Welcome to our qualification updates for March 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 Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electronic Security Systems (Qualification Code: 610/7046/4)
Type of change: New qualification
- A new Level 3 single-unit award that provides learners with an understanding of the design, installation, and commissioning of electronic security systems. It focuses on developing the knowledge and practical skills for video surveillance systems, intruder alarms, and access control to enable new sector entrants, existing engineers from aligned industry sectors, and those who have only carried one specialism to diversify and broaden their knowledge and skills. This qualification is expected to be ready for release in April 2026.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 (Qualification Code: 610/7005/1)
Type of change: New qualification
- A new Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 18th Edition, aligned to Amendment 4. This will replace 603/3298/0 and automatic approval for the new award will be given to centres who deliver the existing qualification. This qualification is expected to be ready for release in April 2026, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/1028/9)
Type of change: Qualification withdrawal
- EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering 600/1028/9 is being withdrawn due to low demand for this qualification. There are similar qualifications available if Centres looking for alternative qualifications for example, Level 2 PEO or any of the aviation and aerospace qualifications at Level 3.
- Any existing registered learners will have until 31/03/2029 to complete their qualification.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Materials Processing and Finishing (Qualification Code: 600/9795/4)
Type of change: Qualification withdrawal
- EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Materials Processing and Finishing 600/9795/4 is being withdrawn due to low take up and minimal demand. Any learners that may still be on programme will have until 31/03/2029 to certificate against this qualification.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 (Qualification Code: 603/3298/0)
Type of change: Qualification withdrawal
- This qualification has been replaced by 610/7005/1, which is updated to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. Centres with 603/3298/0 on their remit will be given automatic approval to add 610/7005/1. The final certification/start date 31/07/26, the exam will only be available up to 15/10/26, and the final certification date will be 31/12/26.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation (Qualification Code: 600/9331/6)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- A new pathway with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (18ED3/04). A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation (Qualification Code: 601/4563/8)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- A new pathway with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (N18ED3/04). A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. Update in qualification specification to Section 6.1 - guidance on permitted reference materials for use in assessments. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification (Qualification Code: 610/2859/9)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- A new pathway with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (18ED3/04). A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. Updates in the qualification specification to Section 5 (minor changes for clarity), and further guidance added to Section 6.1 - 'Guidance on permitted reference materials for use in assessments' and Section 6.3 - 'Guidance on use of assessment rigs'. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (Qualification Code: 601/7345/2)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- New pathways with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (NETK3/18ED4). Another new pathway will be available for non-apprentices from 01/05/26. There are also changes to assessment of performance requirements from 01/05/2026. A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings (Qualification Code: 610/1335/3)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- A new pathway with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (NETK3/18ED4). Another new pathway will be available for non-apprentices from 01/05/26. There are also changes to assessment of performance requirements from 01/05/2026.A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification (Qualification Code: 603/5982/1)
Type of change: Amendment to qualification structure
- A new pathway with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (18ED3/04). A new qualification specification, amendment document, and delivery unit will be published to reflect changes. Other minor updates in the qualification specification for clarity. It is anticipated that this will be released for use in April, please keep an eye out for further updates.
Qualification Name: Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (Qualification Code: 501/1843/2)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Materials have been updated to reflect the latest EAL Template documents.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (Qualification Code: 501/1841/9)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Materials have been updated to reflect the latest EAL Template documents.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (Qualification Code: 501/1842/0)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Materials have been updated to reflect the latest EAL Template documents.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Process and Practice (Qualification Code: 501/2056/6)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Materials have been updated to reflect the latest EAL Template documents.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 4 Award in Externally Assuring the Quality Assurance of Assessment Process and Practice (Qualification Code: 501/2242/3)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Materials have been updated to reflect the latest EAL Template documents.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Cycle Maintenance (Qualification Code: 501/0988/1)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Qualification dates extended.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence) (Qualification Code: 603/2290/1)
Type of change: Extension following review
- EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Technical Support Technician (Development Competence) 603/2290/1 has been extended for 2 years to enable EAL to gauge the future use of this qualification after changes to the Apprenticeship Standards. There will be no new registrations for apprenticeships undertaking ST0457 Level 3 Engineering Technician, but this qualification supports previously registered learners for the duration of their on-programme delivery. Please refer to the updated Qualification Manual for more information.
Qualification Name: EAL Diploma in Gas Engineering at SCQF Level 6 (Qualification Code: R664 04)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Qualification dates extended.
Qualification Name: EAL L2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Competence (Qualification Code: 603/1295/6)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Following a periodic review, we have made the decision to extend this qualification for one year. The registration end date is 30 April 2027.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Diploma in Rail Engineering Operative Knowledge (Qualification Code: 603/1296/8)
Type of change: Extension following review
- Following a periodic review, we have made the decision to extend this qualification for one year. The registration end date is 30 April 2027.
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies (Qualification Code: 610/4353/9)
Type of change: Only document updates
- EMST3-031 Learner Assessment Pack – Grading Criteria Table Updated.
EMST3-031 Delivery Pack – Grading Criteria Table Updated.
Qualification Name: EAL Electrical Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding Tests (Entry for Experienced Worker Route) (Qualification Code: EXPL3E)
Type of change: Only document updates
- Additional dates regarding Test windows for EUKU3-01 (Installation and Maintenance Electrician) and DEUKU3-01 (Domestic Electrician) are now in place. Confirmation of designated windows can be obtained from EAL [email protected]
Qualification Name: Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Mathematics for Engineering (Qualification Code: 610/4845/8)
Type of change: Only document updates
- We’re pleased to share an important update that will make the assessment process for this qualification more flexible and efficient for your centre.
- The assessment strategy has been updated from an “EAL-set, EAL-marked and moderated dated-entry written exam” to a new “EAL-set, centre-marked and EAL EQA’d window written exam.”
- This means you now have greater control over assessment delivery while maintaining the same high-quality external quality assurance from EAL.
Centres can now schedule assessments during two annual windows:
- 1 April – 30 June
- 1 – 31 January
Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge) (Qualification Code: 610/0793/6)
Type of change: Only document updates
- AME3/025 Learner Assessment Pack – Grading Criteria Table Updated, Issue 3.0
- AME3/025 Delivery Pack – Grading Criteria Table Updated, Issue 4.0.
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