Code of Ethics | National Society of Professional Engineers (2024)

NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers

Download: NSPE Code of Ethics
Download: The NSPE Ethics Reference Guide for a list of all cases through 2019.

Preamble
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.

I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

  1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
  2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
  3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
  4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
  5. Avoid deceptive acts.
  6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

II. Rules of Practice

  1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
    1. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circ*mstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
    2. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards.
    3. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
    4. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.
    5. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firm.
    6. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.
  2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.
    1. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
    2. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control.
    3. Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
  3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
    1. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current.
    2. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.
    3. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters.
  4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
    1. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.
    2. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circ*mstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
    3. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.
    4. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.
    5. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.
  5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
    1. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments.
    2. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.

III. Professional Obligations

  1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
    1. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts.
    2. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful.
    3. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering employment, they will notify their employers.
    4. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
    5. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
    6. Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without discrimination.
  2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.
    1. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community.
    2. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
    3. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements.
    4. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development1 in order to protect the environment for future generations.
    5. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.
  3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.
    1. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
    2. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel.
    3. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
  4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.
    1. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
    2. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.
  5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.
    1. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.
    2. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.
  6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods.
    1. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circ*mstances in which their judgment may be compromised.
    2. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical considerations.
    3. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
  7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.
    1. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
    2. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties.
    3. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.
  8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests cannot otherwise be protected.
    1. Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering.
    2. Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.
  9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
    1. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments.
    2. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer for others without express permission.
    3. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership.
    4. Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose.

    Footnote 1 "Sustainable development" is the challenge of meeting human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation, shelter, and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future development.

As Revised July 2019

By order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, former Section 11(c) of the NSPE Code of Ethics prohibiting competitive bidding, and all policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines interpreting its scope, have been rescinded as unlawfully interfering with the legal right of engineers, protected under the antitrust laws, to provide price information to prospective clients; accordingly, nothing contained in the NSPE Code of Ethics, policy statements, opinions, rulings or other guidelines prohibits the submission of price quotations or competitive bids for engineering services at any time or in any amount.

Statement by NSPE Executive Committee

In order to correct misunderstandings which have been indicated in some instances since the issuance of the Supreme Court decision and the entry of the Final Judgment, it is noted that in its decision of April 25, 1978, the Supreme Court of the United States declared: "The Sherman Act does not require competitive bidding."
It is further noted that as made clear in the Supreme Court decision:

  1. Engineers and firms may individually refuse to bid for engineering services.
  2. Clients are not required to seek bids for engineering services.
  3. Federal, state, and local laws governing procedures to procure engineering services are not affected, and remain in full force and effect.
  4. State societies and local chapters are free to actively and aggressively seek legislation for professional selection and negotiation procedures by public agencies.
  5. State registration board rules of professional conduct, including rules prohibiting competitive bidding for engineering services, are not affected and remain in full force and effect. State registration boards with authority to adopt rules of professional conduct may adopt rules governing procedures to obtain engineering services.
  6. As noted by the Supreme Court, "nothing in the judgment prevents NSPE and its members from attempting to influence governmental action . . ."

NOTE: In regard to the question of application of the Code to corporations vis-à-vis real persons, business form or type should not negate nor influence conformance of individuals to the Code. The Code deals with professional services, which services must be performed by real persons. Real persons in turn establish and implement policies within business structures. The Code is clearly written to apply to the Engineer, and it is incumbent on members of NSPE to endeavor to live up to its provisions. This applies to all pertinent sections of the Code.

Copyright © National Society of Professional Engineers. All rights reserved.

Code of Ethics | National Society of Professional Engineers (2024)

FAQs

What are the 7 codes of ethics? ›

Seven golden ethical principles:
  • Be an ethical leader.
  • Use moral courage.
  • Consider personal and professional reputation.
  • Set the right tone at the top.
  • Maintain an enquiring mindset.
  • Consider the public interest.
  • Consider 'the right, the good and the virtuous' actions"
20 Feb 2019

What is the code of ethics for engineers? ›

Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful.

What are the 5 code of ethics? ›

It is divided into three sections, and is underpinned by the five fundamental principles of Integrity, Objectivity, Professional competence and due care, Confidentiality, and Professional behaviour.

What are IEEE code of ethics? ›

The IEEE Code of Conduct describes IEEE members' and staff's commitment to the highest standards of integrity, responsible behavior, and ethical and professional conduct.

Why is code of ethics important? ›

A code of ethics is important because it clearly lays out the rules for behavior and provides the groundwork for a preemptive warning. While a code of ethics is often not required, many firms and organizations choose to adopt one, which helps to identify and characterize a business to stakeholders.

What are the 6 code of conduct? ›

The SIX Code of Conduct sets the values and principles that we as employees follow in our interactions with each other and with our stakeholders such as customers and other business partners, our shareholders and the regulatory authorities. It forms the basis for our behavior and for the public image of SIX.

What is code of ethics means? ›

What is a Company's Code of Ethics? A company's code of ethics outlines the core values a company seeks to adhere to in its business operations. It is a high-level overview of the principles and values that the organization wants those acting on their behalf to uphold when doing business.

What is code of ethics and code of conduct? ›

A code of ethics is broader, providing a set of principles that affect employee mindset and decision-making. A code of conduct offers principles defining the ethics of a business, but it also contains specific rules for employee actions and behavior.

