Defined Cost Audit Training

Equipping commercial teams and leaders to deliver accurate, transparent costs on open book contracts

Practical, training from the UK’s leading experts in risk-based cost assurance - built on 20 years of auditing the UK’s most high risk and high value capital projects

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2,000+

defined cost audits

Training

grounded in real projects

Two Courses. One Objective – Accurate Costs

Course 1
Practical Defined Cost Auditing

Practical Defined Cost Auditing

For Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Teams responsible for audits and inspection

Hands-on, step-by-step training to review and challenge defined costs in open book contracts. Covers audit planning, cost records analysis, risk-assessment, sampling, testing, and contractor engagement.

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Course 2
Advanced 
Cost 
Assurance

Advanced 
Cost 
Assurance

For Senior Commercial Leaders accountable for large value projects

Focused, strategic training on assurance frameworks, red flag identification, building strong governance on major projects, adding value and supporting improved efficiency targets.

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Learn from the industry experts

Part of your formal continuous professional development

 

Why this training?

Clients and contractors must be confident that the contractually correct amounts are being paid. Yet, in many projects, cost assurance is under-invested, misunderstood, or overly focused on paperwork instead of risk and value.

Our training is designed specifically for professionals working on NEC Option C and E contracts. We teach teams how to pinpoint key risks, apply audit principles that work in realworld project environments, and build robust confidence in monthly applications and contractor submissions.

Grounded in the realities of major project delivery, not textbook theory.

 

Why learn with us?

  • Recognised Defined Cost Experts: Trusted by major clients and the NEC as the UK’s leading provider of defined cost audit training

  • Led by Darren Ward: UK authority on defined cost audits

  • Backed by 2,000+ Real Audits: Built on practical methods refined through extensive audit experience

  • 20+ Years, Multi-Sector Insight: Real-world experience across nuclear, defence, highways, aviation, and utilities

  • NEC and Commercial Know-How: Delivered by qualified accountants with deep NEC and construction expertise

  • Risk-Focused, Not Box-Ticking: Practical, forensic techniques that focus on what really matters in live projects

  • Engaging and Down to Earth: Trainers bring clarity and energy, making a complex topic accessible and relevant

“Very valuable experience of learning. Engaging instructors.”

Water Client

“An excellent day… it will drive further thought and discussion over the coming weeks.”

Energy Client

“You provided useful insights into how the contract should operate. I recognise now we have been getting it wrong for years.”

Aviation Client

What Clients Say

Hear how our courses are making an impact, straight from our learners...

Take the next step towards robust Cost Assurance

Contact us to discuss your training needs or to request a proposal.

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Who we work with

Our Clients

National Highways
EDF Energy
Southern Water
Heathrow Airport
Sellafield