Acceptance of Higher Diploma, Associate Degree and Foundation Diploma for civil service appointments

The Government announced today (August 14) that, with effect from August 17, 2009, holders of local accredited Higher Diplomas and Associate Degrees will be regarded as having attained Level 3 in English Language and Level 2 in Chinese Language in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) for civil service appointments. In addition, Foundation Diplomas awarded by the Vocational Training Council will be accepted as comparable to Level 2/Grade E in five subjects in HKCEE, including English and Chinese Language subjects, for civil service appointments.

A spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) said, "Most civil service non-degree grades set Level 2 in English Language and/or Chinese Language in HKCEE as part of the entry requirements for appointment while some civil service grades set a higher standard at Level 3 in these language subjects, having regard to the job requirements. The CSB has reviewed the acceptance of sub-degree (including Higher Diploma and Associate Degree) qualifications for civil service appointments. On the recommendations of the Education Bureau (EDB) which had regard to the admission requirements and coverage of language modules in accredited Higher Diploma and Associate Degree programmes, the CSB has decided to accept holders of local accredited Higher Diploma and Associate Degree as having attained Level 3 in English Language and Level 2 in Chinese Language in HKCEE for civil service appointments.

"The CSB has also considered the acceptance of Foundation Diplomas for civil service appointments. Taking into account the recommendations of the EDB, the CSB has decided to accept Foundation Diplomas awarded by the Vocational Training Council as comparable to Level 2/Grade E in five subjects in HKCEE, including English and Chinese Language subjects, for civil service appointments, same as the acceptance of Project Yi Jin for civil service appointments," the spokesman added.

The Government has accepted since June 2001 the qualification of local accredited Associate Degrees as broadly comparable to Higher Diploma qualifications for civil service appointments. At present, there are 14 grades which set both Higher Diploma and Associate Degree as the qualification requirement for their entry ranks. Examples of these ranks include Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, Occupational Safety Officer II, Inspector of Police and Immigration Officer. Higher Diploma/Associate Degree graduates may also apply for grades requiring academic qualifications below sub-degree level, including two passes at Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination plus three credits in HKCEE (commonly known as 2A3O)(such as Housing Officer and Social Security Officer grades) or School Certificate (such as Clerical Officer and Land Inspector grades). They may also apply for disciplined services ranks with entry requirements below sub-degree level (such as Ambulanceman and Police Constable). In sum, sub-degree holders may apply for around 80 civil service grades.

Holders of Foundation Diplomas awarded by the Vocational Training Council are able to apply for jobs in about 30 civil service grades requiring Level 2/Grade E in five subjects in HKCEE, including English and Chinese Language subjects, such as the entry ranks of the Census and Survey Officer, Clerical Officer, Supplies Supervisor and Postal Officer grades, Customs Officer, Fireman, Immigration Assistant, Police Constable.

The new acceptance arrangements will apply to recruitment exercises commencing on or after August 17, 2009, and exercises where application closes on or after August 17, 2009. Persons who wish to apply for civil service vacancies should apply to the recruiting grades/departments directly. Information on government vacancies is available at the Civil Service Bureau homepage at (www.csb.gov.hk).

Friday, 14 August, 2009