QPRDv5 - Summary of Changes

Introduction

Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) v5 was approved by the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors on 21 April 2026 and went into effect on 11 May 2026. The following is a summary of the most notable changes.

Greater flexibility when using previously qualified Designs

The updated QPRD introduces new flexibility for creating Designs by removing optional features from existing qualified Designs without requiring the affected layer(s) to be updated to an active TCRL package version. This feature is available for Designs where the owner has indicated support for optional feature removal at the time the Design is qualified.

In addition, owners of Designs qualified before QPRDv5 may indicate whether their Designs support the removal of optional features by contacting Bluetooth SIG support staff.

Expanded and clarified TCW policy

This update includes additional guidance for situations involving errors in validated Test Systems and clarifies how Test Coverage Waivers (TCWs) may be applied in those cases.

What you need to do

No immediate action is required. Members are encouraged to review the updated QPRD to understand how these options and policies may apply to future product qualifications.

Owners of previously qualified Designs who wish to enable optional feature removal for their Designs should contact Bluetooth SIG staff by submitting a support request.

The updated Qualification Program Reference Document (QPRD) is available on the Bluetooth SIG specifications site.