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Guidance Notes on Accreditation of Non-local Learning Programmes

Version 1.6 | February 2018

Guidance Notes on Accreditation of Non-local Learning Programmes Page 2 of 28

Abbreviations

Cap 493 Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

Cap 592 Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (AAVQO)

EDB Education Bureau

FASP Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students

GLD Generic Level Descriptors

HKCAA Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation

HKCAAVQ Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications

IE Initial Evaluation

IR Institutional Review

LPA Learning Programme Accreditation

NLP Non-local Learning Programme

NLSPS Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students

QF Qualifications Framework

QR Qualifications Register

Re-LPA

Learning Programme Re-accreditation


Table of Contents Introduction 1. Reasons for Seeking Recognition under the HKQF 2. Stages in the Accreditation of Non-local Learning Programmes 3. Initial Evaluation for Collaborative Provision of Non-local Learning

Programmes 4. Learning Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation of Non-local

Learning Programmes 5. Timeline and Process

6. Accreditation Outcomes 7. Possible Follow-up after Accreditation 8. Accreditation Fees

9. Points to Note

Annex: The Preview Approach to the Facilitation Phase Glossary

p.4 p.6 p.7 p.8 p.11 p.15 p.18 p.20 p.21 p.22 p.23 p.27


Introduction

1. The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) is

established under the HKCAAVQ Ordinance (Cap 1150) as a statutory body responsible for conducting

accreditation activities generally or as authorised under any other local enactment. HKCAAVQ has

statutory powers under the provisions of the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications

Ordinance (AAVQO) (Cap 592) to perform the roles of the Accreditation Authority and the Qualifications

Register (QR) Authority. Qualifications of learning programmes that have been granted accreditation

status by the Accreditation Authority may be entered into the QR for recognition under the Qualifications

Framework (QF) in Hong Kong.

2. These Guidance Notes have been developed for use by educational institutions (Operators) planning to

apply for the accreditation of a non-local course (learning programme), registered or exempted from

registration under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap 493).

3. Registration / exemption from registration under Cap 493 and accreditation of non-local learning

programmes (NLPs) under Cap 592 are conducted under different ordinances and administered by

different authorities. Registration / exemption is based on comparability of the standards of the non-local

course with the standards of the home course under the home country education system. Accreditation

benchmarks the learning programme against the Hong Kong education system including the QF.

Registration / exemption from registration is compulsory whereas accreditation of NLPs is voluntary.

The accreditation of NLPs will not affect their registration / exemption status.

4. Provision of an NLP involves a Hong Kong Operator (local Operator) and a non-local Operator jointly

operating a learning programme in Hong Kong, which leads to a qualification awarded by the non-local

Operator. The local Operator and the non-local Operator are treated as acting in partnership as the

Operator of the NLP to be accredited.

5. Accreditation of NLPs involves only the first two stages of HKCAAVQ’s Four-stage Quality Assurance

Process, i.e. Initial Evaluation (IE), Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA) or Learning Programme

Re-accreditation (re-LPA). Stages Three and Four of the Four-stage Quality Assurance Process,

namely Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) and Periodic Review (PR), do not apply to accreditation

of NLPs.

6. In recognition of partnerships’ track records at both institutional and programme levels, accredited

partnerships with substantial track records of good performance applying for LPA / re-LPA may be

eligible for differentiated accreditation approaches, such as (a) paper-based review accreditation, (b)

customised accreditation or (c) variation in validity period or (d) some combination of the above. Upon

analysis of data on their track records, partnerships will be notified by HKCAAVQ if differentiation

approach is applicable in the accreditation exercise(s) concerned.

7. These Guidance Notes also serve as a reference for the Accreditation Panel (Panel). Under the

principle of ‘peer review’, the Panel will evaluate the quality of the partnership and the NLP by

exercising its professional judgement according to the principles laid down in these Guidance Notes.


Policies Promulgated by the Education Bureau (EDB)

8. Partnerships should make reference to the following policies when seeking accreditation:

HKQF Level The QF in Hong Kong is a 7-level hierarchy. The level of a

programme / qualification is determined in accordance with a set

of Generic Level Descriptors (GLD) which specifies, in four

domains, the outcome standards expected of the qualifications at

each level. The four domains are:

(a) Knowledge and Intellectual Skills;

(b) Processes;

(c) Application, Autonomy and Accountability; and

(d) Communications, IT and Numeracy.

(www.hkqf.gov.hk, click this Web link for further details)

QF Credit All programmes on the QR at HKQF Levels 1-4 are required to

have QF credits by 1 January 2016. This includes all exit awards

at Level 4 or below nested within degree programmes at Level 5.

The ratios of contact to self-study hours published in the

Operational Guidelines on Use of Credit issued by EDB are only

indicative. Partnerships are required to justify how the ratios they

have adopted fit the needs of respective modules and

programmes.


Credit

Accumulation

and Transfer

(CAT)

Partnerships should refer to the Policy, Principles and Operational

Guidelines for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) under

Qualifications Framework in Hong Kong issued by EDB.

Arrangements for CAT form part of the admission policy of

partnerships and/or apply in regard to particular programmes. As

part of the accreditation process, CAT arrangements are

considered and noted in the accreditation report.


