NSPE Code of Ethics, licensure, conflicts of interest, intellectual property, public safety duties and professional liability.
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- What is the primary duty of a professional engineer according to the NSPE Code of Ethics?
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To hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.- Define a conflict of interest in professional engineering practice.
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A situation where an engineer's personal, financial, or professional interests may compromise their professional judgment or obligations to clients.- What must an engineer do if they discover a conflict of interest?
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Disclose it fully to affected parties and may need to recuse themselves from the engagement.- What credentials are required to practice as a Professional Engineer (PE)?
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Bachelor's degree in engineering, passing the FE Exam, four years of work experience, and passing the PE Exam.- Can you practice as a PE in a state where you are not licensed?
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No, PE licensure is specific to each state. You must be licensed in the state where you practice or obtain reciprocal licensure.- What is intellectual property in engineering?
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Creations of the mind that have commercial value, including inventions, designs, processes, and proprietary methods.- Who owns the intellectual property created by an employee during employment?
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Generally the employer owns work created within the scope of employment unless the employment agreement specifies otherwise.- What is a patent and how long does it protect an invention?
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A patent is a legal right granting exclusive use of an invention for 20 years from filing date for utility patents.- What is a trade secret?
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Information that derives economic value from not being generally known and is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.- What professional liability exposure do engineers face?
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Liability for negligence, breach of contract, violation of building codes, and failures that cause injury or property damage.- What is professional negligence in engineering?
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Failure to exercise the care and skill that a reasonable engineer would use in similar circumstances, resulting in harm.- Why is professional liability insurance important for engineers?
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It protects against financial losses from lawsuits, damages, and legal defense costs resulting from professional errors or omissions.- What is informed consent in the context of engineering projects?
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The client or affected party has been fully informed of risks, limitations, alternatives, and assumptions before agreeing to proceed.- When can an engineer ethically accept a project outside their area of competence?
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Only if they disclose the limitation and either obtain additional qualified expertise or partner with competent professionals.- What does the NSPE Code state about honesty in professional practice?
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Engineers must be truthful in professional reports, statements, and testimony; they must disclose known relevant information.
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