EDUCATION BUREAU CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM NO.

128/2013
From : Secretary for Education To : Heads of Secondary and Primary Schools
(except ESF schools and international
Ref. : EDB/LTQ/PRO/8 schools) - for necessary action
Date : 8 November 2013

Application for Exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement

for English and Putonghua (PTH) Teachers
(Note: This circular memorandum should be read by school heads and all English/PTH teachers)

Summary

This circular memorandum informs schools of the details concerning the application for
exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR) for English/PTH teachers1.

Details

2. There are two calls for application for exemption from the LPR in the 2013/14 school
year, one in the first school term and the other in the second school term. This is the first call for
application for exemption in this school year.

Exemption from the LPR

3. Partial exemption from the LPR (PTH) will be granted to applicants with appropriate
qualifications. Applicants who are holding the Certificate for the Test of Advanced Proficiency
in PTH2 awarded by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) and
have obtained passes or above in Listening, Transcription, or Speaking (including Reading,
Presentation and Conversation) will be deemed to have attained Level 3 proficiency in the
corresponding components of the LPR (PTH): Listening and Recognition, Pinyin, and Speaking.
Holders of the Certificate for the Test of Proficiency in PTH (Grade B, Level 2 or above) awarded
by the State Language Commission will be deemed to have attained Level 3 proficiency in the
Speaking component in the LPR (PTH). Please note that there is no exemption from the
Classroom Language Assessment for the LPR (PTH).

4. Full exemption from the LPR (English Language) will be granted to applicants with a
relevant degree plus relevant teacher training. These applicants will be deemed to have
reached Level 3 proficiency in the LPR (English Language). Qualifications satisfying the
requirement(s) for English teachers as recommended by the Standing Committee on Language

1
Details of the LPR for English/PTH teachers could be found on the website of the Education Bureau
(http://www.edb.gov.hk > Teachers Related > Qualifications, Training and Development > Qualification >
Language Proficiency Requirement).
2
The HKEAA has ceased to conduct the Test of Advanced Proficiency in PTH since 2009, but holders of the
certificate for this test previously awarded by the HKEAA can still apply for exemption.

1
Education and Research (SCOLAR), will also be considered for exemption from the LPR
(English Language).

(i) A “relevant degree” means a recognized degree or higher degree with

substantial components on the study of English and its use. In the main, this
includes degrees specifically in the study of the English language (including
English studies, English literature and linguistics), degrees in education with
specialism in English, degrees in the communicative use of English and degrees
in translation with English as one of the principal languages studied. Holders
of a non-relevant degree who subsequently completed the Post-graduate
Programmes in Subject Knowledge for English Language Teachers will be
considered as having a relevant degree in English for LPR exemption.

(ii) “Relevant teacher training” means recognized initial teacher training with
specialism in English and supervised practicum in English teaching. Initial
teacher training obtained before September 2000 is recognized for exemption
regardless of the subject of specialism whilst initial teacher training obtained in
or after September 2000 must be one with specialism in English.

(iii) A list of qualifications awarded by local institutes and recognized for exemption
is at Appendix 1. Please note that Appendix 1 is a reference list only and
applicants with qualifications equivalent to those in Appendix 1 may also
forward their applications for consideration. For qualifications not on the list,
the Vetting Committee on Exemption from the LPR (English Language) will,
based on the documents/information provided by applicants, check whether they
meet the requirements stipulated in (i) and (ii) above, and make
recommendations to the Education Bureau on whether or not the qualifications
could be recognised for exemption.

Application Procedure

5. We are now inviting teachers and prospective teachers with appropriate qualifications to
apply for exemption from the LPR. Application forms (Appendices 2 and 3) and Notes on
Application for Exemption from the LPR (Appendix 4) are enclosed. Applicants should submit
their completed application form(s) together with certified photocopies of the supporting
documents.

6. Applicants applying for exemption from the LPR (PTH) are requested to submit the
certified photocopies of the Certificate for Test of Advanced Proficiency in PTH awarded by
HKEAA; and/or the Certificate for Test of Proficiency in PTH awarded by the State Language
Commission as supporting documents.

7. Applicants applying for exemption from the LPR (English Language) are requested to

2
submit supporting documents as detailed below.

