Qualification updates - August 2026

Welcome to our qualification updates for August 2026. We're pleased to bring you the latest updates on qualifications this month. This edition covers a range of changes, including amendments to qualification structures, extensions following review, document updates and qualification withdrawals.

Updates:

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance and EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Maintenance (Qualification Codes: 501/0544/9 and 600/2084/2)

Type of change: Amendment to Qualification Structure

These qualifications have been updated to include an additional pathway for Traction and Rolling Stock. The pathway covers preparing for duties in the rail engineering industry, maintaining systems and equipment, and carrying out fault diagnosis on traction and rolling stock systems.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 1 Certificate in Electronics (Qualification Code: C00/0294/9)

Type of change: Amendment to Qualification Structure

This qualification is now available in Wales for an initial 12-month period.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (Qualification Code: 500/9851/2)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

The EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering is a work-based qualification designed for individuals working in the mechanical manufacturing sector. It develops and recognises the practical skills, knowledge and competence required to carry out engineering manufacturing activities safely and effectively in the workplace.

Assessment is based on workplace evidence, allowing learners to demonstrate that they can consistently perform their job role to industry standards. It is typically suited to those in operative or technician-support roles who are developing occupational competence in a mechanical manufacturing environment.

The qualification is aligned with the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, ensuring that the skills and knowledge learners develop are relevant to current industry practice and employer requirements.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (Qualification Code: 500/9852/4)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

The EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering is a work-based qualification designed for people working in the mechanical manufacturing sector. It demonstrates occupational competence and practical skills in a real engineering environment.

The qualification is assessed through workplace evidence and is designed to ensure learners can perform their role safely, effectively and to industry standards. It is aligned with the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, ensuring that the knowledge, skills and behaviours demonstrated by learners reflect current industry requirements and employer expectations.

Qualification Name: EAL SCQF Level 6 Award in the Servicing and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers (Qualification Code: R708 04)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

This qualification has been reviewed and extended in Scotland.

The following documents have been updated and will be made available via Online Services:

• Qualification Specification
• Amendment Document
• Controlled Knowledge Assessment documents for FE3/01 Paper A

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge and Skills) (Qualification Code: 603/3589/0)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

This qualification has been extended for five years, until 30 September 2031.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) (Qualification Code: 601/5326/X)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

The Qualification Specification and Amendment Document have been updated to the latest template.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Maintenance (Development Competence) (Qualification Code: 603/0372/4)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

This qualification has been extended until 31 August 2031 to help support learners in the Aviation Maintenance sector.

The Qualification Manual and Qualification Units have been updated to the latest EAL branding and format. A Unit Summaries Document has also been created, and all materials are available to download via EAL Connect.

Centres should familiarise themselves with the new versions, as some minor amendments have been made to formatting, including correcting spelling mistakes and numbering. No new content has been added to the units.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Development Competence) (Qualification Code: 603/3845/3)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

This qualification has been extended in England until 31 August 2031 to help support learners in the Mechatronics Maintenance sector.

The Qualification Manual has been updated to include information on the Apprenticeship Standards. All materials are available to download via EAL Connect.

Please note that this qualification is no longer available for delivery in Wales.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/3914/7)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Technical Support (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/4557/3)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Electrical Engineering (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/4558/5)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Machining (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/4561/5)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Mechanical Maintenance (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/4562/7)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Electrical Installation and Maintenance (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/3907/X)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Fabrication and Welding (Diploma) (Qualification Code: 610/4559/7)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

The qualification review date has been extended by six months in England.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Installation of Small Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems (Qualification Code: 600/5175/9)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

This qualification has been extended in Wales.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies (Qualification Code: 603/0564/2)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An amendment has been made to Appendix 1 (Qualification Grading Template).

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Machining and EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining (Qualification Codes: 603/1033/9 and 610/0793/6)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An amendment has been made to the Delivery Pack for AME3-004B: Knowledge Assessment. Please refer to the amendment document for further details.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Gas Engineering (Qualification Code: 610/1345/6)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An amendment has been made to Delivery Pack DSG3 4 Issue 3. 'Closed book' has been amended to 'Open book' on page 22.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies, Tech Extended Diploma (Qualification Codes: 601/5801/3, 601/5799/9, 601/5802/5 and 603/0564/2)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

The update relates to the Mathematics for Engineering Technicians unit (QETK-003). A correction has been made to the Delivery Pack for Answer A to Question 6 in ET3-003B: Knowledge Assessment.

