Qualification updates - September 2026

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

Updates:

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Award in Fundamental Inspection, Testing and Initial Verification (Qualification Code: 603/0144/2)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

Qualification Specification released to replace previous Qualification Manual. A unit summary has been added as an appendix within the new document.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• An amendment involving the following qualifications: 603/1353/5 & 603/1354/7 EAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) has been carried out for Unit AMEDK3, with the replacement for 014D now in place.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge) (Qualification Code: 603/3194/X)

Type of change: Amendment to Qualification Structure

• Is now eligible for funding in Wales.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Updates to the Electrotechnical RPL Guidance document, Candidate Background Form, and to the Qualification Specification (notification for reduced completion timeframes added to Section 3.2, and a registration process flowchart added to Appendix 5).

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Updates to the Electrotechnical RPL Guidance document, Candidate Background Form, and to the Qualification Specification (notification for reduced completion timeframes added to Section 3.2, and a registration process flowchart added to Appendix 5).

Qualification Name: Level 2 Certificate in Business Improvement Techniques (Qualification Code: 501/1495/5)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification will cease for new registrations from the 30/11/2026. Centres will have two years in which to make claims until certification ends on the 30/11/2028. As an alternative the following qualification will continue to be open for new registrations presently 601/1686/9 EAL Level 2 Certificate in Applying Business-Improvement Techniques.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems (Qualification Code: 603/6194/3)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• Extended for one year across all nations after review, this extension is to allow updates to the new NOS documents for this occupation. An updated Qualification Specification and Amendment Document are available.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems (Qualification Code: 603/6618/7)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• Extended for one year across all nations after review, a replacement for this qualification is currently under development. An updated Qualification Specification and Amendment Document are available.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Toolmaking (Qualification Code: 600/1667/X)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended in Wales for a period of 3 years to support the sector and the Welsh Apprenticeship.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Composite Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/8284/7)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification has been withdrawn. This qualification is no longer open to new registrations. There is an alternative qualification available for any new registrations. Please see 600/8086/3 Level 3 Diploma in Composite Engineering on the EAL website for more information.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Composite Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/8086/3)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended in England only for a period of 3 years to support the specialist employers and their learners.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Emergency Lighting Systems (Qualification Code: 610/6121/9)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Minor updates to centre-marked controlled knowledge assessment documents.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/1037/X)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended for a further 5 years in England and Northern Ireland and a further 3 years in Wales. This is to enable EAL to continue to support the Aeronautical Engineering sector.

Qualification Name: EAL Building Services Engineering (Level 3) – Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps (Qualification Code: C00/5331/4)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Welsh translated versions of the Qualification Handbook and Assessment Pack are now available.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• An update involving the following suite of qualifications: 601/5800/1 (Certificate), 601/5799/9 (Subsidiary Diploma), 601/5801/3 (Diploma), 601/5802/5 (Extended Diploma) and 603/0564/2 EAL Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies has been carried out. Specifically, to Units 006, 023 and 042, whereby DP, LP and KA versions have been created in line with the new templates and are also available in Welsh. A further amendment has been carried out to Unit 003A, with a replacement for ET3003AD now in place.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Delivery Pack has been updated with branding and replacement of assessment AME3-014D Knowledge Assessment.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Delivery Pack has been updated with branding and replacement of assessment EMST3-006D Knowledge Assessment.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 1 NVQ Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations (Qualification Code: 501/2218/6)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• The Unit Summary has been updated. See the qualification Amendment Document for more details. The Unit Summaries are a concise overview of what the units within the Qualification Specification cover, including the main skills, knowledge, behaviours, responsibilities, and activities that the learner is expected to develop and demonstrate. It provides context for the learning outcomes by explaining the unit's purpose, the scope of activities, and the performance standards expected in industry.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/9174/5)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• The Unit Summary has been updated. See the qualification Amendment Document for more details. The Unit Summaries are a concise overview of what the units within the Qualification Specification cover, including the main skills, knowledge, behaviours, responsibilities, and activities that the learner is expected to develop and demonstrate. It provides context for the learning outcomes by explaining the unit's purpose, the scope of activities, and the performance standards expected in industry.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (Qualification Code: 501/0733/1)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended in England and Northern Ireland for a further 5 years to support the sector. The Qualification Manual, Amendment Document and Unit Summaries documents have been updated. Centres are advised to familiarise themselves with the revised documents.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (Qualification Code: 600/1650/4)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended in Wales for a further 3 years to support the Welsh Apprenticeships. The Qualification Manual, Amendment Document and Unit Summaries documents have been updated. Centres are advised to familiarise themselves with the revised documents.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Commissioning, Handover and Servicing of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems to BS 5839-1 (Qualification Code: 610/0039/3)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification will be withdrawn in Northern Ireland and Wales due to low uptake from the end of the current review date, 31/10/2026.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Commissioning, Handover and Servicing of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems to BS 5839-1 (Qualification Code: 610/0039/3)

Type of change: Extension Pending Review

• This qualification has been extended in England to 30/04/2027, when it will be subject to further review.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (Qualification Code: 600/1650/4)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification has been withdrawn from England and Northern Ireland due to no/low demand. English and NI Centres are reminded that the last registration date is 30/09/2026 and the Certification End Date is 30/09/2029 for any learners left on plan. Centres are reminded that an alternative qualification is available, please check the EAL website for further details on the EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (501/0733/1).

