NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) Service Manager Accreditation

The NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) Service Manager Accreditation programme is a specialist training and certification pathway designed to empower professionals with the skills, authority and confidence to perform the Service Manager role within NEC4 FMC frameworks.

This programme reflects the latest evolution in FM contracting, shifting from reactive maintenance to proactive, lifecycle-based asset management. You will develop expertise in collaborative principles, procedures and performance mechanisms that underpin NEC’s globally trusted contract suite.

This training programme blends theory with practical application, using a mix of learning materials such as case studies and scenario-based exercises, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to successfully fulfil the role of Service Manager under the NEC4 FMC.

The full programme begins with online learning and assessment, designed to refresh your understanding of the Service Manager role and maximise the benefits of subsequent trainer-led sessions. This is then followed by a four-day in-depth, interactive training programme available in both classroom (in-person) and virtual delivery formats.

Upon completing the four days of training, you will be given access to take the NEC4: FMC Service Manager Accreditation assessment under examination conditions to confirm the knowledge, skills and expertise expected of an accredited NEC4 FMC Service Manager.

Upon successfully passing the assessment, you will receive an official NEC4 FMC Service Manager Accreditation certificate, valid for 5 years from the date of passing the assessment and be listed on the Register of Accredited NEC Professionals, held by NEC.

Pre-requisites

As part of the course, you will receive complimentary access to the following refresher online learning, which must be successfully completed prior to the start of the four-day programme:

•  NEC4: Introduction to the NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC)

Pre-requisites are assigned 30 days before the course start date and consist of short online video modules followed by a multiple-choice test.

Completion of the learning modules is optional; you may proceed directly to the assessment. However, we strongly recommend completing the modules as a refresher to ensure readiness for the trainer-led sessions.

To meet the requirement, delegates must achieve a minimum pass mark of 70% in the multiple-choice test.

Course & Timings

The core programme consists of four days of training.

• Day 1: Contract Start-Up
• Day 2: Planning, Risk Management, Service Failures and Compensation Events
• Day 3: Commercial Management
• Day 4: Contract Management and Closure

The sessions start at 9:00 and conclude at 17:00 with regular breaks throughout the day. All timings, except the start time, are approximate and may be adjusted.

For a more detailed overview of the training subjects, please refer to the Course Structure section below.

Course Structure

Day One: Contract Start Up

This session examines the role of the Service Manager under NEC4 FMC, key principles of contract management and the importance of acting as stated in the contract. It covers understanding FMC documents (Contract Data, Scope, Performance Table), initial duties during mobilisation and establishing essential procedures such as communication protocols, ordering services and managing Service Orders and Project Orders. The day emphasises collaboration, compliance with timescales and setting up processes that underpin successful contract delivery.

Day Two: Planning, Risk Management, Service Failures and Compensation Events

This session focuses on advanced planning and control mechanisms under NEC4 FMC. Covers the structure and management of the Accepted Plan, mobilisation and demobilisation plans and Project Order programmes, including compliance and revision protocols. Examines risk management through the early warning process, allocation of liabilities and insurance obligations. Addresses quality management, testing requirements and the contractual handling of Service Failures. Concludes with the principles and initial stages of the compensation event process, emphasizing proactive management and adherence to timescales.

Day Three: Commercial Management

This session explores the commercial framework of NEC4 FMC, including the full compensation event cycle and its impact on cost, performance and time. Reviews payment procedures, assessment intervals, and the calculation of the Price for Service Provided to Date (PSPD) across main Options. Provides detailed analysis of the Price List, Defined Cost, Fee and Disallowed Cost and their application under main Options. Includes guidance on open-book audits, Schedule of Cost Components and strategies for maintaining financial governance and transparency.

Day Four: Contract Management and Contract Closure

This session addresses advanced contract administration through to completion. Covers reporting requirements for commercial and quality performance, forecasting Defined Cost and managing share calculations. Examines procedures for contract closure, including final assessments, demobilisation planning, compliance with Scope and termination protocols. Reviews dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of the Service Manager in maintaining governance and collaborative ethos. Emphasizes leadership in implementing processes that ensure compliance, transparency and successful contract outcomes.

Final assessment

Upon completion of the training, delegates must complete the following assessment within one month. Exact dates will be communicated via email once attendance for the 4-day training is confirmed. This is an objective style assessment. It consists of the following:

• Question type: multiple-choice
• Number of questions: 57 questions (split across 2 parts)
• Duration: 4 hours* (2 hours per part)
• Attempts: 1 attempt
• Pass mark: 60%

You must achieve at least 60% in part 1 to access part 2. Accreditation is granted upon passing both parts with a minimum score of 60% each.

*Note: Once a sitting is started, the timer cannot be paused or extended.

Certificates

Upon successfully passing the assessment, you will receive an official NEC4 FMC Service Manager Accreditation certificate. The Certificate of Accreditation is valid for 5 years.

For more information, view the Delegate Guide.

At the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the role of the Service Manager and the principles of facilities management under NEC4 FMC contracts.
• Effectively implement contractual obligations and service requirements as stated in the contract.
• Organise, record, control, and respond to all communications between parties within the timeframes specified by the contract.
• Interpret market rates, Prices, and Defined Cost in the context of facilities management services.
• Manage service delivery teams and support staff while ensuring contractual compliance and accountability.
• Identify and resolve ambiguities, inconsistencies, or impractical requirements between the documents which are part of the contract.
• Define what should be included in the Accepted Plan and outline the acceptance process under FMC.
• Explain the importance and outline the process for Project Orders (Option X27).
• Explain key actions that need to be implemented at the commencement, during and at the end of a successful contract.
• Identify and apply strategies to effectively resolve common problems encountered in the Service Manager role.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply FMC knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the Service Manager role.

This programme is intended for experienced NEC4 FMC Service Managers and practitioners. It is expected that delegates attending the course will have the following knowledge and experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience using NEC4 FMC in the services or facilities management sector and ideally within a Service Manager role
• Good understanding of the FMC, its main and secondary Options, including the ability to comprehend additional conditions of contract and recognise critical FMC processes.
• Knowledge of the relevant industry legislation and contract principles.
• Experience with taking ownership of own responsibilities, acting as stated in the contract and confidently managing key stakeholders.
• An appreciation and understanding of the NEC4: FMC User Guide Volume 2 and 4.
• Can use key principles for structuring and drafting clear and unambiguous Scope, and other documents as necessary.
• Understanding of contractual responsibilities and liabilities, as well as able to evaluate if subcontract documentation is appropriate.

Delegates with limited NEC4 FMC experience can attend the course to build knowledge. However, they should be aware that to obtain the accreditation, the post-course assessment is set at an advanced level. Completing the training alone without sufficient prior experience and application of the NEC4 FMC, may not be enough to successfully pass the assessment.

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Product code: L46358