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Decisions at the ballot box influence policies that support engineering standards and public safety.Ethical conduct is fundamental to the practice of professional engineering. Professional engineers (PEs) should not only understand the profession’s ethical expectations, and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and rules of professional conduct in the jurisdictions where they practice but also navigate the complex considerations involved in safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare.
As the profession’s trusted authority on ethics, NSPE provides extensive guidance and insight on a broad array of ethical topics. Our resources are designed to help you build a deep understanding of the NSPE Code of Ethics and learn from hypothetical Board of Ethical Review (BER) cases that illustrate how the NSPE Code of Ethics applies to complex, nuanced situations.
NSPE Members: If you have questions about the NSPE Code of Ethics or BER cases that may relate to your circumstances, please contact [email protected]. Be sure to include your nine-digit NSPE member number.
Important Note: NSPE’s resources are educational and are not a substitute for applicable state laws, regulations, or licensing board rules. NSPE does not adjudicate ethics disputes between private parties. Ethics complaints should be directed to the appropriate state licensing board with jurisdiction over the matter. NSPE also does not provide legal advice. If you believe legal action may be required, please consult an attorney who specializes in professional licensing or ethics to discuss your options.
The fundamental guiding document for engineering practice that provides ethical standards that address all aspects of how an engineer practices and engages with the society and employers.
Ethics can be complicated — that’s why expert insights can be crucial. NSPE’s Board of Ethical Review regularly issues opinions on how the Code of Ethics can be applied to a wide range of professional practice areas — nearly 600 and counting. Search the database and learn more about the Board.
Get answers to some of the basics, including the fundamentals of engineering ethics, background of the Code, the role of the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the basics, including the fundamentals of engineering ethics, background of the Code, the role of the NSPE Board of Ethical Review, and more.
What is engineering ethics?
What is engineering ethics?
Engineering ethics is (1) the study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organizations involved in engineering and (2) the study of related questions about moral conduct, character, ideals and relationships of peoples and organizations involved in technological development (Martin and Schinzinger, Ethics in Engineering).
What is the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers?
What is the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers?
The NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers is designed to provide positive stimulus for ethical conduct as well as helpful guidance and advice concerning the primary and basic obligations of engineers. The Code also establishes the ethical guideposts for the NSPE Board of Ethical Review in interpreting ethical dilemmas submitted by engineers, public officials, and members of the public.
What is the Engineers' Creed?
What is the Engineers' Creed?
The Engineers' Creed was developed in response to a desire for a short statement of philosophy of service, similar to the Hippocratic Oath for medical practitioners or similar oaths of the legal profession, that can be used in ceremonies or in recognition of individuals. Approved in June 1954, the Creed is used widely in NSPE, state society, and local chapter officer installation ceremonies, licensure certificate presentations, and engineering school graduations.
What is the NSPE Board of Ethical Review?
What is the NSPE Board of Ethical Review?
The Board of Ethical Review was established in the 1950s to review factual situations involving ethical dilemmas submitted by engineers, public officials, and members of the public. These anonymous dilemma situations are reviewed by the members of the Board and considered in light of the language of the NSPE Code of Ethics, Board of Ethical Review precedents, and the practical experiences of the seven professional engineers selected by the President who serve on the Board. Following extensive deliberation, the Board issues written opinions which contain a description of the facts, pertinent Code citations, relevant questions, detailed discussions, and conclusions. Some opinions also include dissents.
What are the NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct?
What are the NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct?
The National Council for Examiners of Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has developed a set of model rules of professional conduct as guidance to state engineering licensing boards in developing such rules. Each state licensing board is generally granted the statutory authority to promulgate its own set of rules, which are binding upon every person holding an engineering license which allows them to offer or perform engineering services in the state.