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35/3334–6FE Reference Handbook 10.4 · Ethics · NSPE Code of Ethics
1. Hold Paramount Public Safety2. Licensure & Responsible Charge3. Contracts & Conflicts of Interest4. Practice Only in Areas of Competence5. Confidentiality of Client and Employer Information6. Bribes and Gifts7. Reporting Unethical Practice8. Sealing Only Work Under Responsible Charge9. Public Welfare Over Employer Interest10. Truthful Public Statements11. Environmental Stewardship12. Continuing Education / Maintain Competence13. Duty Priority When Interests Conflict14. Expert Witness Duties15. Competitive Bidding for Professional Services16. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality17. Standard of Care and Professional Liability18. Sustainability and Stewardship

Handbook formula

Duty Priority When Interests Conflict

When duties collide, the NSPE hierarchy is: hold paramount the public's safety, health, and welfare; then the client or employer; then personal interest. Disclose conflicts in writing. If you cannot serve both parties, withdraw from one engagement. Never let a fee, bonus, or friendship override Canon I.

Public safety is paramount
Must be disclosed; may require withdrawal

Step-by-step solved example

A PE owns stock in a steel fabricator and is asked to specify that fabricator on a public bridge. Correct action?

  1. 1. Identify conflict

    Personal financial interest vs independent specification for the public.

  2. 2. Priority and process

    Disclose in writing to the client/owner. Recuse from the selection, or divest. Public safety and impartiality outrank profit.

Answer: Disclose; recuse or divest. Do not secretly specify your company.

10 practice questions

0/10 correct

1.Highest duty of a PE is to

2.A conflict of interest must be

3.If you cannot be impartial after disclosure you should

4.Employer profit vs. a known life-safety defect: the PE

5.Serving two clients with opposing interests on the same matter is

6.Moonlighting for a competitor of your employer without consent is

7.Accepting a finder's fee from a vendor you specify is

8.The ethical order of duties is closest to

9.Written disclosure should identify

10.After full disclosure the client still wants you: you may proceed only if