Title of

Programme /

Qualification

Effective from 1 January 2016, all programmes at HKQF Levels 1

to 7 should adopt titles which conform to the requirement of Award

Titles Scheme (ATS) before they can continue to be registered in

QR.


http://www.hkqf.gov.hk/

https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/en/KeyFeatures/levels/index.html


https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/en/KeyFeatures/credit/index.html


https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/en/KeyFeatures/cat/index.html


https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/en/KeyFeatures/ats/index.html


1. Reasons for seeking recognition under the HKQF

1.1 Upon successful accreditation, the qualifications of NLPs may be entered into the QR for recognition

under the HKQF. Such qualifications attained by individual students will be recognised as meeting the

same standard of comparable qualifications at approved QF level(s) obtained in Hong Kong.

1.2 The Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)

(http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/postsecondary/fasp/overview.htm) and Non-means-tested Loan

Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)

(http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/postsecondary/nlsps/overview.htm) extend to accredited full-time

NLPs at tertiary level, subject to the terms and conditions as stipulated by the Student Finance Office.

1.3 Government policy requires all new applications for Continuing Education Fund (CEF) registration,

including those from regulated non-local courses, submitted after May 2008, to be on the QR with a

valid QR registration number. To this end, non-local courses offered through CEF will also need to go

through the NLP accreditation conducted by HKCAAVQ.

http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/postsecondary/fasp/overview.htm

http://www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/postsecondary/nlsps/overview.htm


2. Stages in the Accreditation of Non-local Learning Programmes

2.1 Accreditation of NLPs is a voluntary quality assurance process that comprises two stages.

2.2 The first stage, Initial Evaluation (IE), is to determine whether the partnership is able to achieve their

objectives and to collaboratively operate the learning programmes that meet the claimed HKQF

standards. The partnership must demonstrate that it has the competency and capacity to manage and

resource effectively the development, delivery, assessment and quality assurance of its NLPs at the

claimed HKQF level(s).

2.3 The second stage is Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA) or Learning Programme Re-accreditation

(re-LPA). The purpose of LPA is to determine whether the learning programme meets the required

standards to achieve its claimed objectives and deliver the intended learning outcomes. The required

standards specified in these Guidance Notes include but are not limited to the standards of the HKQF

and those prescribed / generally accepted standards of the local education system.

2.4 Learning Programme Re-accreditation (re-LPA) is the cyclical evaluation of an accredited learning

programme to determine whether the learning programme continues to meet the stated objectives, and

delivers the learning outcomes that meet the HKQF standards as determined at the previous LPA. Re-

LPA focuses on changes, improvements and outcomes since the last LPA / re-LPA. Partnerships are

expected to demonstrate continuous improvement as a result of the operation of their internal QA

procedures over the validity period.

2.5 IE and LPA will normally be conducted in the same accreditation exercise by the same Accreditation

Panel.

Facilitation Phase

2.6 A Facilitation Phase (the “Preview Approach”) has been incorporated into IE and LPA / re-LPA. The

“Preview Approach” is designed to help partnerships to familiarise themselves with the accreditation

requirements. Please refer to the Annex for the details of the Preview Approach to the Facilitation

Phase.


3. Initial Evaluation for Collaborative Provision of Non-local Learning Programmes

Operators in Partnerships

3.1 Each partnership between local and non-local Operators is unique in terms of the quality assurance

and/or other contractual and operational arrangements for non-local courses registered / exempted

under Cap 493. Therefore, the IE of NLP is distinct from, and additional to, any IE / Institutional Review

(IR) by HKCAAVQ which the local Operator may have undergone in respect of its local learning

programmes or in connection with another non-local Operator in another partnership.

3.2 Where the non-local Operator operates as a branch campus in Hong Kong (whether or not established

as a separate legal entity) rather than in collaboration with a local Operator, the IE reviews the

collaborative provision of the branch campus and its parent institution.

IE Status

3.3 The granting of an IE status is per partnership at approved HKQF level(s) within the partnership. The

status does not extend to partnerships entered into by the Operators with other non-local / local

Operators outside the accredited partnership. If a local / non-local Operator wishes to seek accreditation

for more than one partnership, a separate application must be made for each partnership.

3.4 IE is HKQF level specific. This is because the teaching skills and academic qualifications of staff, and

the physical resources needed for successful delivery of learning programmes change between levels.

Partnerships applying for IE must specify the corresponding HKQF level(s) intended for the NLPs

covered by the partnerships.

3.5 IE status at lower HKQF levels cannot be extended upwards. IE status attained at a higher HKQF level

can however be extended downwards.

3.6 The IE status alone does not grant any accreditation status of the NLPs covered in the partnership for

HKQF recognition.

IE Criteria

3.7 To attain IE status, the partnership must demonstrate that it has attained the threshold standard of IE in

respect of the four criteria below:

1. Organisational Management

(i) Institutional Strategy and Authority to Establish the Collaboration


Each partner to the collaboration must make collaborative provision a matter of institutional

policy, and must have taken the decision to contract through a properly authorised body

within the governance and management structure of the institution, with the authority to

commit the necessary resources.

