Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real PCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
Which situation best illustrates a 'perceived' rather than actual conflict of interest?
Answer: A consultant's spouse works in an unrelated division of the client, with no influence on the engagement
A perceived conflict arises when a reasonable observer might question objectivity even though no actual influence exists.
Why should consultants avoid evaluating systems or processes they previously designed for the same client?
Answer: It creates a self-review threat to objectivity
Reviewing one's own work threatens objectivity because the consultant may be reluctant to find flaws.
A client refuses to pay a disputed invoice and requests return of its documents. What should the consultant do with the client's original records?
Answer: Return them; client property should not be withheld as leverage in a fee dispute
Withholding client-owned records to force payment is generally considered unprofessional.
What is the best ethical practice when a consultant must end an engagement early due to an unresolvable ethical conflict?
Answer: Notify the client, explain appropriately, and help ensure an orderly transition
Professional withdrawal should minimize harm to the client through notice and orderly transition.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is part of professional standards primarily because it:
Answer: Maintains the competence needed to serve clients effectively
Ongoing learning keeps knowledge and skills current, supporting the duty of competence.
A client asks a consultant to backdate a report so it appears to have been completed before a regulatory deadline. What should the consultant do?
Answer: Refuse, because backdating misrepresents facts
Backdating documents is a misrepresentation that violates integrity and may be unlawful.
Which approach to fee-setting is most consistent with professional ethics?
Answer: Fees reasonable for the work and agreed with the client before work begins
Ethical fee practices require reasonableness and prior agreement so clients can make informed choices.
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