NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers

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.

• Notify employer or client and appropriate authority if judgment is overruled endangering life/property.
• Approve only engineering documents conforming to standards.
• Do not disclose client/employer information without consent or legal obligation.
• Do not associate with fraudulent enterprises.
• Do not aid in unlawful engineering practice.
• Report known code violations to professional or public bodies.

2. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.

• Accept only qualified assignments.
• Do not sign off on work outside area of expertise.
• Coordinate entire projects only with proper segmentation and sign-off.

3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

• Be objective and include all pertinent facts in statements or testimony.
• Express opinions based on facts and competence.
• Disclose affiliations when speaking for interested parties.

4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

• Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.
• Accept multiple compensations only with full disclosure.
• Do not accept gifts or considerations from outside agents.
• Avoid decision-making in public positions involving own interests.
• Do not seek contracts from organizations where they serve in decision-making roles.

5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

• Do not misrepresent qualifications or responsibilities.
• Do not offer bribes or commissions to secure contracts.

III. Professional Obligations

1. Engineers shall be guided by honesty and integrity.

• Admit and correct errors.
• Warn employers or clients of project issues.
• Notify employer before accepting outside work.
• Do not mislead to attract other engineers.
• Uphold professional dignity.
• Treat all individuals with fairness and respect.

2. Engineers shall strive to serve the public interest.

• Engage in civic and educational outreach.
• Refuse to sign non-compliant documents and report pressure.
• Promote public understanding of engineering.
• Support sustainability.
• Commit to ongoing professional development.

3. Engineers shall avoid conduct that deceives the public.

• Avoid material misrepresentations or omissions.
• Advertise truthfully.
• Acknowledge contributions of others.

4. Engineers shall maintain confidentiality.

• Do not share confidential information without consent.
• Avoid conflicts in new employment with specialized knowledge.

5. Engineers shall not be influenced by conflicting interests.

• Reject inducements from suppliers.
• Refuse commissions from contractors related to work.

6. Engineers shall not seek professional gain through improper means.

• Avoid contingent fee arrangements that compromise ethics.
• Respect employer policies in outside work.
• Do not misuse employer resources for personal practice.

7. Engineers shall not harm others' professional reputation.

• Do not review another engineer’s work without disclosure.
• Evaluation in public, industrial, or educational roles is permitted.
• Sales engineers may make professional product comparisons.

8. Engineers shall accept responsibility for their actions.

• Follow registration laws.
• Avoid unethical acts under corporate cover.

9. Engineers shall credit others appropriately.

• Name individuals responsible for work when possible.
• Respect proprietary rights of clients.
• Set ownership expectations clearly.
• Understand employer retains rights to exclusive work materials.