Qualification updates - May 2026

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

Updates:

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: New Qualification

• This new qualification is aimed at existing fossil fuel plumbing and heating engineers, providing the knowledge and skills required to upskill into heat pump installation. It supports learners working within the Building Services Engineering renewable sector and has been developed using content created by the Heat Pump Association (HPA).
• The qualification supports registration with the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) for work under MIS 3005-I (The Heat Pump Standard – Installation). Key topics include heat pump operational characteristics, system design, installation, commissioning, servicing, maintenance, and fault finding.
• The qualification is recognised by MCS and Flexi-Orb for their Heat Pump Scheme.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation (Qualification Code: 601/4563/8)

Type of change: Only document updates

• A new Qualification Specification has been released with unit summaries included as an appendix. An updated Amendment Document reflects this document change.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Automotive Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/0750/3) and EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Automotive Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/1784/3)

Type of change: Only document updates

• A typo has been corrected within shared unit QAUE3006. A new unit issue (Issue D) has been created. This change has no impact on delivery.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 4 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation (Development Competence) (Qualification Code: 603/5083/0)

Type of change: Only document updates

• The Qualification Manual has been updated to reflect the latest EAL branding and format. A new Amendment Document and Qualification Specification: Unit Summaries Document have also been added to EAL Connect.

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

Type of change: Extension following review

• These qualifications have been extended for a further three years until 31/05/2029 in England (Ofqual) and Wales (QW). Qualification Specifications have also been aligned to the latest EAL template.

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

Type of change: Only document updates

• The Qualification Manual and QETM3 units have been updated to the latest National Occupational Standards (NOS) and interactive word format. Due to the refreshment of the NOS, there may be slight changes between the previous Issue B units and the new Issue C units.

Qualification Name: Dilyniant mewn Peirianneg Gwasanaethau Adeiladu EAL (Lefel 2) (Qualification Code: C00-4169-0)

Type of change: Only document updates

• The titles of the Welsh versions of the Qualification Handbook, Practical Project Pack and Assessment Pack have been corrected to ensure the term EAL appears at the end rather than the beginning. Version control has not been affected.

Qualification Name: EAL Building Services Engineering (Level 3) – Electrotechnical Installation (Qualification Code: C00/4278/8)

Type of change: Only document updates

• The Assessment Pack and Welsh version (Pecyn Asesu) have been updated with new guidance regarding permitted materials for BS 7671 A4 – Test 2.
• In addition, the permitted materials have been updated following the publication of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Amendment 4 – orange cover book). Candidates may continue using BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 (brown cover book) until 15/10/2026.
• The title of the Welsh version of the Qualification Handbook has also been corrected to ensure the term EAL appears at the end rather than the beginning.

Qualification Name: EAL Electrical Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding Tests (Entry for Experienced Worker Route) (Level 3 equivalent) (Qualification Code: EXPL3E)

Type of change: Only document updates

• Appendix 1 within the Qualification Specification has been updated following the publication of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Amendment 4 – orange cover book).
• Candidates are expected to use the new publication from 15 April 2026, although BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024 (brown cover book) may continue to be used until 15/10/2026.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 1 Diploma in Electrical Installation (Qualification Code: 601/0409/0)

Type of change: Only document updates

• A new Qualification Specification has been released with unit summaries included as an appendix. An updated Amendment Document reflects this document change.

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

Type of change: Only document updates

• Updates have been made to Section 6.1 of the Qualification Manual to provide further clarification regarding the administration of knowledge assessments. The Amendment Document has also been updated accordingly.

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

Type of change: Only document updates

• Sections 3.2 and 7.1 of the Qualification Specification have been updated in relation to the new non-apprentice pathway. An updated Amendment Document reflects these changes.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 4 Award in the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations (Qualification Code: 601/8231/3)

Type of change: Only document updates

• A new Qualification Specification has been released with unit summaries included as an appendix. This replaces the previous Qualification Manual. An updated Amendment Document has also been published.

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

Type of change: Only document updates

• Sections 3.2 and 7.1 of the Qualification Specification have been updated in relation to the new non-apprentice pathway. An updated Amendment Document reflects these changes.

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

Type of change: Amendment to Qualification Structure

• A new pathway has been introduced with an updated Wiring Regulations unit (R18ED3/04). A new Qualification Specification and Amendment Document will be published to reflect these changes. The new pathway is to be used for all registrations.

Qualification Name: EAL Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (Qualification Code: 600/1701/6)

Type of change: Amendment to Qualification Structure

• An additional pathway, MPF – Plastics Injection Moulding Machines, has been introduced to better reflect current industry requirements across sectors including manufacturing, automotive, medical devices, and food production. The new pathway strengthens alignment with employer needs and current engineering practices.

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