ASTTBC Tech Exam key terms

The domain covering how scientific and engineering principles are applied to real workplace problems, including measurement, analysis, design, documentation, and the limits of one's own technical authority.

A disciplined problem-solving cycle of defining the problem, gathering data, forming and testing solutions, then verifying results against requirements before implementation.

The quantified doubt attached to a measured value, arising from instrument limits, environment, and procedure, which must be stated so others can judge whether results meet tolerance.

Comparing an instrument's readings against a traceable reference standard and documenting the correction, so measurements can be trusted within a stated range and interval.

An unbroken documented chain linking a measurement or material back to a recognized national or international standard, allowing its accuracy to be independently verified.

The permitted upper and lower deviation from a specified value, defining the range within which a component, process, or measurement is still considered acceptable.

The digits in a reported number that carry real measurement meaning, used to avoid implying more precision than the instrument or method actually provides.

Checking that a design output meets its stated input requirements, typically through calculation, review, or testing, before the design is released for construction or manufacture.

Confirming that a completed design actually performs as intended in its real operating environment, distinct from merely meeting written requirements.

A written statement of required materials, dimensions, performance, and workmanship that defines what an acceptable product or service must achieve.

A published, consensus-based document setting out agreed technical requirements, methods, or terminology that practitioners reference to ensure consistency and interoperability.

The planned activities and documented processes used to prevent defects and demonstrate that work consistently meets specified requirements.

The inspection, testing, and measurement activities performed on actual outputs to detect defects and confirm conformance with requirements.

A formal record describing work or material that fails to meet a requirement, its cause, the disposition chosen, and the corrective action taken.

A structured written account of work performed, presenting objective, method, data, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations so a qualified reader can evaluate and rely on it.

Independent examination of technical work by another qualified person to catch errors, challenge assumptions, and confirm that conclusions follow from the evidence.

The domain covering the standards of honesty, competence, objectivity, confidentiality, and fair dealing expected of technologists in their dealings with clients, employers, and the public.

A formal set of principles adopted by a professional body that members agree to follow, guiding conduct and forming the basis for discipline when breached.

A situation where a personal, financial, or other interest could improperly influence professional judgment, requiring disclosure and often withdrawal from the decision.

The duty to protect information learned through professional work from unauthorized disclosure, subject to legal exceptions such as imminent danger or court order.

Reporting a genuine and serious danger to public safety or the environment to an appropriate authority, after internal channels have failed or are clearly inadequate.

Accepting responsibility for one's own decisions, work quality, and errors, including promptly disclosing mistakes and correcting their effects rather than concealing them.

The boundary of activities a technologist is competent and authorized to perform, set by education, experience, certification, and governing legislation.

Possessing the current knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to perform a specific task safely and correctly, maintained through ongoing learning and honest self-assessment.

Structured, ongoing learning and record-keeping that keeps a certified practitioner current with technology, standards, and regulations throughout their career.

Accepting anything of value from a party affected by one's professional decisions, which risks perceived or actual bias and is usually restricted or prohibited.

The domain covering the statutes, regulations, bylaws, contracts, and liability rules that govern professional practice and the consequences of failing to comply.

A statute passed by a legislature that establishes legal duties, creates a governing body, and grants authority to make more detailed rules.

A rule made under authority granted by a statute, setting out detailed mandatory requirements and procedures that carry the force of law.

A rule adopted by a professional association or municipality under statutory authority, typically governing membership, discipline, or local matters.

A legally adopted body of technical or safety requirements, such as a building or electrical code, that prescribes minimum acceptable practice in a jurisdiction.

An official written authorization to perform specified work, usually issued after review of plans and subject to conditions that must be met.

Legal responsibility for harm or loss caused by one's actions, omissions, or defective work, which may be enforced through civil claims or professional discipline.

Failure to exercise the degree of care a reasonable professional would provide in similar circumstances, resulting in foreseeable harm.

The legal obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid causing foreseeable harm to people who could reasonably be affected by one's work.

The level of skill and caution expected of a competent practitioner in the same field, used by courts and regulators to judge conduct.

A professional stamp applied to documents to certify that the work was done by or under the direct supervision of a qualified, authorized practitioner.

Keeping project documents, calculations, and correspondence for the period required by law, contract, or policy so decisions can later be defended or audited.

The domain covering safe execution of technical work, including hazard identification, safe work procedures, protective equipment, and emergency response.

A structured process of identifying hazards, estimating the likelihood and severity of harm, and deciding which controls are needed before work proceeds.

A ranked order of controls, from eliminating the hazard through substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures, and finally personal protective equipment as last resort.

Clothing and equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, effective only when correctly selected, fitted, inspected, and maintained as a last line of defense.

A procedure isolating energy sources and applying personal locks so equipment cannot be started while someone is working on or near it.

A standardized document supplied with a hazardous product, summarizing its hazards, safe handling, first aid, and emergency measures.

A written account of an accident, near miss, or dangerous occurrence, recording facts promptly so causes can be investigated and recurrence prevented.

A change made to equipment, procedure, or training to remove the underlying cause of a problem so the same failure does not recur.

A planned, documented examination of work, equipment, or a site to confirm it complies with requirements and is safe to use or occupy.

The paramount obligation to protect the health and welfare of the public, which outweighs employer, client, or commercial interests when the two conflict.