Qualification updates - February 2026

Welcome to our qualification updates for February 2026. We’re pleased to bring you the latest updates on qualifications this month. This edition covers a range of changes, including qualification extensions, new releases, document updates, and withdrawals.

Updates:

Qualification Code: 601/0160/X

Submission type: Extension following review

• This qualification has been extended for one year until 30 April 2027.

Qualification Code: 601/0198/2

Submission type: Extension following review

• This qualification has been extended for 1 year to 30 April 2027.

Qualification Code: 601/5657/0, 601/5658/2, 601/5659/4

Submission type: Extension following review

• All three qualifications are now contained within one Qualification Specification and one Amendment document to reflect the changes.
• The Award, Certificate & Diploma will be extended for 3 years in England and Northern Ireland to 28/02/2029.
• In Wales, this qualification is due for review on 31/10/2026. After the Welsh review, the date will be aligned to the date in England and Northern Ireland.

Qualification Code: C00/4312/6

Submission type: Extension following review

• This qualification has been extended for registrations to 30/03/2029.
• The current planned last certification date is 31/03/2032.

Qualification Code: 603/7133/X

Submission type: Extension pending review

• Qualification has been extended in England only. Potential updates are pending feedback across all nations, when a full review will be conducted.

Qualification Code: 610/6997/8

Submission type: New qualification

• This is a new qualification that will be made available via EAL hub and our website within the next few weeks.

Qualification Overview

• The qualification develops and formally recognises the skills and knowledge needed to carry out safe and effective slinging, lifting, and moving operations within a marine engineering environment.
• It is based on National Occupational Standards (NOS), ensuring learners demonstrate competence in real workplace conditions.
• It is ideal for individuals working in, or aiming to work in, marine engineering or shipyard environments where lifting and moving operations are critical.
• It supports compliance with safety regulations, efficient engineering practices, and correct handling techniques.

Learners will gain competence in:

• Following statutory and organisational safety requirements
• Using and interpreting engineering data and documentation
• Working efficiently and effectively in engineering
• Slinging, lifting, and moving materials, machinery, and components in a marine environment

Progression

• On completion, learners can progress to the EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Marine Engineering, supporting career development and broader competence across marine engineering operations.

Qualification Code: 610/6121/9

Submission type: Only document updates

• Minor correction to Paper A (removal of comment in Word document) made so that it will print correctly.
• No changes to the Amendment Document.

Qualification Code: 601/5669/7

Submission type: Only document updates

• The marking guides within the English Qualification Specification have been amended.
• The Welsh version has been amended regarding formatting but remains at the same issue number to ensure alignment with the English version.

Qualification Code: 600/9486/2, 600/9576/3

Submission type: Only document updates

• Spelling correction only – no operational impact.

Qualification Code: 603/3845/3

Submission type: Only document updates

• Pages 12–13: Corrected a missing statement in the Qualification Manual.

Qualification Code: 600/1031/9

Submission type: Only document updates

• Changes are limited to updates to the latest template interactive format of units QMEN2/001 and QMEN2/002.

Qualification Code: 601/9035/8

Submission type: Qualification withdrawal

• Following a periodic review, we have made the decision to withdraw the above qualification due to lack of demand.

Please note:

• The operational end date has been set as 28/02/2026, and centres will be unable to register any new learners after this date.
• The certification end date is 28/02/2029 for any learners who are currently registered to complete their studies and claim their certificate.

Qualification Code: 600/8085/1

Submission type: Qualification withdrawal

• Following a periodic review, we have made the decision to withdraw the above qualification due to lack of demand.

Please note:

• The operational end date has been set as 28/02/2026, and centres will be unable to register any new learners after this date.
• The certification end date is 28/02/2029 for any learners who are currently registered to complete their studies and claim their certificate.

Qualification Code: 601/3836/1

Submission type: Qualification withdrawal

• Following a periodic review, we have made the decision to withdraw the above qualification due to lack of demand.

Please note:

• The operational end date has been set as 01/08/2026, and centres will be unable to register any new learners after this date.
• The certification end date is 01/08/2028 for any learners who are currently registered to complete their studies and claim their certificate.

Qualification Code: 600/1054/X, 600/1764/8

Submission type: Only document updates

• Units QMEN2/001, QMEN2/002, QMEN3/003 and QMEN3/025 have been updated to the most recent NOS and EAL template interactive format.

Explore our Qualifications Library