(ii) Accreditation Status of the Non-local Operator

The non-local Operator should be fully authorised to operate in the country in which it is

based, and the terms of its accreditation should permit (or not prohibit) its participation in

collaborative provision with a partner outside its own country as well as to award

qualifications.

(iii) Contractual Considerations

There should be a written and legally binding agreement setting out the rights and

obligations of the non-local Operator and the local Operator. The agreement must cover

those matters that are the responsibility of each Operator and the specific matters relating to

the delivery of each learning programme offered through the collaboration.

(iv) Policy and Operational Framework

There should be a clear, written statement of responsibility for making policy and operational

decisions concerning the learning programmes covered by the collaboration. Being the

awarding authority of the non-local qualification, the non-local Operator should assume

overall responsibility for the academic standards and quality of the non-local learning

programme. The policy and operational framework specific to the partnership should be

integrated and effective to ensure the delivery of high quality educational services to

students.

(v) Assessment and Management of Risk

There should be a full assessment of risks to the learning programmes offered through the

collaboration, with appropriate and realistic plans to manage and mitigate risk, with

contingency arrangements in place to protect student interests in the event of the termination

of the collaboration.

2. Financial and Physical Resources

The collaboration should have an adequate financial and physical resource base to support its

learning programme(s) at an acceptable level of quality on a sustainable basis including provision

of classrooms, laboratory, library, IT and other teaching and learning facilities.


3. Staffing and Staff Development

The partnership has policies which are effective in ensuring the availability of an adequate

number of staff with the appropriate expertise, experience and competency to teach the learning

programmes covered by the collaboration.

There should be effective policies to provide appropriate and sufficient opportunities for teaching

staff to enhance their pedagogical skills and subject knowledge and be familiar with the academic

ethos of the non-local learning partner.

4. Quality Assurance

There must be effective integration of the quality mechanisms of the partners, with a clear

delineation of the responsibilities of each, particularly with respect to programme development

and management, and the authority to contextualise and make changes to learning programmes.

The partnership must demonstrate its competency to operate the non-local learning programme in

collaboration to meet the HKQF standards. It must be committed to the provision of accurate,

current and complete information to the public and students at policy level.

3.8 The non-local Operator as the awarding body should bear the overall and final responsibility for the

implementation of policies and monitor the effectiveness of the integrated quality assurance

arrangements. The non-local Operator’s constitutional / legal provision and accreditation status for

awarding qualifications in Hong Kong, i.e. outside its home country, is one of the key and essential

conditions for a successful NLP accreditation exercise.

3.9 Given that the contractual agreement between the non-local Operator and the local Operator forms the

basis of the partnership, where appropriate, the agreement should clearly spell out the responsibilities

of both parties including responsibility for monitoring and quality assurance measures. The non-local

Operator and the local Operator are advised to make reference to the IE criteria when preparing the

contractual agreement.

3.10 For each of the above criteria, there is an indication of possible sources of evidence in the Submission

Guide for Initial Evaluation for Collaborative Provision of Non-local Learning Programmes for preparing

an Accreditation Document for Initial Evaluation, available on the HKCAAVQ website at

http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/services/accreditation/non-local-learning-programmes.

Validity Period

3.11 IE status has a validity period of two years. Within the two-year validity period, the partnership must

have at least one of its NLPs accredited. The IE status will not expire if the partnership continues to

have NLP(s) accredited.

http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/services/accreditation/non-local-learning-programmes


4. Learning Programme Accreditation and Re-accreditation of Non-local Learning Programmes

Learning Programme Accreditation

4.1 Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA) of NLPs is similar to that of local learning programmes, as all

learning programmes, regardless of origin and nature, must meet the stated objectives and the

standards for the HKQF before their qualifications can be entered into the QR and be recognised under

the HKQF.

4.2 In view of the recognition of the non-local Operator and NLP in the home country, the emphasis of LPA

of NLPs is on whether the programmes meet the HKQF standard (e.g. the intended learning outcomes

of the programmes meet the standard at the relevant HKQF level), noting the need for the comparability

of the standards of the NLP with the standards of the home course delivered in the home country as

required by Cap 493.

LPA Criteria

4.3 To demonstrate that the NLP meets the required HKQF standards, the partnership is required to

address the following criteria:

1. Programme Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes must reflect the stated programme objectives and the objectives should

be fit for purpose in the local context. The level of the learning outcomes must correspond to the

Generic Level Descriptors (GLD) published by the Hong Kong SAR Government for the purpose

of the HKQF.

2. Programme Content and Structure

The content and structure of the learning programmes must be coherent, integrated and effective

in enabling students to achieve the stated learning outcomes and the required standards. The

learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities and assessments must be coherent, balanced,

enable progression and be pitched at the appropriate HKQF level.

3. Admission Requirements and Student Selection

The minimum admission requirements for the learning programmes must be clearly outlined for

students and staff. These requirements and the student selection processes must ensure that

students enrolling in the learning programmes have the knowledge and skills to be able to

undertake the learning activities proposed in the learning programmes.


