When do we have to use an updated version of a GWO standard or criteria?

Release dates for updates and revised standards will now take place at the beginning of Q2 and Q4 every year.

To help training providers or certification bodies plan for the implementation of revised standards and criteria, GWO created 'release dates'.

What information is announced on release dates?

The release dates are earmarked only for updates and revisions to existing training standards, training criteria or certification criteria.

New standards and safety critical updates criteria are released immediately upon approval by the GWO Steering Committee.

How quickly after a release date do we have to implement an update or begin training a new standard?

The biannual release dates apply to:

1. TRAINING STANDARDS: Revisions to existing training standards. If a revision is deemed safety critical, it will be for immediate implementation. For all other revisions, as soon as practically possible or within three months of the release date.
2. Previous versions of a revised standard remain valid during the above three month period. After this period has expired, the new standard version will be in force. If a new standard revision is launched on 1st October, the new version will come into force on the following 1st January, replacing the previous version.
3. CRITERIA FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS/CERTIFICATION BODIES - If an update is not safety critical as described above, the previous version will be available for six months.

The biannual release dates DO NOT apply to:

1. NEW TRAINING STANDARDS: Launch of new task-specific training standards such as Enhanced First Aid or Advanced Rescue. These are task-specific standards and can be implemented immediately following their release. Training providers must have their course audited by a GWO-accredited certification body.