(i) Applicants should submit certified photocopies of the necessary documentary

evidence related to their academic qualifications, including official transcripts
and graduation diplomas/certificates issued by the academic authorities or
universities concerned. Where dissertations are required for their degrees,
applicants should also submit photocopies of the cover page, the abstract, the
table of contents and bibliography of their dissertations.

(ii) The holders of non-local academic and/or teacher training qualifications

should also submit results of qualification assessment issued by the Hong
Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications
(formerly the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation) and/or assessment
reports issued by the Government.

8. Please note that the assessment of applications is based on the supporting documents.
Applications will be considered only when sufficient supporting evidence is submitted.
Photocopies of all supporting documents are to be duly certified, for example, by applicants’
school heads. Applicants failing to submit the necessary documents or provide sufficient
information on their qualifications will be notified to submit the required documents/information
by a due date. All the supporting documents submitted together with the applications will not be
returned to the applicants.

9. Provided that applicants submit all the necessary supporting documents/information

with the applications, they will be informed of the results individually in about three months from
the deadline of application or the date specified for the submission of additional
documents/information.

10. Applications should be submitted to the Education Bureau by post, in person or by an

authorized representative at the following address:
Language Teacher Qualifications Team
Education Bureau
Room 1107, 11/F.,
Wu Chung House,
213 Queen’s Road East,
Wanchai, Hong Kong.

All applications should reach the Language Teacher Qualifications (LTQ) Team on or before 29
November 2013 (Friday).

Appeal Procedure

11. Applicants not satisfied with the results can make an appeal by submitting a written

3
request to the LTQ Team of the Education Bureau together with additional supporting
documents/information, as appropriate, within two weeks from the issue of the results.
Appellants failing to submit the necessary documents or provide sufficient information on their
qualifications will be notified to submit the required documents/information by a specific date.
If appellants fail to comply within the specified period, their appeals will not be further processed.

12. Provided that appellants submit all the necessary supporting documents/information with
the appeals, they will be informed of the results individually in about three months from the
deadline of the appeal or the date specified for the submission of additional documents/information.

Appendices

13. Enclosed please find the following Appendices:

(i) Appendix 1 List of Qualifications Awarded by Local Institutes and Recognized

for Exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement (English Language);

(ii) Appendix 2 Application Form for Exemption from the Language Proficiency
Requirement (English Language) ;

(iii) Appendix 3 Application Form for Exemption from the Language Proficiency
Requirement (PTH); and

(iv) Appendix 4 Notes on Application for Exemption from the Language Proficiency
Requirement.

Applicants may download the application forms from the website of the Education Bureau
(http://www.edb.gov.hk).

Enquiry

14. For enquiries related to application for exemption, please contact Miss Nicole LEUNG at
2892 5783.

(Y F LEE)
for Secretary for Education

c.c. Heads of Sections – for information

4
 Appendix 1 (Page 1 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
List of Qualifications Awarded by Local Institutes and Recognized for Exemption
from the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR) (English Language)
Note: Applicants will be granted full exemption from the LPR (English Language) and deemed to have reached Level 3 proficiency in all papers in the
LPR if they possess both a relevant degree and relevant teacher training.
Relevant Degrees
A. Degrees specifically in the study of the English language (including English studies, English literature and English linguistics)
Institute Degree Field of Study Duration
1 City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Teaching English as a Second Language 3 years
Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language N/A
2 City University of Hong Kong Renamed as Master of Arts in English Studies (Teaching English as a Second N/A
Language) (Revised on 12 July 2011)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature 3 years
3 Hong Kong Baptist University Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and 4 years
Literature (Added on 7 June 2012)
With English as the main language N/A
4 Hong Kong Baptist University Master of Arts in Language Studies
of study
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Contemporary English Studies 3 years
5 Lingnan University Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Contemporary English Studies 4 years
(Added on 7 June 2012)
Bachelor of Arts 3 years
6 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Major in English
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Added on 7 June 2012) 4 years
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Contemporary English Language With English as the main language 3 years
7 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Restructured as BA(Hons) in Language Studies with Business of study 3 years
8 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Master of Arts in English Language Teaching N/A
Bachelor of Arts Major in English Linguistics / 3 years
9 The University of Hong Kong Literature in English / English
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Added on 7 June 2012) 4 years
Studies
Major in Comparative Literature, 3 years
10 The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts with Literature in the English
language as the key component
Bachelor of Arts 3 years
Major in Linguistics, with English
11 The University of Hong Kong
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Added on 7 June 2012) as the main language of study 4 years
12 The University of Hong Kong Master of Arts in English Studies N/A