What is importance of IEEE ACM code of ethics? ›

The Code is not simply for adjudicating the nature of questionable acts; it also has an important educational function. As this Code expresses the consensus of the profession on ethical issues, it is a means to educate both the public and aspiring professionals about the ethical obligations of all software engineers.

What is IEEE standards organization? ›

IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is a leading consensus building organization that nurtures, develops and advances global technologies, through IEEE.

What is the full meaning of IEEE? ›

IEEE, pronounced "Eye-triple-E," stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The organization is chartered under this name and it is the full legal name.

What are the 4 professional ethics? ›

loyalty. respect for others. adherence to the law. doing good and avoiding harm to others.

What are the 4 principles in the code of conduct? ›

The Code of Ethics reflects what we value as professionals and establishes expectations for our scientific and clinical practice based on principles of duty, accountability, fairness, and responsibility.

What are code of ethics PDF? ›

Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. Social workers' ethical behavior should result from their personal commitment to engage in ethical practice.

What is the most important part of the code of ethics? ›

One of the most important things to include in your code of ethics is a list of the company's core values or ethical standards. These guide the entire document, setting the ethical and cultural tone for the company. You can use these values as an outline for the policy.

What are the benefits of ethics? ›

The most important benefit of a code of ethics is that it can foster an environment of trust, ethical behavior, integrity, and excellence.

What are the benefits of ethics in the society? ›

1.1 The Importance of Ethical Behaviour
  • Make society better. When we help make society better, we are rewarded with also making better own lives and the lives of our families and friends. ...
  • Treat everyone equally. ...
  • Secure meaningful employment. ...
  • Succeed at business. ...
  • Lessen stress.

What is codes of professional conduct? ›

A professional code of conduct is a document that explains to employees how they are expected to act on behalf of their company. A code of conduct can include elements like the values of the business, disciplinary steps, and responsibilities.

What are the 5 steps of developing a code of conduct? ›

It is also essential that the code address areas that are specific to the organization and how it conducts business.
  • Step One: Gathering Information. ...
  • Step Two: Creating the Draft. ...
  • Step Three: Reviewing the Draft. ...
  • Step 4: Formally Adopting the Code. ...
  • Step 5: Introducing the Code. ...
  • Step Six: Enforcing the Code.
11 Jul 2013

What are the professional codes of practice? ›

The Code is the primary document setting out the standards for conduct and practice. It also forms part of the wider package of legislation, practice standards and employers' policies and procedures that social care workers must meet.

How many codes of ethics are there? ›

There are two main types of codes of ethics. The short code of ethics such as the IEEE Code of Ethics and the longer code of ethics such as the NSPE Code of Ethics.

What are the code of ethics in Healthcare? ›

Healthcare quality professionals work competently and impartially, practicing within the scope of their education and expertise. They advocate for processes that are fair, transparent, and consistent with evidence-based practices. They remain current on industry trends and best practices.

What is the code of ethics in childcare? ›

act in the best interests of all children. create and maintain safe, healthy, inclusive environments that support children's agency and enhance their learning. provide a meaningful curriculum to enrich children's learning, balancing child and educator initiated experiences.

What are the 8 professional ethics? ›

Typically these include honesty, trustworthiness, transparency, accountability, confidentiality, objectivity, respect, obedience to the law, and loyalty.

What is meant by code of ethics? ›

A code of ethics or ethical code refers to a set of guidelines, standards, and principles that a company adopts and that must be adhered to by its workers. A code of ethics is usually in a written form. It is a document that outlines the core values and ethics of a business that professionals must live by.

Is code of ethics a law? ›

A code of ethics issued by a business is a particular kind of policy statement. A properly framed code is, in effect, a form of legislation within the company binding on its employees, with specific sanctions for violation of the code. If such sanctions are absent, the code is just a list of pieties.

What is a code of ethics PDF? ›

A code of ethics is a good place for members of an organisation to signal their commitment to the basic laws, and thus basic moral standards of their community, including the principle of individual autonomy With the purpose of ensuring respect to the human being and the deserved dignity and autonomy , each State ...

What are the three major sections of the code of ethics? ›

The Code of Ethics is divided into three major sections, "Duties to Clients and Customers," "Duties to the Public," and "Duties to REALTORS."

What are the 4 ethical principles? ›

The Fundamental Principles of Ethics. Beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice constitute the 4 principles of ethics.

What are ethical responsibilities? ›

Definition: Ethical responsibility is the ability to recognize, interpret and act upon multiple principles and values according to the standards within a given field and/or context.

Is Code of Ethics and code of conduct the same thing? ›

A code of ethics is broader, providing a set of principles that affect employee mindset and decision-making. A code of conduct offers principles defining the ethics of a business, but it also contains specific rules for employee actions and behavior.

What are the code of ethics in education? ›

A professional code of ethics outlines teachers' primary responsibilities to their students and defines their role in a student's life. Educators must demonstrate impartiality, integrity, and ethical behavior in the classroom, whether virtual or in-person and in their conduct with parents and coworkers.

Why are ethics important to people working with children? ›

The Code of Ethics recognises that childhood professionals are in a unique position of trust and influence in their relationships with children, families, colleagues and the community, therefore professional accountability is vital.

What principles the code of conduct and ethics should be based upon? ›

The most common sections to include in a code of conduct are: ethical principles - includes workplace behaviour and respect for all people. values - includes an honest, unbiased and unprejudiced work environment.

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