Topic outline

  • Using Authoritative Reference Manuals in Engineering Practice

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Engineers routinely rely on handbooks, manuals, guides, and textbooks that are neither statutes nor enforceable codes, yet these resources exercise substantial influence over design decisions, specifications, calculations, and professional judgment. This course examines how such references are selected, interpreted, and applied in practice, with particular emphasis on the distinction between prescriptive and conceptual reference materials.

    Common failure modes that arise from misapplication, the professional risks that follow from poor reference selection, and the ethical implications of how the engineer-of-record relies on these materials are also addressed throughout. The intent is not to catalogue every reference used in the field, but to equip engineers with a structured framework for evaluating, selecting, and applying reference materials with deliberate professional judgment.

    Topics:

    Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
    • Distinguish between prescriptive and conceptual authoritative reference manuals and explain how each type serves a different function in engineering practice. 
    • Evaluate the professional role and limitations of reference manuals that are not adopted codes or standards.
    • Identify common risks associated with misuse or over-reliance on reference materials, including authority bias and scope extension.
    • Apply a structured framework for selecting and justifying reference manuals in design calculations and project documentation.
    • Analyze conflicts between reference manuals, governing codes, and project conditions, and explain structured methods for resolving them.
    • Explain the ethical and liability implications of reference manual usage under engineer-of-record responsibilities.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
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    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion
    Intended Audience: This course is intended for professional engineers in all disciplines, including civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. The material is especially relevant to engineers involved in design, analysis, specification development, peer review, forensic evaluation, and engineer-of-record responsibilities. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1