10 FE practice problems: ethics and the NCEES Model Rules, with solutions
Ethics is on every FE exam. These ten original scenarios use the select-all-that-apply format, which the FE scores as right or wrong with no partial credit. Read each statement against the duties to the public, the employer or client, and other licensees, then open the solution to see which rules apply. Rules are cited by section number with the handbook page; the handbook carries the full text.
How to use these problems
Give each problem an honest attempt before you open the solution: write the given values with units, find the equation in the FE Reference Handbook PDF, and commit to an answer. Then compare line by line. If you picked a wrong option, read the note for that option; each one names the mistake that produces it.
The problems
Problem 1 · FE, Ethics scenario
Grace, an engineer intern, is writing her part of a proposal. A senior manager asks her to describe her role on a past school building as "lead designer," although she prepared the foundation calculations under another engineer's direction.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- A, D
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
A: correct. The rule also covers presentations made to win business. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)D: correct. No misrepresenting or exaggerating one's degree of responsibility in prior assignments. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
- Result
- A and D are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- B: The rule has no marketing exception. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
- C: Permitting a misrepresentation of one's qualifications is also barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
Problem 2 · FE, Ethics scenario
Ben, a licensed engineer at a consulting firm, is reviewing contractor bids for a bridge deck replacement for a water district. One of the bidders is a company owned by his brother-in-law. Before the review, that company's sales manager offers Ben two tickets to a concert as a thank-you.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- A, B
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
A: correct. Known or potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to the client or employer. (Model Rules 240.15 B.6, handbook page 5)B: correct. A licensee takes no gratuities from contractors or their agents in connection with work for a client. (Model Rules 240.15 B.5, handbook page 5)
- Result
- A and B are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- C: Reporting does not make it acceptable; a gratuity from a contractor tied to the work is barred. (Model Rules 240.15 B.5, handbook page 5)
- D: Would reveal information obtained in a professional capacity without the client's consent. (Model Rules 240.15 B.4, handbook page 5)
Problem 3 · FE, Ethics scenario
While designing a parking lot expansion next to a neighboring property, Grace, a licensed engineer, reviews the public plans for a storm culvert designed by another firm and finds a calculation error that could affect public safety.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- C, D
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
C: correct. A licensee informs another licensee whose work is believed to hold a material error affecting public safety, unless the law prohibits it. (Model Rules 240.15 C.4, handbook page 5)D: correct. No malicious or false injury to another licensee's reputation or practice. (Model Rules 240.15 C.3, handbook page 5)
- Result
- C and D are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: A reasonable effort to inform the other licensee is expected. (Model Rules 240.15 C.4, handbook page 5)
- B: Indiscriminate public criticism takes the place of informing the engineer. (Model Rules 240.15 C.3, handbook page 5)
Problem 4 · FE, Ethics scenario
Nadia, a licensed engineer at a consulting firm, is reviewing contractor bids for a bridge deck replacement for a county. One of the bidders is a company owned by her brother-in-law. Before the review, that company's sales manager offers Nadia two tickets to a college basketball game as a thank-you.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- A, B
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
A: correct. A licensee takes no gratuities from contractors or their agents in connection with work for a client. (Model Rules 240.15 B.5, handbook page 5)B: correct. Known or potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to the client or employer. (Model Rules 240.15 B.6, handbook page 5)
- Result
- A and B are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- C: Reporting does not make it acceptable; a gratuity from a contractor tied to the work is barred. (Model Rules 240.15 B.5, handbook page 5)
- D: Would reveal information obtained in a professional capacity without the client's consent. (Model Rules 240.15 B.4, handbook page 5)
Problem 5 · FE, Ethics scenario
Grace, a licensed engineer, checks the design of a parking garage ramp and finds that the slab reinforcement falls short of the required amount, which could endanger the people who will use it. Her project manager overrules her and tells the team to issue the drawings this week to meet the client's schedule.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- B, C
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, page 4
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
B: correct. A licensee seals only documents that safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public. (Model Rules 240.15 A.2, handbook page 4)C: correct. That notice is required when a licensee's overruled judgment involves a danger to the public. (Model Rules 240.15 A.3, handbook page 4)
- Result
- B and C are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: Stops at an internal objection; notice to the employer or client and the appropriate authority is still required. (Model Rules 240.15 A.3, handbook page 4)
- D: A client's waiver cannot make unsafe documents acceptable to seal; the public's safety comes first. (Model Rules 240.15 A.2, handbook page 4)
Problem 6 · FE, Ethics scenario
Before a county selects a firm for a park restroom design contract, the marketing manager at Dana's firm suggests sending the county engineer a weekend hotel stay. The manager also suggests a donation to a county commissioner's campaign to improve the firm's chances. Dana is a licensed engineer and a principal of the firm.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- B, C
