NCEES Ethics and Practice 2

Question 1

An engineer discovers that a colleague's sealed structural design contains a significant error that could lead to building collapse. The colleague is unavailable. What should the engineer do?

Accepted Answer

Report the error to the responsible authority to protect public safety

Answer

Engineers must prioritize public safety above professional courtesy, and reporting a dangerous error to the responsible authority is ethically required.

Question 2

Under the NCEES Model Law, which of the following activities requires a PE license in most U.S. jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

Signing and sealing construction documents for a public building

Answer

Signing and sealing (stamping) engineering documents for public projects is a licensed practice act that requires a PE in virtually all U.S. states.

Question 3

An engineer employed by a consulting firm is asked by her employer to certify test results she did not personally supervise. She should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse to certify results she did not directly supervise or fully verify

Answer

Engineers may only certify work they have personally performed or directly supervised and verified; certifying unverified work violates ethical and legal standards.

Question 4

A PE is offered a gift worth $500 from a contractor whose bid she is evaluating for a public client. The most ethical course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline the gift and disclose the offer to her client

Answer

Accepting gifts from parties with a financial interest in the engineer's decision creates a conflict of interest; the offer must be declined and disclosed to maintain impartiality.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'responsible charge' as defined in most state engineering practice acts?

Accepted Answer

Direct control and personal supervision of engineering work

Answer

Responsible charge means direct control and personal supervision of engineering work, not merely holding a senior title or performing a cursory review.

NCEES Practice Test

NCEES Practice Test

NCEES Ethics and Practice 2