13 The University of Hong Kong
14 City University of Hong Kong
Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics With English as the main language N/A
of study
With English as the main language N/A
Master of Arts in Linguistics
of study
 Appendix 1 (Page 2 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012

Institute Degree Field of Study Duration

15 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
16 City University of Hong Kong
17 City University of Hong Kong
18 City University of Hong Kong
19 City University of Hong Kong
20 Hong Kong Baptist University
21 Hong Kong Baptist University
22 Lingnan University
23 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
24 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
25 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
26 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
27 The University of Hong Kong
28 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
29 Hong Kong Baptist University
30 Open University of Hong Kong
31 Open University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
32
and Lingnan University
33 The Open University of Hong Kong
Master of Arts in English Applied English Linguistics N/A
With English as the main language 3 years
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Linguistics and Language Technology
of study
BA(Hons) in English for the Professions (with possibility of minor in 2 years
European Languages and Cultures)
BA(Hons) in Language Studies (with specialization of Linguistics and 3 years
Language Technology) With English as the main language
Restructured as BA(Hons) in Language Studies (with specialization of of study 4 years
Linguistics and Language Technology) (Added on 7 June 2012)
With English as the main language N/A
MA in Language Studies (with specialization in Linguistics)
of study
BA (Hon) in Humanities – English Language Concentration 3 years
BA (Hon) in Humanities – English Literature Concentration 3 years
MA in English Studies N/A
With English as the main language 3 years
BA in Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies
of study
BA in Linguistics With English as the main language 3 years
Restructured as BA in Linguistics (Added on 7 June 2012) of study 4 years
MA in Linguistics With English as the main language N/A
Renamed as MA in Linguistics (General Linguistics Stream) of study
MA in English Language Teaching N/A
With English as the main language N/A
MA in Linguistics
of study
MA in English Language Studies N/A
BA (Hon) in Humanities – English Studies Concentration 3 years
3-year
Bachelor of Language Studies (English)
equivalent
4-year
Bachelor of Language Studies (English) (Hons)
equivalent
BA (Hon) in Contemporary English and Education (Four-year Full-time) 4 years
(Added on 27 January 2006)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Culture 3-year
(Added on 1 June 2006) equivalent

Institute
34 The Open University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
35
and The Hong Kong Institute of Education
36 Hong Kong Baptist University
37 Hong Kong Shue Yan University
38 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
39 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
40 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Appendix 1 (Page 3 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
Degree Field of Study Duration
Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours 3-year
(Added on 12 February 2007) equivalent
Restructured as Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours 4-year
(Added on 7 June 2012) equivalent
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Studies and Education (Four-year 4 years
Full-time) (Added on 12 February 2007)
Renamed as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor of Education
(Honours) (English Language Education)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme
would not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the
LPR, unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized
independently as being accepted for exemption from the LPR. (Revised on
27 August 2008)
4 years
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature and Bachelor
of Education in English Language Teaching (Added on 27 August 2008)
5 years
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and
Literature and Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching
(Added on 7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme
would not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the
LPR, unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized
independently as being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English (4-year full-time) 4 years
(Added on 1 April 2009)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies for the Professions (Added 3 years
on 7 September 2009)
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Studies for the 4 years
Professions (Added on 7 June 2012)
Master of Arts in English Language Arts (Added on 22 October 2009) N/A
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies (Three-Year Full-Time) 3 years
(Added on 8 July 2010)
English major
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Language Studies (Four-Year 4 years
Full-Time) (Added on 27 February 2012)
 Appendix 1 (Page 4 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012

