American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Code of Ethics
As adopted September 25, 1976 and
amended October 25, 1980 and April 17, 1993
Effective January 1, 1977
Fundamental Principles
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and
dignity of the engineering profession by:
- using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of
human welfare;
- being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity
the public, their employers and clients;
- striving to increase the competence and prestige of the
engineering profession; and
- supporting the professional and technical societies of
their disciplines.
Fundamental Canons
- Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and
welfare of the public in the performance of their
professional duties.
- Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their
competence.
- Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
- Engineers shall act in professional matters for each
employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and
shall avoid conflicts of interest.
- Engineers shall build their professional reputation on
the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly
with others.
- Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and
enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the
engineering profession.
- Engineers shall continue their professional development
throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities
for the professional development of those engineers under
their supervision.
See the ASCE Guidelines
for Practice Under the Fundamental Canons of Ethics which
give more detailed guidance for following this code.
The American Society of Civil Engineers adopted THE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES of the ABET Code of Ethics of
Engineers as accepted by the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET). (Adopted by the ASCE
Board of Direction action April 12-14, 1975)