Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for the Elderly Care Service industry was launched on 1 September 2015. Hong Kong Association of Gerontology is appointed as the Assessment Agency (AA) until 31 August 2028. Haven of Hope Christian Service and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service are the collaborative organisation and supporting organisation respectively.

Objectives of RPL mechanism:

Recognise practitioners’ experience, knowledge and skills acquired at the workplace.
Facilitate individuals to set clear directions for further training without starting from scratch.
Encourage industry practitioners to pursue continuing education and lifelong learning.

Application Procedures

Minimum working experience requirements for applications of each level

QF Level	Years of working experience
Level 1	1 year of relevant working experience in the Elderly Care Service industry
Level 2	3 years of service in the Elderly Care Service industry (Include 2 years of relevant experience)
Level 3	5 years of service in the Elderly Care Service industry (Include 3 years of relevant experience)
Level 4	6 years of service in the Elderly Care Service industry (Include 4 years of relevant experience)

Submission of application to AA

Documents for applications:

application form
proof of working experience / declarations (for carers only)
assessment fees

Applications processed by AA

AA verifies the documents and arrange assessment test.

* Transitional period for the Elderly Care Service industry (Community Care and Support) will end on 31 August 2028. Industry practitioners can opt for documentary proof for the application of level 1 to 3 RPL qualifications.

Apply for reimbursement of assessment fees

Statement of Attainment (SoA) will be awarded to applicant who has successfully passed the assessment test. Applicant could apply for reimbursement of assessment fees to Qualifications Framework Secretariat.

details for reimbursement of RPL assessment fees

RPL Qualifications

There are altogether 45 RPL qualifications covering “Residential Care” and “Community Care and Support” at QF levels 1 to 4, 8 of which are available for application from carers who are not employed but have relevant non-formal work experience.

Transitional period for the Elderly Care Service industry (Community Care and Support) will end on 31 August 2028. Industry practitioners can opt for documentary proof for the application of level 1 to 3 RPL qualifications.

Please visit the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology website (https://www.hkag.org/) (Chinese version only) for details.

Recognition of RPL Qualifications

"Residential Care Worker Composite Certificate" (Chinese version only)

Fulfillment of part of the Admission Requirements of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology, Tung Wah College

Recognition for Advanced Standing by Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Credit Exemption Arrangement for "Training for Home Managers" Course (Chinese version only)