Institute Degree Field of Study Duration

41 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
42 The Open University of Hong Kong
43 The Open University of Hong Kong
44 City University of Hong Kong
45 City University of Hong Kong
46 The Open University of Hong Kong
47 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, English N/A
Studies (Added on 12 July 2011)
Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and English (Major in English) 3-year
(Added on 12 July 2011) equivalent
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese and English (Major in English) 3-year
(Added on 12 July 2011) equivalent
Master of Arts in English Studies (Added on 12 July 2011) N/A
Master of Arts in English Studies (Literary and Cultural Studies) N/A
(Added on 9 March 2012)
Master of Arts in Applied English Linguistics (Added on 7 June 2012) N/A
Master of Arts in English (Literary Studies) (Added on 6 January 2010) N/A
 Appendix 1 (Page 5 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
B. Degrees in Education with specialism in English
Institute Degree Field of Study Duration
1 City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Primary Education Major in English 3 years
Bachelor of Education (Language Education) English Language Education 4 years
Restructured and renamed as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor 4 years
of Education (English Language Education) (Revised on 27 August 2008)
5 years
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor of Education
2 The Chinese University of Hong Kong (English Language Education) (Added on 7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR. (Revised on 27 August 2008)
3 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Major in English 4 years
4 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Master of Education (English Language Education) N/A
5 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) Major in English 4 years
4-year
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Secondary Education
equivalent
6 The Open University of Hong Kong English Strand
Renamed as Bachelor of Education with Honours in Secondary Education 4-year
(English Strand) equivalent
7 The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Education (Language Education) English Language 4 years
8 The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary Education) Major in English 4 years
9 The University of Hong Kong Master of Education English Language Education N/A
Language in Education, English N/A
10 The University of Hong Kong Master of Education
Stream
Teaching English as a Foreign N/A
11 The University of Hong Kong Master of Education
Language
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language Teaching (in collaboration 4 years
12 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
with the Hong Kong Institute of Education)
4-year
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education
equivalent
13 Open University of Hong Kong English Strand
Renamed as Bachelor of Education with Honours in Primary Education 4-year
(English Strand) (Revised on 16 June 2005) equivalent
14 Hong Kong Baptist University Master of Education – English Language for Teaching (ELT) Concentration N/A
15 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Languages) Major in English 4 years
16 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Language Teaching) Major in English 4 years

Institute
17 The University of Hong Kong
18 Open University of Hong Kong
19 Hong Kong Baptist University
20 Hong Kong Baptist University
21 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
22 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
23 The Open University of Hong Kong
24 The University of Hong Kong
25 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Appendix 1 (Page 6 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
Degree Field of Study Duration
Master of Education in English Language Studies N/A
Master of Education N/A
English Language Education
Renamed as Master of Education in English Language Education (Revised on Strand N/A
16 June 2005)
Bachelor of Education (Added on 1 June 2006) English Language Studies 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Honours) English Language Studies 4 years
Master of Education (English Language Education Specialization) N/A
English Subject Knowledge
Renamed as Master of Education (TESOL and English Language Education
Strand
Specialization) (12 February 2007)
Master of Education (English Language Education Specialization) N/A
Renamed as Master of Education (TESOL and English Language Education English Extended Studies Strand
Specialization) (12 February 2007)
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Strand) and Bachelor of Language 5-year
Studies (English) (Honours) (Added on 1 June 2006) equivalent
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education (English) 4 years
(Added on 1 June 2006)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Language) 4 years
(Added on 31 October 2006)
Restructured as Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Language) 5 years
(Five-Year Full-Time)
(Added on 27 February 2012)

