What are the main functions of the QF?

In essence, the QF is a cross-sectoral hierarchy that helps place different qualifications in an orderly fashion. It provides objective benchmarks for quality assurance of different levels of qualifications, thus giving clear information on the objective and standard of courses so that learners can map out their own progression pathways for lifelong learning. The outcomes of various qualifications will also be relevant to industry needs through the active participation of the industries in setting the competency standards.

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What are the benefits of the QF to employers, employees and the industries?

The QF provides clear information on the standards of recognized courses and qualifications to enable employers to identify quality-assured qualifications and courses for staff training purposes. With increased relevance to the needs of the industry, training based on the Specification of Competency Standards (SCS) will be more effective in enhancing productivity, thus benefiting employers and the industry as a whole.

For employees, the QF will provide clear information on the standards of recognized courses and qualifications. There will be more flexible and diversified progression pathways to suit individual needs for career development. With the QF in place, there will be greater recognition and portability of qualifications, especially for those skilled employees who have low educational attainment.

The QF should lead to the emergence of more progression pathways. It can help maximize every individual's work potential and capability, which will collectively help upgrade the quality of our workforce and reduce mismatches between manpower requirements and supply.

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Is it mandatory for all existing and future qualifications to come under the QF?

The QF is not a mandatory system that requires all existing or future qualifications and courses to come under QF before they are offered in the market. We encourage providers to pursue quality and relevance in providing education and training opportunities, with the understanding that these opportunities will gain wide recognition if they are quality-assured and have obtained the quality label under the QF.

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What are the primary functions of the ITACs?

During the first two years of its formation, an ITAC will develop Specification of Competency Standards (SCS) to help implement the QF within the industry. Based on the competency standards specified, the ITAC will formulate a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism tailor-made for the industry. As an advisory body, the ITAC will support the work of the Manpower Development Committee (MDC) and reflect the industry's views on manpower training.

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Will EDB set up an ITAC for every industry that is interested in doing so?

We are committed to expanding the QF to cover every industry. When we explore the possibility of forming an ITAC for a certain industry, we will consider factors such as the size, prospect, manpower needs, competency requirements and training needs of the industry. In addition, we will consider whether there are experienced/respected members of the industry who are willing to devote their time and effort to help their industry, and whether the representatives of employers and employees are willing to work hand in hand for the development of the industry.

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Why do we need an SCS?

In the vocational sector, qualifications should be based on competency standards. An SCS for an industry can help specify the units of competencies and the outcome standards required at different levels.

How can an SCS be used?

On the basis of an SCS, education and training providers can develop different courses or learning pathways for learners that will eventually lead to the achievement of the required competencies. If the courses are quality assured, learners will obtain qualifications recognized under the QF. On the other hand, employers may use the SCS as a guideline for the provision of in-service training.

Does an SCS require regular updating? How often should it be updated?

To ensure continued relevance of an SCS, the ITAC must review and update the SCS regularly to keep abreast of the latest needs and trends of the industry. An SCS should also be flexible enough to be of assistance to both small and large companies, as well as to meet the full range of education and training needs of the industry.

Generally speaking, the SCS should be reviewed and updated thoroughly every three to five years. Annual maintenance may be required to make minor refinements to certain competencies.

What qualifications will be listed on the QR?

Only qualifications that have been quality assured will be listed on the QR. These include the bachelor degrees and higher qualifications offered by UGC-funded universities and institutions, and by Open University of Hong Kong, which are self-accrediting and have established quality assurance mechanisms for their courses and qualifications.

The Heads of Universities Committee has established a Joint Quality Review Committee (JQRC) to review the sub-degrees offered by UGC-funded universities and institutions and their continuing education units. The sub-degree qualifications that are quality assured by the JQRC will be listed on the QR.

In addition, qualifications that have been quality assured by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) will also be listed on the QR.

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What kind of information about the qualifications will be available on the QR?

The QR will provide detailed information on each registered qualification, including the area of study/ training, recognized level under the QF, the name of the operator, the description of the qualification, the mode of delivery, etc.

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What document is required to prove the non-profit-making status of an organization?

A letter from the Inland Revenue Department confirming exemption from tax under section 88 of the Inland Revenue ordinance (Cap. 112) as evidence of the non-profit-making status of an organization is required to be submitted with the application form to the Education Bureau.

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Is an organization required to settle the full payment for the accreditation fees required by the HKCAAVQ?

Yes. Organizations are required to settle the full payment for the accreditation fees required by the HKCAAVQ first and then apply for reimbursement from the Education Bureau subject to fulfillment of the eligibility criteria.

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What are the ceilings of the grants for an organization?

The ceilings for the Accreditation Grant for Self-financing Programmes and the Grant for Programme Area Accreditation for an organization are $2 million and $1 million respectively.

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What are SCS-based programmes?

Programmes which are designed according to the Specification of Competency Standards developed by the Industry Training Advisory Committees are regarded as SCS-based programmes, subject to the confirmation or advice of the HKCAAVQ or a relevant quality assurance body as may be considered appropriate by the Secretary for Education.

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The programmes offered by my organization is accredited by a professional body, is it eligible for the Accreditation Grant for Self-financing Programmes?

For programmes offered by a non-self accrediting institution, the accreditation exercise must be conducted by the HKCAAVQ, so that it is eligible for the Accreditation Grant for Self-financing Programmes.

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Has the Government set a timeframe for the implementation of QF?

For vocational education, we are setting up ITACs at a steady pace, subject to the industries' response. The first and foremost duty of ITACs is to formulate the SCSs of their respective industries. Despite the difference in progress, each ITAC is expected to set out the SCS and complete the relevant consultation exercise for its industry in about one year. When the SCS is in place, we will encourage training providers to design courses that cater to the specific needs of different industries.

Programmes that are not SCS-based will be assessed by HKCAAVQ against the generic level descriptors of the QF for the assignment of QF level.

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Will the Government postpone the implementation of QF?

We deem it necessary to take effective measures to enhance the skills and knowledge of our workforce and young people by providing diversified progression pathways. Generally speaking, QF can help reduce the mismatch of manpower, and any delay will affect our competitiveness against regional and global challenges. Given the lead time required to implement the QF, we should act now before it is too late. However, EDB will not be able to implement the QF in Hong Kong without the acceptance and support of all sectors of the community.

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