PE Ethics Exam: Texas Engineering Practice Act &
Board Rules
1. Duty to the Public
Q: What is the primary responsibility of a professional engineer according to the Texas Engineering Practice
Act?
A: The primary responsibility is to protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public.
Explanation: Under §137.55 of the Board Rules, public welfare takes precedence over all other obligations.
2. Reporting Misconduct
Q: If a licensed engineer becomes aware of unethical or illegal behavior by another engineer, what must they
do?
A: The engineer is required to report the misconduct to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.
Explanation: Mandated by §137.63, licensees must report violations of the Act or Board rules.
3. Conflict of Interest
Q: Can an engineer work on a project where they have a financial interest?
A: Only if the engineer discloses the conflict to all parties and receives consent.
Explanation: Per §137.57, engineers must disclose conflicts and obtain written consent.
4. Use of Seal
Q: When must an engineer seal a document?
A: When the document is final and will be released to the public or regulators.
Explanation: Sealing indicates full responsibility, per §137.33.
5. Continuing Education
Q: How many PDHs are required annually?
A: 15 PDHs, including 1 hour in ethics.
Explanation: Outlined in §137.17 of the Board Rules.
Board Rules
1. Duty to the Public
Q: What is the primary responsibility of a professional engineer according to the Texas Engineering Practice
Act?
A: The primary responsibility is to protect the health, safety, property, and welfare of the public.
Explanation: Under §137.55 of the Board Rules, public welfare takes precedence over all other obligations.
2. Reporting Misconduct
Q: If a licensed engineer becomes aware of unethical or illegal behavior by another engineer, what must they
do?
A: The engineer is required to report the misconduct to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.
Explanation: Mandated by §137.63, licensees must report violations of the Act or Board rules.
3. Conflict of Interest
Q: Can an engineer work on a project where they have a financial interest?
A: Only if the engineer discloses the conflict to all parties and receives consent.
Explanation: Per §137.57, engineers must disclose conflicts and obtain written consent.
4. Use of Seal
Q: When must an engineer seal a document?
A: When the document is final and will be released to the public or regulators.
Explanation: Sealing indicates full responsibility, per §137.33.
5. Continuing Education
Q: How many PDHs are required annually?
A: 15 PDHs, including 1 hour in ethics.
Explanation: Outlined in §137.17 of the Board Rules.