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
B: correct. No gift or other valuable consideration may be offered to secure work. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)C: correct. Political contributions intended to influence a public contract award are barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)
- Result
- B and C are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: The rule sets no minimum value; any gift meant to secure work is barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)
- D: The Rules of Professional Conduct bind firms that offer engineering services, not only individual licensees. (Model Rules Section 240.15, opening paragraph, handbook page 4)
Problem 7 · FE, Ethics scenario
Omar, an engineer intern, is writing his part of a proposal. A senior manager asks him to describe his role on a past water treatment plant upgrade as "lead designer," although he prepared the chemical feed calculations under another engineer's direction.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- B, C
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
B: correct. No misrepresenting or exaggerating one's degree of responsibility in prior assignments. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)C: correct. The rule also covers presentations made to win business. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
- Result
- B and C are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: The rule has no marketing exception. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
- D: Permitting a misrepresentation of one's qualifications is also barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.1, handbook page 5)
Problem 8 · FE, Ethics scenario
Grace, a licensed engineer, is designing a apartment complex for a developer. The general contractor on the same project offers to pay her a separate fee to help with its construction schedule.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- C, D
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
C: correct. Circumstances that could influence, or appear to influence, judgment are disclosed. (Model Rules 240.15 B.6, handbook page 5)D: correct. Pay from more than one party on the same project needs full disclosure and written agreement by all interested parties. (Model Rules 240.15 B.7, handbook page 5)
- Result
- C and D are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: Full disclosure is not enough by itself; written agreement by all interested parties is required. (Model Rules 240.15 B.7, handbook page 5)
- B: The rule applies to any compensation from more than one party on the same project. (Model Rules 240.15 B.7, handbook page 5)
Problem 9 · FE, Ethics scenario
Before a county selects a firm for a drainage study contract, the marketing manager at Nadia's firm suggests sending the county engineer a weekend hotel stay. The manager also suggests a donation to a county commissioner's campaign to improve the firm's chances. Nadia is a licensed engineer and a principal of the firm.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- C, D
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
C: correct. No gift or other valuable consideration may be offered to secure work. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)D: correct. Political contributions intended to influence a public contract award are barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)
- Result
- C and D are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- A: The rule sets no minimum value; any gift meant to secure work is barred. (Model Rules 240.15 C.2, handbook page 5)
- B: The Rules of Professional Conduct bind firms that offer engineering services, not only individual licensees. (Model Rules Section 240.15, opening paragraph, handbook page 4)
Problem 10 · FE, Ethics scenario
Omar, a licensed engineer, will speak at a public hearing in favor of expanding a landfill. The operator is paying his consulting fee. He has not yet reviewed the groundwater monitoring reports for the site.
Which statements are correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? Select all that apply.
Handbook: Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15 (Rules of Professional Conduct), FE Reference Handbook 10.6
Show the worked solution
- Answer
- A, D
- Given
- the scenario in the post
- Find
- every statement that is correct under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Section 240.15)
- Handbook
- Ethics and Professional Practice, Model Rules Section 240.15, Rules of Professional Conduct, pages 4 and 5
- Equation
none (conceptual item); each statement is tested against one rule of Section 240.15- Substitute
A: correct. Statements paid for by an interested party must name that party and reveal the speaker's interest. (Model Rules 240.15 A.6, handbook page 5)D: correct. A public opinion needs a sound knowledge of the facts and a competent evaluation. (Model Rules 240.15 A.5, handbook page 5)
- Result
- A and D are correct (2 of 4 statements)
- Check
- every correct statement matches what a rule requires, and every wrong one breaks a rule.
- Why the others are wrong
- B: Leaves out pertinent facts; professional statements must be objective, truthful and complete. (Model Rules 240.15 A.4, handbook page 4)
- C: Sincerity is not the test; the paying party and the interest must be disclosed. (Model Rules 240.15 A.6, handbook page 5)
A new problem posts every day inside the lab, with the full worked solution the same evening.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Model Rules in the FE handbook?
In the Ethics and Professional Practice chapter at the front of the FE Reference Handbook. Each solution cites the section and page.
Is there partial credit on select-all-that-apply questions?
No. NCEES scores every question, including multiple-correct items, as right or wrong.
How should I study ethics for the FE?
Read the Model Rules once in the handbook, then practice scenarios. Ask two questions of every statement: whose interest comes first, and what must be disclosed.
Sources
- NCEES FE Civil CBT exam specifications (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- NCEES FE Environmental CBT exam specifications (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- NCEES FE Mechanical CBT exam specifications (PDF). Retrieved October 3, 2026.
- NCEES FE Reference Handbook 10.6 (free PDF in MyNCEES). Retrieved October 3, 2026.