nppe exam prep course for National Professional Practice Examination required for Canadian engineer and geoscientist licensing. Covering topics in the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE) Syllabus. Part 2 cover syllabus section two Ethics.
II.1 The Role of Ethics in Society; Cultures and Customs
• Ethics – the study of right and wrong (morality)
• Moral principles are developed by societies and groups
• Laws of a society flow from its moral principles
II.2 Ethical Theories and Principles
• Recognition that there are different and contrasting ethical
theories/perspectives that can result in different outcomes each considered correct within the given theory.
• Ethics applied to professional issues from the perspectives of the classical and modern theories.
• The ethical perspectives/theories that form the basis in establishing the Code of Ethics for the professions and that guide disciplinary actions.
• Ethical Perspectives/Theories – Classical
(Exam candidates are not required to know these theories by rote but rather should recognize the principles of the different theories in application.)
- Greater good/maximum benefit – utilitarianism
- Duty
- Human rights
- Virtue
II.3 Codes of Ethics of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in Canada
• Source and legal authority of the codes of ethics
- derived from the acts
- status
• Understanding of the core tenets:
- Protect the health, safety and welfare of the public
- Have regard for the public
- Practice only in areas of competence
- Conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, fairness and objectivity in
their professional activities
- Compliance with applicable statutes, regulations and bylaws
- Uphold and enhance the honour, dignity, and reputation of their professions
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Maintain competence of self and of subordinates
- Present the possible consequences of ignoring professional judgments
- Report illegal or unethical professional decisions or practices
- Promote the equitable treatment of all individuals
• Use of the codes of ethics in regulating the professions
• Recognition that minor differences exist between associations
II.4 Common Ethical Issues and Dilemmas; Making Ethical Decisions
• Issues and cases concerning ethical dilemmas looked at through the lens of the code of ethics and other approaches to seek solutions
- Conflict of interest from the perspective of ethical dilemmas, solutions, and decisions
- Conflicts between technical authority and management authority
- Duty to report / whistle blowing as an ethical dilemma
- Loyalty to the employer
- Limiting practice to areas of competence
- Plagiarism and copyright infringement
- Professional responsibility vs employment issues
- Professional competence
- Reviewing work of others
- Confidentiality
- Foreign assignments
