Civil Engineering Code of Ethics

Study Notes

Civil engineers uphold integrity, honor, and dignity by using knowledge and skills to enhance human welfare and the environment.
Engineers must be honest, impartial, and serve with fidelity to the public, employers/employees, and clients.
Engineers strive to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession.
Support professional and technical societies within their disciplines.

Engineers prioritize public safety, health, and welfare.
Engineers comply with sustainable development principles in their duties.
Public safety is dependent on engineering judgments, decisions, and practices.
Engineers inform clients/employers of possible consequences when professional judgment is overruled.
Engineers report violations of Canon 1 to the proper authority.
Provide constructive service in civic affairs and promote environmental protection through sustainable development.
Engineers should be committed to improving the environment through sustainable development to improve the quality of life for the public.

Engineers perform services only within their areas of competence.
Engineers are qualified by education and experience.
Engineers can take on assignments outside their current competence if services are restricted to necessary project phases.
Other project phases should be done by qualified associates, consultants, or employees.
Engineers will not sign off on anything they lack competence in.

Engineers issue objective and truthful public statements.
Public statements should extend public knowledge of engineering and sustainable development.
Don't participate in spreading false, unfair, or exaggerated statements about engineering.
Professional reports, statements, or testimony must be objective and truthful.
Relevant and pertinent information should be included.
Express engineering opinions based on adequate knowledge, technical competence, and honest conviction, when acting as expert witnesses.
Engineers avoid issuing statements commissioned by interested parties.
Engineers should be dignified and modest in explaining their work.
Avoid actions that promote personal interest over the integrity of the profession.

Engineers act in professional matters as faithful agents and trustees for their employers or clients.
Avoiding conflicts of interest with employers or clients.
Promptly inform employers/clients of business associations or circumstances that could affect judgment or service quality.
Engineers should not accept compensation from multiple parties for the same project.
Do not solicit or accept gratuities from contractors, agents, or parties dealing with clients.
Engineers in public service avoid participating in considerations or actions related to services from their organization.
Engineers will advise clients if their studies show a project won't be successful.
Must not use confidential information for personal profit.
Do not take professional assignments outside of their regular work without their employer's knowledge.

Build a professional reputation based on the merit of services.
Do not give, solicit, or receive political contributions, gratuities, or unlawful considerations to obtain work (except for salaried positions through employment agencies).
Negotiate contracts for professional services based on competence and qualifications.
Accept professional commissions only if professional judgments would not be compromised.
Do not falsify or misrepresent any academic or professional qualifications/experience.
Give proper credit for engineering work to the appropriate parties.
Advertise professional services in a way that does not contain misleading language or is derogatory to the dignity of the profession.
Use professional cards (in approved and appropriate publications, provided standards are met).
Use brochures that accurately describe services without misleading information about their involvement in projects.
Use advertising in recognized publications with respect to the extent of participation in projects described.
Ensure statements or articles are factual, dignified, and do not imply more than direct participation in projects.
Statements should not include endorsements of proprietary products.

Maintain honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession.
Do not engage in fraudulent, dishonest, or unethical practices.
Promote effective use of resources through open, honest, and impartial service to the public, employers, associates, and clients.
Act with zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption in engineering/ construction.
Maintain appropriate ethical behavior where payments of gratuities or bribes are common practices.
Projects should be transparent: disclosure of names, addresses, purposes, and fees/commissions for agents.
Encouraging certifications regarding zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.

Continue professional development throughout their careers.
Provide opportunities for professional development for engineers under their supervision.
Be current in their specific field by engaging in professional practice, educational courses, reading technical literature, and attending professional meetings/ seminars.
Encourage employees to become registered.
Encourage engineers to participate and present papers at professional and technical meetings.
Maintain mutually satisfying relationships with employers and employees. Respect terms of employment (including grade descriptions, salary ranges, and fringe benefits).