4. Teaching and Learning

The teaching and learning activities designed for the learning programmes must be effective in

delivering the intended learning outcomes and programme content.

5. Student Assessment

Assessments must support effective learning and enable students to demonstrate attainment of

the learning outcomes at the required standards. The assessment methods and techniques used

for the learning programmes must be valid, reliable, fair, and sufficient to reflect the learning

outcomes at the claimed HKQF levels, and secured against plagiarism and cheating.

6. Staffing and Staff Development for Learning Programmes

The partnership must have adequate teaching and support staff with the competency,

qualifications and experience necessary for effective programme management, planning, delivery

and monitoring of their learning programmes. There must be adequate staff development

schemes and activities to ensure that the teaching and support staff are kept updated for the

quality delivery of the learning programmes.

7. Financial and Physical Resources for Learning Programmes

The partnership must have adequate financial and physical resources for the delivery of their

learning programmes.

8. Quality Assurance (including Programme Development and Management)

The partnership must (i) develop learning programmes that address the needs of the community,

employees and employers delivering learning outcomes that align with the intended HKQF level;

(ii) monitor and review the performance of all their learning programmes on an ongoing basis to

ensure that the learning programmes remain current and valid and that the learning outcomes,

teaching and learning activities and student assessments are effective; and (iii) ensure that there

is a clear delineation of responsibilities for all aspects of quality assurance between the partners

in the collaboration, and effective integration of the exercise of those responsibilities.

9. Student Support Services

The partnership must provide students with clear, accurate information and dependable access to

support services that give all students the opportunity for successful completion of the learning

programme. Where the non-local Operator is responsible for providing a service, or determining

an appeal, complaint or other application, there must be clear information available to students as

to how they may access the non-local Operator; and provision for any appeal or complaint to be

heard in Hong Kong or by video-conference link to the non-local Operator.


10. Student Records and Information Management

The partnership must have effective administration and management systems and procedures in

place to ensure integrity, security, accuracy and currency of their records, and effective

arrangements for information to be shared between the local and the non-local Operators.

4.4 The contractual agreement between the non-local Operator and the local Operator should clearly spell

out the responsibilities of parties including the allocation of resources for the programmes. The non-

local Operator and the local Operator are advised to make reference to the LPA criteria when preparing

the contractual agreement.

4.5 For each of the above criteria, there is an indication of possible sources of evidence in the Submission

Guide for Learning Programme Accreditation for Non-local Learning Programmes for preparing an

Accreditation Document for Learning Programme Accreditation, available on the HKCAAVQ website at

http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/services/accreditation/non-local-learning-programmes. Aspects to be

considered when determining the HKQF level of an outcome-based learning programme can also be

found on the website.

4.6 For a combined IE and LPA exercise (standard route), there are a total of 11 accreditation criteria. The

three common accreditation criteria, namely, ‘Financial and Physical Resources’, ‘Staffing and Staff

Development’ and ‘Quality Assurance’ are assessed together at both institutional and programme levels.

LPA Status

4.7 Successfully accredited NLP will be granted an accreditation status which is HKQF level specific with a

stipulated validity period, and subject to prescribed conditions and restrictions, if any.

Learning Programme Re-accreditation

4.8 Learning programme Re-accreditation (re-LPA) will take place prior to the expiry of the validity period of

the accredited learning programme and will be subject to the same LPA process, having regard to the

findings of the previous accreditation exercise and follow-up actions taken by the partnership.

Re-accreditation Principles and Criteria

4.9 To be re-accredited, the learning programmes must demonstrate that they continue to meet the stated

objectives and the standards for the HKQF to continue to be offered as accredited programmes. Re-LPA

focuses on changes, improvements and outcomes since the last LPA / re-LPA. Partnerships are

expected to demonstrate positive student outcomes and continuous improvement as a result of the

operation of internal QA procedures over the validity period.

4.10 While the criteria for re-LPA are the same as those for LPA (see paragraph 4.3), the evidence required

in re-LPA differs from that in LPA. Partnerships are required to provide explanations / analysis of

evidence arising from the operation of the accredited programmes during the validity period to show

how the accreditation criteria are met. For each criterion, there is an indication of possible sources of

evidence in the Submission Guide for Learning Programme Re-accreditation for Non-local Learning



Programmes for preparing an Accreditation Document for Learning Programme Re-accreditation,

available on the HKCAAVQ website at http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/en/services/ accreditation/non-

local-learning-programmes.




5. Timeline and Process

5.1 It normally takes about 20 weeks to complete an IE and/or LPA or re-LPA after the partnership has

submitted the Accreditation Document.

5.2 This indicative timeline is derived on the assumption that all information required by HKCAAVQ for the

accreditation exercise(s) is submitted in a timely manner by the partnerships. The schedule for an

exercise will be agreed upon with the partnership and recorded in the Service Agreement. The Service

Agreement is entered into by the parties at the outset of an accreditation exercise and sets out the

Terms of Reference for a particular task.

5.3 The following table shows an indicative timeline for the main steps in an accreditation exercise.

Time Main Steps

Preparation

Stage

Attendance at Operators’ Workshop

New partnerships are strongly encouraged to attend an Operators’ Workshop.

