Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards

Under the federal Standards of Ethical Conduct, what is the general limit on gifts from a single outside source to an employee on any one occasion?

Answer: $20 per occasion, $50 per year from one source

5 CFR 2635 allows unsolicited gifts of $20 or less per occasion, capped at $50 per calendar year from the same source.

An applicant lists a certification they are still working toward as 'earned' in a KSA narrative. What is the most serious risk?

Answer: Falsification that can lead to disqualification or removal, even after hiring

Knowingly false statements on federal application materials can lead to rejection, termination, or prosecution.

Which statute generally bars an employee from participating in a matter in which they have a financial interest?

Answer: 18 U.S.C. 208

18 U.S.C. 208 is the criminal conflict-of-interest law covering personal and imputed financial interests.

A coworker asks you to use your government computer to run their side business invoices during lunch. What is the correct response?

Answer: Decline, because government equipment may be used only for authorized purposes

Employees must protect and conserve government property and use it only for authorized purposes.

Which of these best demonstrates the 'Ability' element in a KSA, as opposed to 'Knowledge'?

Answer: Being able to apply ethics rules to resolve a real conflict situation

Abilities show the capacity to perform a task, while knowledge is understanding of a body of information.

What should an employee do first when unsure whether a planned outside activity creates a conflict?

Answer: Seek advice from the agency ethics official

Agency ethics officials give guidance, and good-faith reliance on their advice is a mitigating factor.

Which is one of the merit system principles?

Answer: Selection and advancement based on relative ability, knowledge, and skills after fair competition

5 U.S.C. 2301 requires fair and open competition based on ability, knowledge, and skills.