National Society of Professional Engineers

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is an American professional association representing licensed professional engineers. Engineering.com describes NSPE as "the recognized voice and advocate of licensed Professional Engineers," represented in 52 state (and territorial) organizations and over 400 local chapters. The society is based in Alexandria, Virginia.

The NSPE was founded in 1934, as a nontechnical organization for licensed professional engineers. The NSPE published Canons of Ethics for Engineers and Rules of Professional Conduct in 1946, which evolved to the current Code of Ethics, adopted in 1964; the first Fundamental Canon is "Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public." In 1973, the NSPE entered into an agreement with the Society of Women Engineers in an effort to increase the number of women professional engineers.

In 1976, the NSPE was the petitioner in National Society of Professional Engineers v. United States, 435 U.S. 679. The United States brought this antitrust suit against the NSPE, claiming that the NSPE's ethical canon prohibiting its members from submitting competitive bids for engineering services suppressed competition in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The NSPE countered with argument for exception under the Rule of Reason. The United States Supreme Court decided against the NSPE.

NSPE has founded and works closely with a number of nonprofit organizations and outreach-based activities.