Operators who have attended workshops previously are encouraged to attend

if they have not attended one recently or if there have been new developments.

Submission of Statement of Intent

A partnership indicates its intention to seek accreditation by submitting a

Statement of Intent and the required attachments to HKCAAVQ via the e-Portal

indicating that it is ready to undergo the IE, LPA or re-LPA of their collaborative

NLP(s).

In the Statement of Intent, a person / representative shall be nominated jointly

by the local and the non-local Operators as the authorised liaison point with

HKCAAVQ on all matters related to the accreditation exercise.

Facilitation Phase

Please refer to the Annex for the details of the Preview Approach to the

Facilitation Phase.

Differentiation Approach

Accredited partnerships will be notified by HKCAAVQ if the differentiation

approach is applicable in the accreditation exercise(s) concerned.

Signing of Service Agreement

HKCAAVQ will issue a Service Agreement setting out the purpose, the time

schedule and the fee for the exercise.

HKCAAVQ will enter into a Service Agreement only with the partnership whose

NLP(s) is / are permitted to operate legally in Hong Kong. This refers to non-

local courses that have been registered / exempted from registration under Cap

493 with current valid registration / exemption status.

After signing the Service Agreement and making payment of the initial / full

accreditation fee, the partnership is required to submit the Accreditation

Document on or before the date specified in the Service Agreement.


Preparation of Accreditation Document

To prepare the Accreditation Document, the partnership is advised to conduct a

self-evaluation making reference to the respective accreditation criteria and

standards, and the respective Submission Guides.

Formation of Panel

The Panel Members are nominated by HKCAAVQ and the appointment is

confirmed after checking for conflict of interest with the partnership in writing.

The Panel Secretary is also a member of the Accreditation Panel.

Weeks 1-4 Submission and Initial Review of Accreditation Document

Partnerships are required to submit the Accreditation Document via the e-

Portal.

The Panel reviews the Accreditation Document.

Weeks 5-8 Panel’s initial comments and partnership’s responses

The Panel provides initial comments on the Accreditation Document and

requests additional information as needed.

The partnership provides a response to the Panel’s initial comments.

Further information / clarification from the partnership may be needed.

Weeks 9-10 Site visit or meeting

There will be a site visit conducted by the Panel or a meeting held at the

HKCAAVQ office between the partnership and the Panel.

The Panel will typically meet management representatives, other key staff and

students; and inspect facilities and examine records and other supporting

documents.

There will be an exit meeting session with representatives of the partnership at

the end of the site visit or meeting. The exit meeting will provide a general

overview of the Panel’s key observations.

There may be a post-visit or post-meeting follow-up, if applicable.

Weeks 11-19

Reporting

HKCAAVQ issues an interim report to inform the partnership of the Panel’s

recommended outcome of the exercise.

HKCAAVQ finalises the accreditation report with consideration of the Panel’s

recommendations. HKCAAVQ makes the final determination.

HKCAAVQ sends the accreditation report to the partnership to check for factual

accuracy.

End of Week

20

Notification of Outcome and Follow-up Actions

HKCAAVQ issues the accreditation report.


Up to 3

months from

the specified

fulfilment

dates

Follow-up Actions

If conditions (i.e. pre-conditions and/or requirements) and/or restrictions are

stipulated in the accreditation report, the partnership must provide evidence of

having fulfilled them by the specified deadlines. After considering the evidence

HKCAAVQ may request further information or seek clarifications, if necessary.

If the partnership cannot fufil / comply with the conditions and/or restrictions

within the allowable time period, HKCAAVQ may deem that the partnership

and/or programme is no longer competent to achieve its objectives and the

accreditation report may be varied or withdrawn.

HKCAAVQ normally will issue a notification letter on the fulfilment of conditions

within 3 months from the specified deadlines.

5.4 Partnerships applying for IE, LPA or re-LPA should submit an Accreditation Document of a self-

evaluative nature based on on-going internal review activities or a self-evaluation process that makes

reference to the respective accreditation criteria and standards, and Submission Guides. The

Submission Guides, which are available from the HKCAAVQ website, indicate the possible sources of

evidence to address the accreditation criteria. The self-evaluation process helps partnerships assess

their readiness for seeking accreditation and prepare their Accreditation Document.

5.5 It is important that partnerships provide evidence to demonstrate they have met the respective

accreditation criteria and standards. Sources of evidence should also cover measures adopted by

partnerships to assure the quality of the student learning experience. The responsibility for providing

appropriate evidence lies with the partnership. In preparing evidence, the emphasis should be on its

quality and relevance, not the amount. The sources of evidence listed in the Submission Guides are for

reference, and are not meant to be exhaustive. As partnerships are diverse in nature and operational

mode, it is likely that evidence will differ between partnerships.


6. Accreditation Outcomes

6.1 Having regard to the Terms of Reference of the accreditation as stipulated in the signed Service

Agreement and in its capacity as the Accreditation Authority under Cap 592, HKCAAVQ will consider

the Accreditation Panel’s recommendations and the available evidence and make an accreditation

determination. The possible determinations of an accreditation exercise are:

Approval

Approval with conditions (pre-conditions and/or requirements) and/or restrictions

Non-approval

Where approval is granted, a validity period will also be specified in the accreditation report. An IE has

a validity period of two years. The validity period for LPA and re-LPA is linked to programme quality

and programme duration. Under normal circumstances, the validity period is N + 1 years, where N is

the duration of the home programme.

