduce project cost at the client's request. This is:
Answer: Unethical because safety standards exist to protect the public, not just the client
Engineers cannot compromise public safety codes at a client's request because building codes protect third parties and the public, not just the contracting client.
The term 'professional engineer (PE)' legally means:
Answer: An engineer who has passed all required licensing exams and is registered in a state
The title 'Professional Engineer' is a legally protected designation reserved for individuals who have met education, experience, and examination requirements and are state-registered.
An engineer is pressured by management to approve a project schedule they believe is unrealistic and may lead to unsafe shortcuts. The ethical approach is to:
Answer: Formally refuse to approve it and document the reasons in writing
Engineers must refuse to approve work or schedules they believe will compromise safety and must document their objections formally to create a clear professional record.
Engineers are prohibited from practicing in a manner that would constitute a 'deceptive act or practice.' Which of the following would qualify?
Answer: Misrepresenting the engineer's qualifications or experience on a proposal
Misrepresenting qualifications or experience is a deceptive practice that violates ethics codes and can constitute fraud under state licensing laws.
Which federal law protects engineers who report safety violations from employer retaliation in certain industries?
Answer: The Safe Drinking Water Act whistleblower provisions and related statutes
Several federal statutes including the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Air Act, and others include whistleblower protection provisions for employees who report safety or environmental violations.
When an engineer encounters a situation not explicitly covered by their code of ethics, they should:
Answer: Act in the manner most likely to protect the public safety, health, and welfare
When specific guidance is absent, engineers should default to the overarching principle of protecting public safety, health, and welfare as their guiding standard.