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Engineering Toolmaking (Qualification Code: 600/1667/X)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification has been withdrawn from England and Northern Ireland due to no demand. English and NI Centres are advised to see the EAL website for alternative qualifications that may suit your learners requirements.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (Qualification Code: 501/0733/1)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification has now been withdrawn from Wales due to low demand. Please note that an alternative qualification for Welsh approved centres is the EAL Extended Level 3 Diploma in Installation and Commissioning (600/1650/4) which also supports the Welsh Apprenticeship.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Sustainability Engineering (Qualification Code: 610/6260/1 , C00/5253/6)

Type of change: Qualification Withdrawal

• This qualification has been withdrawn due to lack of demand. A replacement qualification will be investigated when the demand arises. Please see the EAL website or EAL online services for alternative EAL sustainability qualifications.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/2083/0)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended for a further five years in England and Northern Ireland to support the aeronautical sector. The qualification has been extended in Wales for a further 3 years to support the Welsh Apprenticeship.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/9590/8)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended for a further five years in England and Northern Ireland to support the aeronautical sector. The qualification has been extended in Wales for a further 3 years to support the Welsh Apprenticeship.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/9931/8)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This qualification has been extended for a further five years in England and Northern Ireland to support the aeronautical sector. The qualification has been extended in Wales for a further 3 years to support the aeronautical sector and Welsh Apprenticeship.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings BS 5839-1:2025 (Qualification Code: 610/5638/8)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• An amendment has been made to Section 2 of the Qualification Specification.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• Amendment affecting 603/1353/5 and 603/1354/7: Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. AMEDK3-006B: Knowledge Assessment has been updated to the new Word template.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Automotive Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/0750/3)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• The Unit Summaries document has been updated. See the qualification Amendment Document for more details. The Unit Summaries are a concise overview of what the units within the Qualification Specification cover, including the main skills, knowledge, behaviours, responsibilities, and activities that the learner is expected to develop and demonstrate. It provides context for the learning outcomes by explaining the unit's purpose, the scope of activities, and the performance standards expected in industry.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma Automotive Engineering (Vehicle Fitting) (Qualification Code: 600/1784/3)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• The Unit Summaries document has been updated. See the qualification Amendment Document for more details. The Unit Summaries are a concise overview of what the units within the Qualification Specification cover, including the main skills, knowledge, behaviours, responsibilities, and activities that the learner is expected to develop and demonstrate. It provides context for the learning outcomes by explaining the unit's purpose, the scope of activities, and the performance standards expected in industry.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Manufacture (Qualification Code: 600/9486/2)

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• The Unit Summaries document has been updated. See the qualification Amendment Document for more details. The Unit Summaries are a concise overview of what the units within the Qualification Specification cover, including the main skills, knowledge, behaviours, responsibilities, and activities that the learner is expected to develop and demonstrate. It provides context for the learning outcomes by explaining the unit's purpose, the scope of activities, and the performance standards expected in industry.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 5 Award in Infrared Thermography for Diagnostics, Prognostics and Reporting (Qualification Code: 610/7783/5)

Type of change: New Qualification

• This qualification is a new Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) designed to develop advanced theoretical knowledge and professional competence in the science, measurement, and application of infrared thermography.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• An amendment to learner age restrictions in the Qualification Specification to reflect age ranges on regulator portals across nations. A new Amendment Document reflects the changes.

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

Type of change: Only Document Updates

• An amendment to learner age restrictions in the Qualification Specification to reflect age ranges on regulator portals across nations. A new Amendment Document reflects the changes.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Mob Ox-Fuel Gas Equipment Inspection (Qualification Code: 600/1432/5)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This vocationally related qualification is designed for individuals responsible for the inspection, testing, and certification of mobile oxy-fuel gas equipment used in welding, cutting, heating, and allied processes. This qualification is ideal for maintenance personnel, inspectors, engineers, technicians, and health & safety professionals involved in managing oxy-fuel gas systems. Successful completion demonstrates competence in maintaining safe operational standards and reducing risks associated with gas equipment use. This qualification has been issued a new Ofqual review date of 30/09/2029.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Applied Compressed Gas Safety (Cylinders) (Qualification Code: 600/1433/7)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This a vocational qualification designed for individuals who work with, handle, store, transport, or manage compressed gas cylinders across a range of industrial environments. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge and understanding required to identify hazards, apply safe working practices, comply with relevant legislation and industry standards, and ensure the safe use and handling of compressed gas cylinders. It is suitable for operators, technicians, engineers, supervisors, and health & safety professionals responsible for compressed gas safety. This qualification has been issued a new Ofqual review date of 30/09/2029.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Award in Mobile Oxy-Acetylene/Propane Gas User Safety Practice & Procedures (Qualification Code: 600/9414/X)

Type of change: Extension Following Review

• This is a vocational related qualification designed for individuals who use mobile oxy-acetylene and oxy-propane equipment for welding, cutting, heating, and related industrial applications. The qualification provides learners with the knowledge and practical understanding required to operate oxy-fuel gas equipment safely, identify potential hazards, apply safe working practices, and comply with relevant legislation and industry guidance. It is suitable for operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors who use or oversee oxy-fuel gas processes in the workplace. This qualification has been issued a new Ofqual review date of 30/09/2029.

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