6.2 Any pre-condition(s) that forms part of the determination must be fulfilled prior to the commencement of

the specified validity period imposed for an IE, LPA or re-LPA status. Requirement(s) must be fulfilled by

the stipulated deadline(s) within the validity period.

6.3 Recommendations also form part of the accreditation determination. They have a continuous

improvement purpose and are directly related to the accreditation criteria and standards. They are non-

binding in nature but partnerships should explain how recommendations have been addressed at the time

of re-accreditation.

6.4 Advice is an opinion of the Panel for the improvement of the partnership and/or learning programmes. It

provides for the sharing of good practice in education and training among peers. It is non-binding and the

partnership is not required to report follow-up actions taken in response to advice, if any, to HKCAAVQ.

6.5 Restrictions form part of the accreditation determination, to be fulfilled by partnerships by the specified

deadline(s) during the validity period of the approved accreditation status. Partnerships’ ability to fulfil the

restriction is dependent on actions taken by Third Parties.

6.6 Partnerships shall ensure that they obtain all approvals and registrations necessary in order for them to

operate the learning programme(s) and shall maintain and comply with the terms of all such approvals

and registrations for the duration of the validity period. If it is stated in the programme aims / objectives

or intended learning outcomes that a programme would lead to professional recognition, HKCAAVQ

may impose a pre-condition or restriction to specify that the programme has to secure professional

recognition before being granted the accreditation status and commencing operation. It is advisable for

partnerships to liaise with HKCAAVQ and relevant professional bodies well ahead of time when

planning for HKCAAVQ and professional accreditation, so as to ensure alignment between the two

processes to the extent possible and avoid unnecessary delays in the offering of programmes.

6.7 Statements of Accreditation confirming the granting of the accreditation status to the partnership and

the NLP(s) concerned will be issued together with the Accreditation Report(s) when no pre-conditions


are stipulated, or upon fulfilment of all of the pre-condition(s). In the latter case, the validity period will

commence after fulfilment of the pre-condition(s).

6.8 Qualifications of accredited NLPs may be entered into the QR in accordance with the terms and

procedures stipulated by the QR Authority. The accreditation status will lapse should the learning

programme concerned cease to be a registered / exempted course under Cap 493.


7. Possible Follow-up after Accreditation

Fulfilment of Condition(s) and Compliance with Restriction(s)

7.1 Where condition(s) and restriction(s) apply, the fulfilment of the condition(s) and compliance with

restriction(s) within a specified timeframe is mandatory to obtain and maintain a valid accreditation

status.

Expiry of Validity Period

7.2 Within the two-year validity period for IE, an accredited partnership must have at least one programme

successfully accredited. Partnerships who will not have a current accredited programme on the QR after

the end of the two-year validity period of their IE will need to apply for an extension of their IE status at

least three months before the validity period expires. The IE status of partnerships will lapse when the

validity period of the last accredited programme has expired. In such cases, partnerships may submit an

application for extension of IE status, explaining the reason for seeking extension and their plan to offer

accredited programmes within the extended validity period. An extension of up to 2 years may be

granted. Only one extension of IE status will normally be allowed. If partnerships continue to gain

successful LPA, their IE status will remain valid.

7.3 Partnerships must have their NLPs re-accredited by HKCAAVQ before the expiry date of the validity

period unless otherwise notified. Partnerships are to seek re-accreditation of the accredited

programmes at least ten months prior to the expiry date of the validity period of their learning

programmes. Accredited programmes with no student commencing the study during the validity

period are not eligible for re-LPA.

7.4 If re-LPA is not successfully completed by the expiry date, the accreditation status will automatically

lapse and the corresponding qualification of the NLP on the QR will be indicated as expired.

7.5 A partnership that wishes to seek an extension of validity period for a learning programme, other than

by re-accreditation, may only do so on the basis of unforeseen circumstances not within the control of

the partnership itself. Details are available in the Policy on Extension of Learning Programme Validity

Period on HKCAAVQ website at www.hkcaavq.edu.hk.

http://www.hkcaavq.edu.hk/


8. Accreditation Fees

8.1 HKCAAVQ is a statutory, not-for-profit self-financed body. Accreditation fees are levied on the basis of a

full cost recovery principle. The accreditation fee for IE will be charged per partnership. The fees for

LPA and re-LPA vary according to HKQF level. The standard accreditation fee schedule, as approved

by the Secretary for Education, is available on the HKCAAVQ website at www.hkcaavq.edu.hk. The

exact amount of accreditation fee for a specific exercise will be specified in the Service Agreement.



9. Points to Note

9.1 These Guidance Notes are by no means exhaustive. They should be read in conjunction with the

Guidelines on the Four-stage Quality Assurance Process under the Qualifications Framework available

on the HKCAAVQ website at www.hkcaavq.edu.hk.