Institute
26 The Open University of Hong Kong
27 The University of Hong Kong
28 The University of Hong Kong
29 The University of Hong Kong
Appendix 1 (Page 7 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
Degree Field of Study Duration
Bachelor of Education with Honours in English Language Teaching and 4-year
Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours equivalent
(Added on 12 February 2007)
Restructured as Bachelor of Education with Honours in English Language 5-year
Teaching and Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours (Added on equivalent
7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education (Added on 5 years
7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption Major in English Language and
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would Linguistics
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
4 years
First major: Major in English
Bachelor of Education in Language Education (Primary English) (Added on 6
Second major: Major in
January 2010)
Education
Master of Education (English Language Education) plus Postgraduate N/A
Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies (English Language Studies)
(Added on 29 May 2006)
This double qualification programme has been accepted as a bundle for
exemption from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree
programme would not be considered on its own as being accepted for
exemption from the LPR, unless the individual degree concerned has been
recognized independently as being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
 Appendix 1 (Page 8 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
C. Degrees in language & communication (English)
Institute Degree Field of Study Duration
1 City University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English for Professional Communication 3 years
Master of Arts in English for Specific Purposes N/A
2 City University of Hong Kong
Renamed as Master of Arts in English Studies (English for Specific Purposes) N/A
Major in Language and
Communication, with
3 The University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Arts 3 years
English major as a
co-requisite
D. Degrees in translation with English as one of the principal languages studied
Institute Degree Field of Study Duration
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Translation and Interpretation 3 years
1 City University of Hong Kong Restructured as Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Translation and Interpretation 4 years
(Added on 17 July 2012)
2 City University of Hong Kong Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation N/A
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation 3 years
3 Hong Kong Baptist University
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation (Added on 17 July 2012) 4 years
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation 3 years
4 Lingnan University
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation (Added on 17 July 2012) 4 years
Bachelor of Arts 3 years
5 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Major in Translation
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Added on 17 July 2012) 4 years
6 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Master of Arts in Translation N/A
7 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Translation and Chinese 3 years
3-year
Bachelor of Arts in Language and Translation (English and Chinese)
equivalent
3-year
8 The Open University of Hong Kong
Renamed as Bachelor of Arts in Language and Translation equivalent
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Language and Translation 4-year
equivalent
Bachelor of Arts 3 years
9 The University of Hong Kong Major in Translation
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (Added on17 July 2012) 4 years
10 City University of Hong Kong BA(Hons) in Language Studies (with specialization in Translation and Interpretation) 3 years
11 City University of Hong Kong MA in Language Studies (with specialization in Translation and Interpretation) N/A
12 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University MA in Translating and Interpreting (Added on 1 March 2010) N/A
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Language Studies and Translation (Added on 17 July 3-year
2012) equivalent
13 The Open University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Language Studies and Translation (Added on 17 July 4-year
2012) equivalent
 Appendix 1 (Page 9 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012

Relevant Teacher Training

E. Degrees in Education with specialism in English (The following qualifications are considered as both relevant degrees and relevant teacher training.)

(Qualifications in this Section are also included in Section A/B of the Reference List.)

Institute Degree Field of Study Duration

1 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
2 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
3 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
4 The University of Hong Kong
5 The University of Hong Kong
6 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
7 The Open University of Hong Kong
8 The Open University of Hong Kong
9 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
10 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
11
and Lingnan University
12 Hong Kong Baptist University
13 Hong Kong Baptist University
Bachelor of Education (Language Education)
Restructured and renamed as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor of 4 years
Education (English Language Education) (Revised on 27 August 2008)
5 years
Restructured as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor of Education
(English Language Education) (Added on 7 June 2012) English Language Education
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR. (Revised on 27 August 2008)
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Major in English 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) Major in English 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Language Education) English Language 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary Education) Major in English 4 years
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language Teaching (in collaboration with 4 years
the Hong Kong Institute of Education)
4-year
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Secondary Education
equivalent
English Strand
Renamed as Bachelor of Education with Honours in Secondary Education 4-year
(English Strand) equivalent
4-year
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education
equivalent
English Strand
Renamed as Bachelor of Education with Honours in Primary Education (English 4-year
Strand) (Revised on 16 June 2005) equivalent
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Languages) Major in English 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Language Teaching) Major in English 4 years
BA (Hon) in Contemporary English and Education (Four-year Full-time) 4 years
(Added on 27 January 2006)
Bachelor of Education (Added on 1 June 2006) English Language Studies 4 years
Bachelor of Education (Honours) English Language Studies 4 years

Institute
14 The Open University of Hong Kong
15 The University of Hong Kong
16 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
17 The Open University of Hong Kong
Appendix 1 (Page 10 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
Degree Field of Study Duration
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Strand) and Bachelor of Language 5-year
Studies (English) (Honours) (Added on 1 June 2006) equivalent
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education (English) 4 years
(Added on 1 June 2006)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Language) 4 years
(Added on 31 October 2006)
Restructured as Bachelor of Education (Honours) (English Language) 5 years
(Five-Year Full-Time)
(Added on 27 February 2012)
Bachelor of Education with Honours in English Language Teaching and 4-year
Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours equivalent
(Added on 12 February 2007)
Restructured as Bachelor of Education with Honours in English Language 5-year
Teaching and Bachelor of English Language Studies with Honours (5 years) equivalent
(Added on 7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.

