PE ETHICS EXAM ANSWERS BASED ON
THE TEXAS ENGINEERING PRACTICE
ACT AND BOARD RULES (2026-2027
UPDATE)
Exam 3
Scenario 1 – Responsible Charge and Engineering Review (Q1–Q4)
Michael is a graduate engineer employed by a transportation consulting firm. He prepares the
complete design package for a new county bridge while working under the supervision of Karen,
a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Due to an approaching deadline, Karen signs and seals the
drawings without reviewing the calculations or visiting the project team. Several weeks later, the
county engineer discovers that the bridge railing design does not comply with applicable
standards.
Q1. Which Board Rule most directly requires a Professional Engineer to exercise
responsible charge before sealing engineering documents?
A) §137.33(f)
B) §137.59(a)
C) §137.63(c)(1)
D) §137.55(a)
E) §139.13
Q2. Karen's greatest professional responsibility before sealing the drawings was
to:
A) Review and accept responsibility for the engineering work
B) Obtain contractor approval
C) Receive permission from the county
, D) Delegate responsibility to the graduate engineer
E) Review only the title sheet
Q3. Sealing engineering documents without adequate review may result in:
A) Automatic license renewal
B) Board disciplinary action
C) Reduced engineering liability
D) Faster permit approval
E) Additional continuing education credit
Q4. The primary purpose of an engineering seal is to:
A) Guarantee construction quality
B) Identify the engineer who accepts professional responsibility
C) Certify contractor qualifications
D) Approve project funding
E) Confirm client ownership
Scenario 2 – Conflict of Interest During Procurement (Q5–
Q8)
Amanda is a licensed PE employed by a municipal government. She serves on the committee
evaluating proposals for a new water treatment plant. One of the consulting firms competing for
the contract is owned by her close friend. Before the evaluation begins, the firm's owner offers
Amanda expensive concert tickets and a luxury hotel stay.
Amanda accepts the gifts but believes she can remain impartial.
THE TEXAS ENGINEERING PRACTICE
ACT AND BOARD RULES (2026-2027
UPDATE)
Exam 3
Scenario 1 – Responsible Charge and Engineering Review (Q1–Q4)
Michael is a graduate engineer employed by a transportation consulting firm. He prepares the
complete design package for a new county bridge while working under the supervision of Karen,
a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Due to an approaching deadline, Karen signs and seals the
drawings without reviewing the calculations or visiting the project team. Several weeks later, the
county engineer discovers that the bridge railing design does not comply with applicable
standards.
Q1. Which Board Rule most directly requires a Professional Engineer to exercise
responsible charge before sealing engineering documents?
A) §137.33(f)
B) §137.59(a)
C) §137.63(c)(1)
D) §137.55(a)
E) §139.13
Q2. Karen's greatest professional responsibility before sealing the drawings was
to:
A) Review and accept responsibility for the engineering work
B) Obtain contractor approval
C) Receive permission from the county
, D) Delegate responsibility to the graduate engineer
E) Review only the title sheet
Q3. Sealing engineering documents without adequate review may result in:
A) Automatic license renewal
B) Board disciplinary action
C) Reduced engineering liability
D) Faster permit approval
E) Additional continuing education credit
Q4. The primary purpose of an engineering seal is to:
A) Guarantee construction quality
B) Identify the engineer who accepts professional responsibility
C) Certify contractor qualifications
D) Approve project funding
E) Confirm client ownership
Scenario 2 – Conflict of Interest During Procurement (Q5–
Q8)
Amanda is a licensed PE employed by a municipal government. She serves on the committee
evaluating proposals for a new water treatment plant. One of the consulting firms competing for
the contract is owned by her close friend. Before the evaluation begins, the firm's owner offers
Amanda expensive concert tickets and a luxury hotel stay.
Amanda accepts the gifts but believes she can remain impartial.
