What is this course?

Course Overview

The Management Level Engineering Knowledge Q&A preparation course is an intensive, campus-based exam-technique programme that prepares engineer officers for the Management Level Engineering Knowledge written examinations set and administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It is not itself a mandatory STCW course — it is a preparatory stage that follows the substantive academic course (typically delivered as a six-week online programme) and is designed to sharpen candidates' ability to structure written responses to meet SQA marking criteria before sitting the papers.

The course is structured around facilitated group review of past SQA exam questions and published examiners' feedback. Candidates work through professional dialogue and brainstorming sessions to understand exactly what examiners are looking for in each subject area, practise constructing well-argued written answers under time pressure, and build confidence using real machinery references — including MAN B&W and Wärtsilä examples — throughout. At Warsash Maritime School, 80% attendance is required to receive the course completion certificate.

The underlying qualification pathway sits under STCW 2010 Regulation III/2 — minimum standards of competence for chief engineer officers and second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3,000 kW or more. Both Second Engineer and Chief Engineer CoC candidates sit the same Management Level Engineering Knowledge papers. The SQA minimum pass mark across all Management Level engineering academic examinations is 50% in each subject. Note: as of MCA MIN 720 (M), the current exam format is scheduled to cease from April 2028 as part of the UK's modernised officer qualifications programme.

Prerequisites

Hold an EOOW Certificate of Competency (STCW III/1)
12 months seagoing service as EOOW on vessels of at least 750 kW; minimum 9 months in full charge of the watch or with designated UMS duties
Completion of an approved academic programme (e.g. HND / Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering with at least 50% in each subject, or equivalent approved route)
Completion of the substantive Management Level Engineering Knowledge course (online or campus delivery) — required before exam entry at Warsash
Valid ENG1 medical fitness certificate (or accepted equivalent)

Subjects Covered

Materials used in marine engineering and ship construction
Control, automation, and alarm systems
Auxiliary equipment operation and maintenance
Electrical equipment operation and maintenance
Internal combustion engine propulsion plant
Steam propulsion plant operation and maintenance
Crew and vessel safety and security
Chief Engineer's legal responsibilities and administrative duties
Vessel construction and seaworthiness

Additional SQA subjects: The full CoC also requires passing Applied Heat, Electro-Technology, Naval Architecture, and Applied Mechanics — these are sat separately at SQA and are not covered by this Q&A preparation course. SQA examination fees are charged separately and are payable directly to the SQA.

Where it takes you

Career Progression

Before

Engineer Officer of the Watch (STCW III/1)

Hold an EOOW CoC with 12 months qualifying sea service on vessels of at least 750 kW, have completed the substantive Management Level Engineering Knowledge academic course, and hold an approved academic qualification (HND / Foundation Degree or equivalent) with 50% or above in each subject.

This Course

Management Level Engineering Knowledge — Q&A preparation

Four-week intensive classroom programme focused on SQA past papers, examiners' feedback, and exam-answer technique. Leads to the SQA Management Level Engineering Knowledge written examinations (General and Motor sections). A course completion certificate is issued on satisfactory attendance; the course itself does not award an STCW endorsement.

Next Step

Second Engineer CoC — then Chief Engineer CoC (STCW III/2)

Pass the SQA written examinations, then sit the MCA oral examination for Second Engineer (STCW III/2) on vessels of 3,000 kW or more. After serving as Second Engineer and accumulating additional qualifying sea service, candidates progress to the MCA Chief Engineer oral and Chief Engineer CoC (STCW III/2 unlimited).

Passing the SQA Management Level Engineering Knowledge papers opens the path to both Second Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency on unlimited deep-sea Merchant Navy vessels. The SQA written examination pass is valid for three years — all other qualifying conditions, including sea service, the MCA oral examination, and ancillary courses such as HELM-M and High Voltage Training Management Level, must be satisfied within that window before the CoC can be issued.

Course at a glance

Key Facts

Duration

4 weeks

Typical Cost

From £1,100

Issuing Body

SQA / MCA

Exam Pass Validity

3 years

CoC Validity

5 years

Delivery

Classroom

Regulation

STCW III/2

Min Pass Mark

50% per subject

Revalidation: This preparation course does not itself expire. The resulting Second or Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (STCW III/2) is valid for five years and must be revalidated before expiry. Revalidation requires demonstrating qualifying sea service or an accepted related occupation within the preceding five years, a valid ENG1 medical certificate, and current refresher training certificates (proficiency in survival craft, advanced fire fighting, medical first aid — all within five years). Applications are submitted to the MCA using form MSF 4201 (fee £64–£84; processing approximately 14 days). Applications submitted up to six months before CoC expiry retain the original anniversary date.

The IMarEST Guild of Benevolence offers a £750 grant to eligible candidates, which can offset a significant portion of course fees. Contact IMarEST directly to check eligibility. SQA examination fees are additional and are payable directly to the SQA — check current fees with your training provider or the SQA at the time of booking.