Obtain qualifications through assessment

Currently, there are two mechanisms, namely Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Professional qualifications, under HKQF to assist industry practitioners in obtaining QF-recognised qualifications relevant to specific industries or professions.  The assessment test is conducted by an independent assessment agency appointed by the Secretary for Education under the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Chapter 592).  The appointed assessment agencies are also required to complete the accreditation process to ensure the quality of the qualifications awarded.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism aims to acknowledge the work experience and skills accumulated by industry practitioners in the workplace and award relevant QF-recognised qualifications at QF levels 1 to 4.  It supports practitioners in continuous learning, reduces redundant training, and enhances their opportunities for career advancement. Upon completion of SCS by respective Industry Training Advisory Committees (ITACs), RPL will be implemented in accordance with industry needs, with suitable assessment agencies appointed by the Secretary for Education to provide assessment services.

Eligibility requirements for an organization to undertake the role of AA for the RPL mechanism:

  • must be a legal entity;
  • possess good knowledge of Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF);
  • provide the RPL assessment services on a non-profit making basis;
  • demonstrate strong network with the stakeholders of the respective industry;
  • demonstrate relevant experience in providing skill assessments or trade tests to the practitioners of the respective industry;
  • capable to provide and arrange all necessary hardware and software for accommodating the assessment requirements; and
  • have sufficient resources to maintain the assessment services over the appointment period.
Employers & HR departments
Identify skill gaps and training needs
Design in-house training programmes
Enhance the effectiveness of human resources management
Industry practitioners
Recognise work experiences and competencies acquired at the workplace
Confirm the starting point of further learning without duplicate effort 
Facilitates subsequent progression in learning and probably in careers
Education & training Providers
Enable credit accumulation and transfer arrangements
Design articulated programmes for practitioner
Professional bodies & government departments
as objective standards in the tender requirements  
alternative route for membership systems
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Arboriculture & Horticulture

AA : HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Term of Appointment : 1.4.2024 - 31.3.2029

Enquiry : (852) 2508-8865

Automotive

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 15.11.2011 - 30.6.2027

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Beauty

AA : Caritas Institute of Community Education

Term of Appointment : 2.7.2019 - 30.6.2027

Enquiry : (852) 2239-6363

Catering

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 7.1.2013 - 30.6.2028

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Elderly Care Service

AA : Hong Kong Association of Gerontology

Term of Appointment : 1.9.2015 - 31.8.2028

Enquiry : (852) 2775-5756

Electrical & Mechanical Services

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 15.12.2015 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Fashion

AA : Clothing Industry Training Authority

Term of Appointment : 1.1.2022 - 31.12.2029

Enquiry : (852) 2263-6300

Hairdressing

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 1.6.2008 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Import & Export

AA : HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Term of Appointment : 1.9.2018 - 30.6.2027

Enquiry : (852) 2508-8862

Information & Communications Technology

AA : HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Term of Appointment : 1.7.2021 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 2587-3225

Jewellery

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 15.11.2011 - 30.6.2027

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Logistics

AA : HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Term of Appointment : 15.3.2017 - 30.6.2025

Enquiry : (852) 2508-8864

Manufacturing Technology (Tooling, Metals & Plastics)

AA : Hong Kong Productivity Council

Term of Appointment : 15.3.2017 - 30.6.2025

Enquiry : (852) 2788-6335

Printing & Publishing

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 1.6.2008 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Property Management

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Collaborating organisation : The Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies (HKAPMC)

Term of Appointment : 15.3.2011 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Retail

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Collaborating organisations : Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) and Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions Qualifications Assessment Centre Limited (HKFTU)

Term of Appointment : 1.12.2014 - 30.6.2029

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Security Services

AA : HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Term of Appointment : 1.7.2021 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 2508-8865

Testing, Inspection & Certification

AA : School of Science and Technology of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Term of Appointment : 1.11.2015 - 31.10.2028

Enquiry : (852) 3120-2710

Watch & Clock

AA : Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Term of Appointment : 1.6.2008 - 30.6.2026

Enquiry : (852) 3907-6868

Recognition of Professional Qualifications under HKQF

With effect from September 2018, professional qualifications can be recognised under HKQF. Eligible organisations may apply to become assessment agencies for issuing professional qualifications under Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF).

"Professional qualifications" refers to qualifications (other than mere membership status) granted by a bona fide local organisation to individuals who meet the requisite academic qualifications plus prescribed years of industry or professional experience and have passed through a robust assessment in written or practical format, not necessarily underpinned by an associated learning programme.