APEGS National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) Exam NPPE Question # 28 Topic 3 Discussion
NPPE Exam Topic 3 Question 28 Discussion:
Question #: 28
Topic #: 3
A construction error occurs as a result of a software error. The possible consequences for the professional member in charge are best explained by saying that the member may be considered
A.
negligent if he or she did not check the validity of the software
B.
unethical if he or she did not check the validity of the software
C.
at fault unless he or she ensured that the software was legal and was developed by a reliable company
D.
at fault unless he or she ensured that the software was legal, was developed by a reliable company, and was insured
NPPE professional liability principles emphasize that software is a tool and does not transfer responsibility away from the professional. The standard of care requires due diligence: understanding the software’s intended use, limitations, inputs, and assumptions, and validating outputs through checks (benchmark problems, independent calculations, reasonableness tests). If a construction error results from software error and the professional failed to verify the software’s validity or failed to perform appropriate checks, they may be found negligent because they did not meet the expected standard of care. That is captured by option A. While such a failure can also raise ethical issues, the question asks for the best explanation of possible consequences in this context, and negligence is the primary civil-liability framing. Options C and D focus on legality, vendor reputation, and insurance, none of which replaces the professional’s duty to validate the tool and its results. Insurance also does not prevent fault; it only addresses financial protection. Therefore, A is correct.
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