Ethics and Professional Practice

Welcome to your FE exam ethics review hub! The Ethics section of the FE exam covers the professional standards, engineer code of ethics, and responsibilities every engineer is expected to follow. It might not involve long calculations or diagrams, but it’s just as important — and a few well-placed ethics questions could make the difference on your exam.

Here, you’ll find key documents and professional codes of conduct you’ll need to be familiar with before test day. Take your time reading through them and make note of the guiding principles and obligations engineers are expected to uphold. Afterword you will be encouraged to join the conversation and come up with your quiz quesitons, including NSPE Code of Ethics Quiz questions and the Engineer’s Creed quiz questions.

Engineer Code of Ethics

Ethical standards are essential in every branch of engineering, guiding professionals to prioritize safety, fairness, and public trust while navigating the unique challenges of their industries. Below are key ethics codes from leading organizations in various engineering fields, each outlining core responsibilities and professional values.

NSPE Code of Ethics

The NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) Code of Ethics provides a broad framework for ethical behavior across all engineering disciplines, including civil engineering. It focuses on professional competence, honesty, impartiality, and safeguarding public welfare. This code helps engineers navigate conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and professional obligations in a clear and structured way.
View the NSPE Code of Ethics

NSPE Engineers Creed

The NSPE Engineers Creed is a concise, values-driven statement affirming an engineer’s commitment to public welfare, honesty, and lifelong service. Recited by many engineers at graduations or licensing ceremonies, it serves as a personal pledge to uphold ethical and professional standards throughout one’s career.
View the NSPE Engineers Creed

ASCE Code of Ethics

The ASCE Code of Ethics is a foundational document that outlines the professional, social, and environmental responsibilities of civil engineers. It emphasizes the importance of public safety, integrity, fairness, and sustainability in engineering practice. This code guides decision-making and conduct, ensuring that engineers uphold public trust and serve the greater good in every project they undertake.
View the ASCE Code of Ethics

IEEE Code of Ethics (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

The IEEE Code of Ethics guides electrical, electronics, and computer engineers in upholding integrity, responsible decision-making, and respect for the public welfare. It emphasizes honesty in reporting data, avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining competence, and treating all individuals fairly. The code addresses both technical responsibilities and social impacts, reflecting the fast-paced, technology-driven nature of these fields.
View the IEEE Code of Ethics

ASME Code of Ethics (Mechanical Engineering)

The ASME Code of Ethics outlines the obligations of mechanical engineers to prioritize public safety, perform services only within their areas of competence, and avoid deceptive acts. It stresses professional honesty, environmental responsibility, and fair treatment of clients and employers. The ASME code also offers guidance for handling confidential information and reporting unethical practices in the workplace.
View the ASME Code of Ethics

AIChE Code of Ethics (Chemical Engineering)

The AIChE Code of Ethics sets professional standards for chemical engineers, focusing on protecting human health, safety, and the environment. It encourages engineers to offer services with honesty and fairness, continue professional development, and responsibly manage natural resources. The code provides direction for engineers working with hazardous materials and in industries with complex social and environmental responsibilities.
View the AIChE Code of Ethics

ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (Software Engineering)

The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct governs software engineers and computing professionals, emphasizing public interest, respect for privacy, and avoidance of harm. It calls for fairness, transparency in algorithms, and accountability in the creation and management of software systems. The code addresses the social implications of technology, reflecting the unique ethical challenges of a rapidly evolving digital world.
View the ACM Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics Quizzes

As you go through these documents, I encourage you to think about the kinds of ethics questions that might appear on the FE exam. What situations could be tricky? Which rules might be easy to overlook under pressure? When something stands out or you’re unsure how it might be tested, jump over to our discussion board and post your thoughts or questions. Join the conversation here — it’s a great way to learn from others and sharpen your understanding before exam day. I’m always happy to weigh in too, so don’t hesitate to start a thread!