9.2 These Guidance Notes also supersede any prior guidance notes, other guidelines or handbooks that

HKCAAVQ or the former Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA) has published or

issued previously regarding the accreditation of NLPs.

9.3 As the HKQF evolves, these Guidance Notes will be revised from time to time. Whilst HKCAAVQ

endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, HKCAAVQ reserves the right to

delete, suspend or edit all information at any time in its absolute discretion without giving any prior

notice. To obtain the most up-to-date information, users may consult the electronic version of these

Guidance Notes from the website of HKCAAVQ at www.hkcaavq.edu.hk.

9.4 For enquiries, please contact us on 3658 0242 or email to [email protected].

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mailto:[email protected]


Annex

The Preview Approach to the Facilitation Phase

The purpose of the Preview Approach is to enhance partnerships’ awareness of the accreditation requirements

and facilitate their preparation for the accreditation exercise. Both new and accredited partnerships can apply for

the preview of the accreditation documents. For example:

Partnerships applying for combined IE and LPA for the first time;

Partnerships with valid IE status but applying for IE at a HKQF level higher than the approved level; and

Partnerships applying for Learning Programme Accreditation for new programmes, if requested by

partnerships / HKCAAVQ.

Initial observations on the completeness and relevance of the submitted draft documents will be provided to

partnerships. No judgement is made on whether the partnerships can meet the accreditation criteria and

standards. The initial observations are independent of any judgement made by the Panel.

The following flow chart shows the main steps in the Preview Approach to the Facilitation phase:


Action by Partnership Action by HKCAAVQ

Submit Statement of Intent and required documents via e-Portal

Partnership to request for a preview of draft Accreditation Document

Issue Service Agreement

Revise & resubmit

YES NO

Form Panel Returned signed Service Agreement

Meeting between HKCAAVQ and Partnership to explain the Objectives and Work Model of Preview Approach (optional)

Submit draft Accreditation Document

Refer to the initial observations provided to refine their Accreditation Document. The final version of the Accreditation Document should be submitted to HKCAAVQ by the due date stated in the service agreement.

Review the draft Accreditation Document. Provide observations and feedback on the state of readiness of Partnership for accreditation; Meet the Partnership to provide clarification, if needed.

Proceed to Service

Agreement?


Glossary

Term Definition

Accreditation Authority (AA)

HKCAAVQ specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (AAVQO) (Cap 592) to accredit Operators and learning programmes for the purpose of entering their qualifications into the Qualifications Register (QR), for recognition under the Qualifications Framework (QF).

Accreditation Document

Prepared by the partnership to substantiate its claim of meeting the required standards when undertaking any stage(s) of the accreditation.

Accreditation Panel

A Panel consisting of experts with the requisite profiles and expertise formed for the purpose of the Initial Evaluation of collaborative provision and/or Learning Programme Accreditation or Learning Programme Re-accreditation of the non-local learning programmes under the relevant collaborative provisions. A HKCAAVQ staff member will play the role of the Panel Secretary.

Accreditation Report

A report issued by HKCAAVQ pursuant to section 5 of the AAVQO after conducting the relevant accreditation tests.

Accreditation Standards

The standards specified for the respective accreditation criteria, listed in the relevant sets of guidance notes on individual stage(s) of the Four-stage Quality Assurance Process.

Advice

Advice is an opinion of the Panel for the improvement of partnerships and/or learning programmes. It provides for the sharing of good practice in education and training among peers. It is non-binding and partnerships are not required to report follow-up actions taken, if any, to HKCAAVQ.

Awarding Body In relation to a qualification, meaning the person, school, institution, organisation or other body which grants the qualification.

Collaborative Provision

It involves a Hong Kong Operator (local Operator) and a non-local Operator jointly operating a programme of learning in Hong Kong, which leads to a qualification awarded by a non-local Operator. The local Operator and the non-local Operator are regarded as acting jointly as the partnership of the learning programme to be accredited.

Condition

A condition is part of the accreditation decisions to be fulfilled by the partnership in Initial Evaluation and/or Learning Programme Accreditation or Learning Programme Re-accreditation prior to the start of the validity period of the accreditation status (pre-condition) or by specified deadline(s) during the validity period (requirement).

Criteria

The elements for consideration in an accreditation exercise, as specified in the relevant set of guidance notes on individual stages of the Four-stage Quality Assurance Process. Each stage in the process has a specific purpose and therefore requires relevant evidence corresponding to the respective accreditation criteria and standards.

Facilitation Phase The quality assurance process in IE, LPA and re-LPA that that helps partnerships to familiarise themselves with the accreditation requirements.


Four-stage Quality Assurance Process (the Process)

The Process is a quality assurance mechanism with four stages, i.e. Initial Evaluation (IE), Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA), Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) and Periodic Review (PR). It forms the means through which HKCAAVQ evaluates Operators and their learning programmes under the QF.

Initial Evaluation (IE)

It is an upfront quality test to determine whether the collaborative provision between a local Operator and a non-local Operator (the partnership) is able to achieve its objectives as claimed and to operate the learning programmes (under the collaborative partnership) that meet the claimed QF standards. It is separate from, and additional to, any Initial Evaluation / Institutional Review which the local Operator may have undergone in respect of its local learning programmes or in connection with another non-local partner in another partnership.

