Important information about the changes to how technical qualifications in England are approved. 

This change is part of the Government’s reforms to simplify post-16 technical education and respond to labour market needs, as outlined in the report on the exercise of IfATE’s relevant functions.

What is changing

After 5 March 2026, approval powers for technical qualifications will transfer from Skills England to the Department for Education (DfE). This includes such functions as:

• approving and reviewing technical qualifications
•  managing changes and withdrawing approval where necessary
• publishing and updating a list of approved qualifications
•  publishing information on technical qualification categories and occupational standards in scope

 DfE already carries out some of these functions for T Levels. In future, DfE will perform these responsibilities for all technical qualifications at level 2 and above, including Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

 Why this change is happening

The current tripartite system of Skills England, Ofqual, and DfE approving technical qualifications is complex, duplicative, and not as responsive as it could be to industry needs. The Post-16 education and skills white paper set out the need to simplify the current system, ensuring activities sit within the appropriate organisations, promoting agility while maintaining quality.

How this affects you

You do not need to take any action. Any current technical qualification submissions, pre-submissions or change requests will transition from Skills England to DfE.

The HTQ approval process remains open, and DfE will manage any in-progress HTQ applications. If you’re submitting new HTQs for approval, please follow the existing guidance.

If you have requested a change or withdrawal for an approved technical qualification, please keep using the current email addresses:

• for HTQs: [email protected]
• for level 2 and 3 technical qualifications: [email protected]

Next steps

Skills England will continue to lead on occupational standards. DfE and Skills England will work closely to ensure a strong connection between occupational standards and technical qualifications.

For more information on these changes, please see: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 – Report on exercise of the Secretary of State’s functions on exercise of the Secretary of State’s functions.