NEC Contract Accreditation (NECReg)

7 months ago
Ashley
5 minutes

NEC contract accreditation (necReg) is a professional certification and accreditation specifically focused on the NEC suite of contracts, which are widely used in the UK construction industry and globally. NEC contracts (New Engineering Contracts) are a family of contracts designed to support project management in construction and engineering. They promote collaborative working and are structured to help projects run smoothly by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and processes.

The necReg accreditation (short for NEC Registered Accreditation) is granted by the NEC (New Engineering Contract) to professionals who have demonstrated a deep understanding and practical experience in working with NEC contracts. This accreditation helps establish credibility and expertise in managing, administering, and delivering projects using the NEC suite.

Importance of NEC Contracts in Construction

NEC contracts are well-regarded for their focus on collaboration, risk management, and clear communication, which help deliver construction and engineering projects efficiently. These contracts are particularly common in public sector infrastructure and large-scale construction projects.

The NEC family of contracts includes:

  • NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) – The most commonly used contract for construction projects.
  • NEC4 Professional Services Contract (PSC) – Used for hiring consultants.
  • NEC4 Term Service Contract (TSC) – For longer-term maintenance and service agreements.

Given their significance, being accredited in NEC contracts adds considerable value to professionals in construction and project management roles, including Quantity Surveyors, Contract Managers, and Project Managers.

necReg Accreditation Levels

The necReg accreditation provides different levels of certification depending on the depth of knowledge and experience a professional has with NEC contracts. These levels may include:

  1. NEC Accredited Project Manager:
    • For those responsible for managing projects using NEC contracts.
    • Focuses on understanding key responsibilities, risk management, time and cost management, and ensuring project success using NEC principles.
  2. NEC Accredited Supervisor:
    • For those in charge of supervising the work under NEC contracts, ensuring the quality of work and compliance with contract requirements.
  3. NEC Accredited Service Manager:
    • For professionals managing services (often under the NEC Term Service Contract), such as maintenance contracts, facilities management, or longer-term service agreements.

Key Aspects of necReg Accreditation

  • Comprehensive Knowledge of NEC Contracts: Accreditation requires a thorough understanding of NEC contracts, their structure, and their key clauses, such as compensation events, early warnings, and collaborative working.
  • Proven Experience: To achieve necReg accreditation, professionals often need to demonstrate practical experience in administering or managing projects under NEC contracts.
  • Training and Assessment: necReg accreditation is typically achieved through formal training provided by accredited institutions or directly through NEC-authorized providers, followed by a formal assessment.
  • CPD and Ongoing Development: Once accredited, maintaining necReg status often involves continuing professional development (CPD) to stay updated with any changes or developments in NEC contract management.

Benefits of NEC Contract Accreditation (necReg)

  1. Enhanced Professional Credibility: necReg accreditation demonstrates a high level of competence and expertise in using NEC contracts, which can be a significant advantage in the job market, especially for Quantity Surveyors, Contract Administrators, and Project Managers.
  2. Career Advancement: NEC contracts are widely used in both public and private sectors, particularly in infrastructure and construction. Having necReg accreditation opens doors to roles where expertise in these contracts is critical.
  3. Improved Project Outcomes: Professionals with necReg accreditation are better equipped to manage and administer projects under NEC contracts, leading to improved collaboration, reduced risks, and better overall project performance.
  4. Specialist Knowledge in Risk and Dispute Management: NEC contracts focus on minimizing disputes through early warnings and collaborative problem-solving. necReg accreditation teaches professionals how to manage risks effectively, which is particularly valuable for Quantity Surveyors who need to handle costs and contracts accurately.

Who Should Pursue NEC Contract Accreditation?

  • Quantity Surveyors: QS professionals benefit from necReg accreditation as they often handle the financial and contractual aspects of NEC projects. Expertise in NEC clauses, like compensation events, can directly impact cost management.
  • Contract Administrators: Professionals responsible for the day-to-day administration of contracts under NEC guidelines need this accreditation to ensure they meet the contract’s requirements efficiently.
  • Project Managers: NEC contracts place heavy emphasis on collaborative project management. Accredited Project Managers will have a deeper understanding of how to use the NEC contract to manage teams, costs, and timelines effectively.

How to Obtain necReg Accreditation

  • Training Programs: NEC offers various training programs (online and in-person) to help professionals gain the knowledge needed for accreditation. Training is available for specific roles such as Project Manager or Service Manager.
  • Assessments: After completing the training, professionals must pass an assessment, which could include written exams, case studies, or practical tests based on real-world NEC contract administration scenarios.
  • Ongoing CPD: After accreditation, maintaining the necReg status may require regular updates through CPD sessions and re-accreditation, ensuring professionals stay current with the latest developments in NEC contracts.

Conclusion

The necReg accreditation is an important qualification for professionals working with NEC contracts in the construction industry. For Quantity Surveyors, this accreditation signifies expertise in one of the most widely used contractual frameworks in the industry. By obtaining necReg status, professionals enhance their skills, career prospects, and ability to deliver successful projects in line with NEC principles.