Webinar: Professional Ethics

Scheduled: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET (9:00 pm CT / 8:00 pm MT / 7:00 pm PT)

Author: Paul Spite

What is the best course of action a building professional can take in a complex situation? The answer is often based on the accepted ethics of their profession. Ethics—defined as a set of moral principles relating to a specified group or field—seek to proactively address questions and conflicts within an occupation. The purpose of discussing ethical standards for any profession is to identify and clarify principles that govern responses to various difficult scenarios. Once these principles are established, lengthy debate is no longer needed when complex issues emerge.

This course defines the ethics and accepted principles that guide architects, engineers, and contractors when professional questions arise. Participants will explore various sets of guidelines that establish professional standards and rules. The presentation highlights the significant distinction between the two: standards are advisory, whereas rules are enforceable. Attendees will learn how rule violations can lead to severe disciplinary actions, such as expulsion from a professional organization or the forfeiture of a professional license.

Target Audience: This course is intended for all engineering disciplines.

Learning Objectives

This Live Webinar course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:

• Define the concept of ethics as it relates to building professionals.
• Identify the primary sources of ethical standards that govern building professionals.
• Explain how ethical principles are incorporated into laws governing professional licensure.
• Differentiate between advisory ethical standards (canons) and enforceable rules incorporated into law.

Note: This is a live webinar delivered via GoToMeeting. Login instructions will be emailed to you 24-48 hours prior to the webinar and the morning of the webinar. If you have not received your instructions for any reason, please call customer support the day of the event. Webinars are live and interactive, and students will have the ability to directly interact with and ask questions of the presenter.

We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This course is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.