--- title: "Ethics and code of ethics for engineers" subject: "Engineering Professional Practice" chapter: 2 key: "semester_8/engineering_professional_practice:code-of-ethics-engineers" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/code-of-ethics-engineers site: BCT Engineering --- # Ethics and code of ethics for engineers Engineering Professional Practice · Chapter 2: Profession and Ethics - Asked in: 2073 Bhadra, 4 marks; 2071 Bhadra, 4 marks (asked 2 times) - Video: [Code of Ethics (Part 1)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXebv-K9uPM) — Dr Fadzlin xX - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/code-of-ethics-engineers - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/chapter-2 ## Question What is ethics? Write in short the code of ethics for the engineering profession (according to Nepal Engineering Council). ## Short answer The NEC code requires engineers to prioritise public safety and welfare, work within competence, be honest, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality, give credit, develop professionally, report violations, and uphold dignity. Violations may lead to suspension. ## Answer **Ethics** is the branch of philosophy that studies right and wrong, good and bad in human conduct. It provides moral principles that guide how people should behave. Professional ethics are the moral standards applied to the conduct of professionals. #### Code of ethics/conduct for engineers (Nepal Engineering Council) The Nepal Engineering Council, formed under the Nepal Engineering Council Act 2055, prescribes a Code of Conduct that registered engineers must follow. In short: 1. **Public interest first:** hold the safety, health and welfare of the public and protection of the environment paramount. 2. **Competence:** perform services only in areas of one's competence; do not sign work not prepared under one's supervision. 3. **Honesty and integrity:** be truthful in reports, estimates and statements; do not take part in fraud or corruption. 4. **Faithful to employer and client:** act as faithful agent; keep confidential information secret. 5. **Avoid conflict of interest:** disclose any interest; do not accept gifts, commission or bribes. 6. **Fair competition:** do not attack the reputation of other engineers or compete unfairly (e.g. by underbidding unethically or false advertising); follow procurement rules. 7. **Respect for colleagues and credit:** give proper credit for others' work; help juniors to develop. 8. **Professional development:** keep knowledge up to date and keep registration renewed. 9. **Report violations:** inform the Council or authority if others violate the code or public safety is at risk. 10. **Dignity of the profession:** avoid behaviour that brings the profession into disrepute. Violation can lead to warning, suspension or cancellation of registration by the Council. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is ethics? A. Branch of philosophy studying right and wrong in human conduct B. Law made by courts C. Rules of a company only D. Study of machines Answer: A. Ethics studies right and wrong, good and bad in human conduct and gives moral principles. (Key point: Ethics defined) 2. According to the code, what must engineers hold paramount? A. Employer's profit B. Own career C. Safety, health and welfare of the public and environment D. Client's convenience Answer: C. Public safety, health and welfare, and protection of the environment, come first. (Key point: Public interest first) 3. What does the code require about competence? A. Accept all work offered B. Perform services only in areas of one's competence and do not sign work not prepared under one's supervision C. Sign any document for a fee D. Let juniors sign for seniors Answer: B. Engineers must work within their competence and not sign work not under their supervision. (Key point: Competence) 4. What should an engineer do under the code about conflict of interest? A. Hide it B. Disclose any interest and not accept gifts, commissions or bribes C. Accept small gifts D. Ignore it if the client agrees Answer: B. Interests must be disclosed and gifts, commissions or bribes refused. (Key point: Conflict of interest) ## Related in Engineering Professional Practice - [Profession, code of ethics, tort and liability](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Aprofession-code-ethics-tort) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 2 - [Scope and jurisdiction of Nepal Engineering Council](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Anec-scope-jurisdiction) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 3, asked 4× - [NEC code of conduct and Council Act 2055](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Anec-code-conduct-act-2055) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 5 - [Role of Nepal Engineers' Association](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Anea-role-golden-jubilee) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 3 - [Short note: Impact of engineering profession](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Aimpact-engineering-profession) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 1 - [Practical engineering profession; organizations](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Apractical-profession-organizations) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 3 ## Related in other subjects - [Code of ethics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Acode-of-ethics) — ICT Project Management, chapter 15 - [Core ethics of engineering](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Acore-ethics-engineering) — Communication English, chapter 4 - [Importance of engineering economics for engineers](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fengineering_economics%3Aimportance-ee-decision-making) — Engineering Economics, chapter 1, asked 2× - [Discontinuities and engineering problems in Nepal Himalaya](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fengineering_geology_i%3Adiscontinuities-and-engineering-problems-in) — Engineering Geology I, chapter 7