香港學術及職業資歷評審局

Overview

The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) is a statutory body established to oversee the accreditation of academic and vocational qualifications in Hong Kong. Operating under the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Cap. 1150), the HKCAAVQ plays a pivotal role in maintaining the credibility and quality of qualifications within the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF). It provides quality assurance and assessment services to education and training institutions, course providers and the general public.

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 2007, the HKCAAVQ emerged from the reconstitution of the former Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA). The establishment of the HKCAAVQ was formalized through the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Cap. 1150), which granted it statutory authority as both the Accreditation Authority and the Qualifications Register (QR) Authority under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. This legal framework empowers the HKCAAVQ to perform accreditation and quality assurance functions across various educational sectors, including higher education, vocational training and non-local learning programmes.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The mission of the HKCAAVQ is to safeguard the credibility of qualifications under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework and to facilitate continuous quality enhancement and excellence in education and training in Hong Kong and the region. Its core values include:

• Quality: Providing learner-centred services consistent with internationally accepted quality assurance standards.
• Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethical behaviour and accountability.
• Independence: Operating independently in decision-making and function performance.
• Transparency: Ensuring fairness and impartiality in operations.

Through these principles, the HKCAAVQ aims to enhance the quality and recognition of qualifications, thereby supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The governance of the HKCAAVQ is vested in a Council comprising 15 to 21 members appointed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Council members are selected based on their expertise in quality assurance, education, training and industry. The Council includes both local and international perspectives, with 4 to 7 members from outside Hong Kong. This diverse composition ensures a broad range of insights and maintains the independence of the HKCAAVQ in its operations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

As the Accreditation Authority, the HKCAAVQ employs a Four-Stage Quality Assurance Process to assess and accredit learning programmes under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. The stages include:

1. Initial Evaluation (IE): Assessing the suitability of an operator to offer learning programmes.
2. Learning Programme Accreditation (LPA): Evaluating individual programmes for quality and alignment with the HKQF.
3. Programme Area Accreditation (PAA): Reviewing clusters of related programmes to ensure coherence and quality.
4. Periodic Institutional Review (PIR): Conducting regular reviews of institutions to maintain ongoing quality assurance.

These stages are designed to ensure that accredited programmes meet established standards and contribute to the overall quality of higher education in Hong Kong.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The HKCAAVQ is committed to aligning its practices with international standards and engaging in global quality assurance initiatives. It is a founding member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN). Additionally, the HKCAAVQ is an Affiliate of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). These memberships facilitate the exchange of best practices and support the international recognition of Hong Kong's qualifications.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The HKCAAVQ continues to play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Hong Kong. By maintaining rigorous accreditation processes and promoting quality assurance, it ensures that educational programmes meet the evolving needs of learners and the workforce. Looking forward, the HKCAAVQ aims to further enhance its services, expand its international collaborations and support the development of a dynamic and responsive education system in Hong Kong.

Summary

The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications is a statutory body dedicated to ensuring the quality and credibility of qualifications under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. Through its comprehensive accreditation processes, governance structure and international engagements, the HKCAAVQ contributes significantly to the advancement of higher education and vocational training in Hong Kong.

FAQs

• What is the role of the HKCAAVQ?
  The HKCAAVQ is responsible for accrediting academic and vocational qualifications in Hong Kong, ensuring they meet established quality standards.
• How does the HKCAAVQ ensure quality?
  Through its Four-Stage Quality Assurance Process, the HKCAAVQ evaluates learning programmes and institutions to maintain high-quality education.
• Is the HKCAAVQ an independent body?
  Yes, the HKCAAVQ operates independently, with a governance structure that includes both local and international members to ensure impartiality.
• What international networks is the HKCAAVQ part of?
  The HKCAAVQ is a founding member of INQAAHE and APQN and is an Affiliate of ENQA, engaging in global quality assurance initiatives.
• How can institutions apply for accreditation?
  Institutions can submit applications through the HKCAAVQ's official channels, following the guidelines and procedures outlined on its website.

Organization Name

香港學術及職業資歷評審局

The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation and Vocational Qualifications

Acronym

HKCAAVQ

Year of Establishment

1990

Control Type

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

23/F Cambridge House Taikoo Place, King's Road 979
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Phone

+852 3658 0101

Fax

+852 2869 4828

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

The Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation and Vocational Qualifications's Wikipedia article

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