Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/resources/glossary/nec Content format: Markdown version of the public page. Content reviewed: 2026-09-30 # NEC: definition and example A family of contracts published by the Institution of Civil Engineers, first called the New Engineering Contract. By [Jack Butler-Kettle]() ยท Updated 30 September 2026 Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job. ## What it means in practice Read this alongside [the NEC Dictionary of Terms](). NEC is a family of contracts covering different appointments and pricing arrangements. A subcontractor needs the particular subcontract, edition, main option and amendments. Management processes, notices and records have distinct functions, so familiarity with the main contract is not a substitute for reading your own agreement. Map the notice and assessment requirements at the outset. A [pre-signing contract review]() can identify package-specific obligations and amended terms. ## Worked example ### The facts A subcontractor is told that a project is using NEC4. ### What happens 1. It identifies its own subcontract form, pricing option and Contract Data. 2. It checks the additional conditions before setting up the notice and payment registers. ### What this shows The operating routine follows the actual subcontract rather than a generic assumption about all NEC projects. ## Sources 1. [NEC Dictionary of Terms](). NEC Contracts.