The Ethics section of the FE exam covers the professional standards and responsibilities every engineer is expected to follow. There’s no calculation involved, but a few well-placed questions can make a real difference to your score.
Below are the codes of conduct worth reading before test day. Note the guiding principles and the obligations they place on you.
Codes of Ethics by Discipline
Each links to the official document
NSPE Code of Ethics
A broad framework covering every engineering discipline. Focuses on competence, honesty, impartiality, and public welfare, with guidance on conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
NSPE Engineers Creed
A short pledge affirming an engineer’s commitment to public welfare and honesty. Often recited at graduations and licensing ceremonies.
ASCE Code of Ethics
The civil engineering standard. Emphasizes public safety, integrity, fairness, and sustainability in practice.
IEEE Code of Ethics
For electrical, electronics, and computer engineers. Covers honest data reporting, avoiding conflicts of interest, and the social impact of technology.
ASME Code of Ethics
For mechanical engineers. Prioritizes public safety, working only within your competence, and handling confidential information properly.
AIChE Code of Ethics
For chemical engineers. Centers on human health, safety, and the environment, with direction for work involving hazardous materials.
ACM Code of Ethics
For software engineers and computing professionals. Covers privacy, avoiding harm, algorithmic transparency, and accountability.
Write Your Own Questions
A good way to prepare for how ethics gets tested
Think Like the Exam
As you read, ask yourself which situations could be made tricky and which rules are easy to overlook under time pressure. When something stands out, post it on the discussion board — drafting your own questions is one of the better ways to see how ethics scenarios get built.
Homework Help
Stuck on an ethics scenario? Send it over and get a clear explanation of how the codes apply.
One-on-One Tutoring
Work through the ethics section live, with questions answered in real time.
Discussion Boards
Post a scenario you find tricky and see how other candidates read it.
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