Licensed professionals are required to understand and adhere to professional conduct standards to practice in any state. Although these standards can differ from state to state, the core principles of professional behavior are consistently similar across the United States.

This course explores the concept of a profession and professionalism, essential ethical principles, and the professional duties outlined in the NSPE's Code of Ethics. Furthermore, the course will address topics concerning professional registration, maintaining certification, and the various forms of professional misconduct that are typically prohibited by licensing bodies.

What is a Profession?

A profession refers to a specific type of job that requires specialized education, training, and skills. Professions typically also involve a formal qualification and adherence to a specific code of ethics or standards set by professional governing bodies.

Examples of professions include doctors, lawyers, engineers, and teachers, among many others. These roles are often characterized by a commitment to service, ongoing professional development, and a commitment to maintaining high standards in their field of expertise.

What is Professionalism?

Professionalism encompasses the behaviors, attitudes, and standards that are expected of individuals who are trained to perform a job or activity at a high level of competency.

It involves a commitment to ethical practices, effective communication, responsibility, and maintaining a respectful and courteous demeanor in the workplace.

Professionalism is critical in fostering trust, efficiency, and positive relationships among colleagues and clients. It applies to virtually any occupation and is key to career success and workplace harmony.

What is Ethics?

Ethics refers to the set of moral principles and professional standards that guide ones conduct and decision-making processes. Engineering ethics encompass the rules and guidelines that engineers must follow to uphold professionalism and ensure public safety. Ethical behavior in engineering promotes trust, credibility, and reliability in the profession. It is essential for engineers to adhere to ethical principles to avoid conflicts of interest, ensure accuracy, and maintain public welfare.

Below are key ethical principles typically emphasized (using the example of an engineer in the construction trade who creates construction documents):

Integrity: Engineers must be honest and forthright in their professional representations, ensuring that all documents are accurate, complete, and truthful. They must not falsify data or deliberately mislead clients, colleagues, or regulatory bodies.

Responsibility: Engineers are responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the execution of their professional duties. They must ensure that the construction documents they create comply with applicable codes, standards, and laws, and that they adequately address safety and environmental impacts.

Fairness: Engineers should be fair and treat all participants in the construction process impartially. They should avoid conflicts of interest and should not accept or offer bribes or other undue advantages.

Competence: Engineers must only undertake tasks for which they are competent through education or experience. They should also stay informed and up-to-date with industry standards, technologies, and regulations related to their field.

Respect for intellectual property: Engineers should respect the intellectual property rights of others and ensure that the work they incorporate or refer to in their documents is properly credited and authorized for use.

Confidentiality: Engineers often have access to confidential information and must protect the secrecy and privacy of the information entrusted to them unless required by law or other professional obligations to disclose it.

Sustainability: Engineers should strive to incorporate principles of sustainable design and construction in their projects to minimize environmental impact and ensure the longevity and efficiency of their projects.

Adherence to these ethical principles ensures that engineers maintain trust with clients, colleagues, and the public, uphold the integrity of the profession, and contribute to the successful and safe completion of construction projects.