Qualification Name: Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) (Qualification Codes: 603/1353/5 and 603/1354/7)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

The update relates to the Mathematics for Engineering Technicians unit (AMEDK3-003). A correction has been made to the Delivery Pack for Answer A to Question 6 in AMEDK3-003B: Knowledge Assessment.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Servicing and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers (Qualification Code: 603/7133/X)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Changes have been made to Sections 5.3 and 5.4 of the Qualification Specification. Updated unit and assessment documents, including interactive Word versions where appropriate, are also available.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (Qualification Code: 601/7345/2)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

The Qualification Specification has been updated, including changes to Section 6.4 for clarity. A Candidate Background Form and Skill Scan have been added to the appendices, with appendix numbering and references also updated.

There have also been other minor changes to Sections 2.0, 3.2 and 5.3.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker (Qualification Code: 603/5982/1)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Section 6.4 of the Qualification Specification has been updated for clarity.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings (Qualification Code: 610/1335/3)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

The Qualification Specification has been updated, including changes to Section 6.4 for clarity. A Candidate Background Form and Skill Scan have been added to the appendices, with appendix numbering and references also updated.

There have also been other minor changes to Sections 2.0, 3.2 and 5.3.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker (Qualification Code: 610/2859/9)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Section 6.4 of the Qualification Specification has been updated for clarity.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies (Qualification Code: 610/4353/9)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

The update relates to the Mathematics for Engineering Technicians unit (EMST3-003). A correction has been made to the Delivery Pack for Answer A to Question 6 in Knowledge Assessment B.

Qualification Name: Controlled Knowledge Assessment – QET3-028

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An update has been made to replace QET3-028: Knowledge Assessment.

Qualification Name: Controlled Knowledge Assessment – NETA-028

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An update has been made to replace ETA-028A: Knowledge Assessment.

Qualification Name: Controlled Knowledge Assessment – QETA-028

Type of change: Only Document Updates

An update has been made to replace the ETA-028 short-answer question paper.

Qualification Name: SVQ 3 Engineering Technical Support at SCQF Level 6 (Qualification Code: GL3M23)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Three units within this qualification have been updated to align with the latest standards.

These updates were prioritised as the units have now been incorporated into our SVQ Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5, following a comprehensive review and revision of the qualification structure to better support the three Engineering Modern Apprenticeship frameworks.

The remaining units will be reviewed and updated in due course to ensure continued alignment with current industry standards and requirements.

Qualification Name: SVQ 3 Engineering Maintenance at SCQF Level 6 (Qualification Code: GL2M 23)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Two units within this qualification have been updated to align with the latest standards.

These updates were prioritised as the units have now been incorporated into our SVQ Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5, following a comprehensive review and revision of the qualification structure to better support the three Engineering Modern Apprenticeship frameworks.

The remaining units will be reviewed and updated in due course to ensure continued alignment with current industry standards and requirements.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits) (Qualification Code: 610/7301/5)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

This award is specifically aimed at existing fossil fuel plumbing and heating engineers and provides the training needed to upskill their existing skills to install heat pumps.

The qualification allows learners to continue to learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment within the Building Services Engineering (BSE) renewable sector.

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills they need to prove competence and support their registration with the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) for work under the scope of MIS 3005-I (The Heat Pump Standard – Installation).

Key topics include the operational characteristics of different types of heat pumps, their components, the principles of heat pump selection, system design, planning for heat pump installations, installation, commissioning and handover, as well as servicing, maintenance and fault finding.

The qualification has been developed using content created by the Heat Pump Association (HPA), supporting a highly skilled workforce in the building services engineering sector. The qualification is recognised by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) and Flexi-Orb (Flexible Energy Oversight Registration Body) for their Heat Pump Scheme.

Entry requirements have been updated to meet HPA criteria.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Installation and Maintenance of Heat Pumps Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits) (Qualification Code: 600/5253/3)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

This qualification has now been withdrawn due to low uptake.

It has been replaced by qualification 610/7301/5, EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Air Source Heat Pump Systems (Non-refrigerant Circuits).

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Metal Processing and Allied Operations (Qualification Codes: 600/8238/0 and C00/0542/8)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

This qualification has been withdrawn from Wales due to no or low demand and at the request of Qualifications Wales.

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