Hey there,
The new list of area of training applies to all CSQ application, even those filed before August 2nd 2018.
The source is here:
http://www.midi.gouv.qc.ca/publications/fr/gpi-npi/npi_2018/NPI_2018_014_LDF2018_FIN.PDF
The document is in French. Use Google Translate and check out the last paragraph of the document that confirms that the new list of area of training applies to all CSQ applications, including those submitted before August 2nd 2018.
Your friend who has now 47 points should try to get a job offer validation. It will boost him 8 points. It takes 2 to 3 months to get the job offer validation and he can still add it to his application. No need for the company to demonstrate recruitment efforts.