NPPE Application of Codes of Ethics 2

Question 1

A professional engineer is asked by their employer to certify a design that the engineer believes is unsafe. The employer argues the risk is acceptable. What should the engineer do first?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to certify and document the refusal in writing

Answer

Certify the design to maintain employment

Answer

Report the employer to police

Answer

Resign immediately without documentation

Question 2

Under professional engineering codes of ethics, which situation most clearly constitutes a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

An engineer holding shares in a company that is bidding on a project the engineer is evaluating

Answer

An engineer working for two clients in different industries

Answer

An engineer reviewing a design submitted by a former colleague

Answer

An engineer charging different hourly rates to different clients

Question 3

An engineer reviews the work of another engineer and identifies a serious safety deficiency. The other engineer disputes the finding. What is the reviewing engineer's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Document the finding and report it to the appropriate authority if unresolved

Answer

Defer to the original engineer's professional judgment

Answer

Remain silent to avoid professional conflict

Answer

Raise the issue only with the client, not the regulator

Question 4

Which principle underlies the prohibition against an engineer practising in an area outside their competence?

Accepted Answer

The duty to maintain and apply competence for the protection of the public

Answer

The duty of loyalty to the client

Answer

The duty of honesty and integrity toward the profession

Answer

The duty to promote the profession

Question 5

A client instructs an engineer to falsify test results to make a project appear compliant with environmental regulations. Which ethical principle is most directly engaged?

Accepted Answer

Integrity and honesty

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Independence of judgment

Answer

Duty to promote sustainability

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'professional accountability' in the context of Canadian engineering regulation?

Accepted Answer

Accountability to the profession, the public, and regulatory bodies for the quality and ethics of professional work

Answer

Accountability only to the client who pays the engineer's fees

Answer

Accountability to the employer for meeting project schedules

Answer

Accountability determined entirely by contract terms