The Qualifications Register (QR) is an on-line database of qualifications recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF). Since its official launch in May 2008, the QR has had increasing usage by operators and learners with the inclusion of a wide range of academic and vocational education and training courses in the QR.

Increased Entries on the QR

The QR publishes a full spectrum of qualifications ranging from academic to vocational and continuing education. All qualifications registered on the QR are quality-assured through robust accreditation processes. As at March 2012, the QR contained a total of 7,043 qualifications, including new entries from the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS) institutions and qualifications obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism by the Appointed Assessment Agencies. To assist the JUPAS institutions to upload their qualifications onto the QR accurately and smoothly, the HKCAAVQ arranged discussions with individual institutions on a needs basis.

Number of current qualifications on QR by accreditation body / qualification type (March 2012)

Number of current qualifications on QR by level (March 2012)

Number of current qualifications on QR by area of study / training (March 2012)

Enhancement of the QR System

Computer Hardware Upgrade

In order to cope with the growing demand for uploading qualifications onto the QR, the HKCAAVQ upgraded the existing computer equipment in 2011 to pave the way for growth and to meet future expectations. The new QR system computer hardware and software commenced operation in February 2012.

QR Usability Analysis

The HKCAAVQ conducted a comprehensive analysis of the QR website in 2011. The analysis, which comprised a heuristic evaluation, focus groups and an online survey, engaged a wide range of stakeholders including the Education Bureau (EDB), education and training providers, learners and members from the Industry Training Advisory Committees (ITACs). The findings and recommendations arising from this analysis will form the basis of the system enhancement for further improvement of the QR website.

Billing and Refund

On 1 August 2011, the EDB announced improvements to the Qualifications Framework Support Scheme (QFSS). All qualifications published in the QR, irrespective of the profit-making status of providers and the funding source of their qualifications are now eligible for full registration and hosting fee subsidies. In response to the Government's initiative, the HKCAAVQ embarked on a QR system enhancement project that included the modification of billing and the development of a refund module. The enhancement is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Advertising Monitoring

To maintain the integrity of the QR and ensure that the public get accurate information about quality-assured qualifications offered in Hong Kong, the HKCAAVQ monitors the advertisements and promotional materials relating to QF-recognised qualifications. Over the past year we maintained close communication with programme providers to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the prevailing guidelines for advertisements relating to the QF and comply with the requirements stipulated in the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Cap 592).

Looking Forward

In the reporting period, we recorded 509,512 ‘hits’ on the QR website, which is an increase of 31% when compared to the figure of the previous reporting year. The QR website recorded the highest number of users in July and August 2011 when the results of the public examinations were released.

With the implementation of the “334” New Academic Structure, we anticipate an even higher usage of the QR in the 2012/13 academic year for school leavers looking for multiple pathways that are quality assured under the QF. As the QR Authority, the HKCAAVQ will continue to perform its statutory functions to administer the QR and to ensure all the information on it is accurate, reliable and up to date.