Learning Programme

A programme of studies or training defined by a curriculum (which may consist of one or more modules, units, subjects or courses or any combination of those elements) and includes, where the context permits, any proposed programme of such studies or training.

Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA)

It is an overall evaluation of the non-local learning programme to determine whether the learning programme meets the required standards to achieve its claimed objectives and deliver the intended learning outcomes commensurate with the competency standards prescribed in the Generic Level Descriptors (QF standards).

Learning Programme Re-accreditation (Re-LPA)

The cyclical re-evaluation of an accredited learning programme. It ascertains whether the learning programme continues to meet the standards of the claimed objectives, and delivers the learning outcomes commensurate with the claimed QF level of competency as determined at the preceding LPA.

Learning Outcome A student’s attained knowledge, skills and application ability as a result of completing the learning programme.

Local Operator An Operator whose base of operation is in Hong Kong (including the local office of a non-local educational institution).

Non-local Courses (learning programmes)

Learning programmes that are registered / exempted under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (Cap 493) on the basis of comparability with the home courses delivered in the home countries of the non-local Operators.

Non-local Operator A local Operator’s partner whose base of operation is outside Hong Kong.

Operator A person, school, institution, or organisation or other body, the whole or part of the business of which includes the operation of any learning programmes or any part of a learning programme.

Partnership It refers to the collaborating Operators (local and non-local) responsible for the collaborative provision of a non-local learning programme of the non-local Operator.

Peer Review It is one of the principles of accreditation which means involving academic and professional experts with relevant expertise and experience as Panel Members in the accreditation.


Pre-condition A pre-condition forms part of the accreditation determination, to be fulfilled by the partnership prior to the start of the validity period of the accreditation status.

Qualification

A formal award given in recognition of the skills, knowledge and experience acquired by an individual upon the satisfactory completion of a learning programme that meets specified QF standards. It is granted on the basis of formal assessment. The award title should follow the policy laid down by the EDB (www.hkqf.gov.hk), and should not include a Statement of Attendance.

Qualifications Framework (QF)

A hierarchy of recognised qualifications in academic, vocational and continuing education as well as qualifications attained by individuals through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme in Hong Kong. It is characterised by three key features: level, which reflects the depth and complexity of learning leading to the qualification; award title, which reflects the nature, area of study and hierarchy of the qualification; and credit, which indicates the volume or size of learning leading to the qualification. There are seven levels in the QF.

QF Level The level of the learning programme pitched against the Generic Level Descriptors (GLD) published by the Government at https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_13/HKQF_GLD_e.pdf.

QF Standards In respect of a learning programme, the skills, knowledge or experience acquired on the completion of the learning programme that are commensurate with the requirements under the specified level of the QF.

Qualifications Register (QR)

The public face of the QF containing all qualifications that have been quality assured under the QF. HKCAAVQ is specified in Cap 592 as the QR Authority.

Qualifications Register Authority

HKCAAVQ specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (AAVQO) (Cap 592) is responsible for maintaining the Qualifications Register (QR).

Recommendation

A recommendation forms part of the accreditation determination. It has a continuous improvement purpose and is directly related to the accreditation criteria. It is non-binding in nature but partnerships should explain how recommendations have been addressed at the time of re-accreditation.

Requirement A requirement is part of the accreditation decisions to be fulfilled by the partnership by specified deadline(s) during the validity period of the approved accreditation status.

Restriction

Any restriction that may be imposed in HKCAAVQ’s determination and subject to which the determination is to have effect. A restriction forms part of the accreditation determination, to be fulfilled by partnerships by the specified deadline(s) during the validity period of the approved accreditation status. The partnerships’ ability to fulfil the restriction is dependent on actions taken by Third Parties.

Service Agreement A contract between HKCAAVQ and the partnership to undertake an accreditation exercise.

Site Visit A visit to the partnership’s premises in Hong Kong which is an integral part of an accreditation exercise conducted primarily to collect evidence for evaluating whether the accreditation criteria are met.


https://www.hkqf.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_13/HKQF_GLD_e.pdf


Statement of Accreditation

It confirms the granting of the accreditation status to the partnership and the non-local learning programme(s) concerned. It will be issued together with the accreditation reports for approval cases, or upon satisfactory fulfillment of all of the pre-condition(s) for relevant cases with pre-condition(s).

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference set out the services that will be provided to a partnership, the fee and the conditions under which the services will be provided.

Threshold Standard

It refers to the minimum quality requirements stipulated in these Guidance Notes and to local prevailing requirements for higher education providers operating in Hong Kong such as the Generic Level Descriptors in the QF and any other relevant policy intention / regulations / guidelines / common descriptors / specification of competency standards (SCS) promulgated by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

Track record A record of performance of a partnership against relevant accreditation criteria.

Validity Period

The period of time in which an approved accreditation status is effective as stipulated in the accreditation report. The validity period for IE is standardised as two years subject to conditions; the validity period for LPA and re-LPA is linked to programme quality and duration.

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