Institute
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
18
and the Hong Kong Institute of Education
19 Hong Kong Baptist University
20 The University of Hong Kong
21 The University of Hong Kong
22 The University of Hong Kong
Appendix 1 (Page 11 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
Degree Field of Study Duration
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Studies and Education (Four-year Full-time) 4 years
(Added on 12 February 2007)
Re-named as Bachelor of Arts (English Studies) and Bachelor of Education
(Honours) (English Language Education)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
(Revised on 27 August 2008)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature and Bachelor of 4 years
Education in English Language Teaching (Added on 27 August 2008)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in Language Education (Added 5 years
on 7 June 2012)
This double degree programme has been accepted as a bundle for exemption Major in English Language and
from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree programme would Linguistics
not be considered on its own as being accepted for exemption from the LPR,
unless the individual degree concerned has been recognized independently as
being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
First major: Major in English 4 years
Bachelor of Education in Language Education (Primary English) (Added on 6
Second major: Major in
January 2010)
Education
Master of Education (English Language Education) plus Postgraduate N/A
Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies (English Language Studies) (Added
on 29 May 2006)
This double qualification programme has been accepted as a bundle for
exemption from the LPR. As such, either degree of the double degree
programme would not be considered on its own as being accepted for
exemption from the LPR, unless the individual degree concerned has been
recognized independently as being accepted for exemption from the LPR.
 Appendix 1 (Page 12 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012
F. Certificates/Diplomas in Education with specialism in English

Institute Certificate/Diploma Field of Study

1 Hong Kong Baptist University Postgraduate Diploma in Education Major in English
2 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) Major in English
3 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary) Major in English
4 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) Major in English
5 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary) Major in English
6 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Certificate in Secondary Education (English) Major in English
7 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Certificate in Primary Education Major in English
8 The Hong Kong Institute of Education In-service Course of Training for Teachers in Secondary Schools Major in English
9 The Hong Kong Institute of Education In-service Course of Training for Teachers in Primary Schools Major in English
Postgraduate Certificate in Education Major in English
10 The University of Hong Kong
Renamed as Postgraduate Diploma in Education Major in English
11 The Open University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) English Strand
12 The Open University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary) English Strand
Postgraduate Diploma in Education – English Subject Teaching and Subject
Hong Kong Baptist University – Knowledge Stream (Two-year Part-time) # #
13
Department of Education Studies Renamed as Postgraduate Diploma in Education – English Subject Teaching and
Subject Knowledge Stream # #
The Open University of Hong Kong – (1) Secondary English Strand
14 Certificate in Education # # #
School of Education and Languages (2) Primary English Strand
The University of Hong Kong – Faculty
15 Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies** English Language Teaching Specialism
of Education
The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy for
16
Faculty of Education English Language Teaching) # #
Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programmes (Primary/Secondary)(Two-year
17 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
Part-time) English Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy # #
18 City University of Hong Kong Post-graduate Diploma in English Language Education
Professional Development Course on Teaching English to Speakers of Other
19 The Hong Kong Institute of Education Languages (TESOL) for Native-speaking English Teachers (NETs) and Local
English Teachers (LETs)** (Added on 26 November 2009)
##
Graduates of this course, who are already holders of a PGDE / PGCE / BEd or equivalent and majoring in subjects other than English, will be considered to have fulfilled the SCOLAR requirements on
English subject knowledge (PGSK) and relevant teacher training, and will be considered for exemption from the LPR. This course is also included in Section G of the Reference List.
###
Graduates of any of the two strands, who are already holders of a local PGDE / PGCE / BEd or equivalent and majoring in subjects other than English, will be considered to have attained the level of
language teaching methodology that is equivalent to a PGDE in language teaching as required by SCOLAR / LPR.
** Graduates of this course, who are already holders of a PGDE / PGCE / BEd or equivalent and majoring in subjects other than English, will be considered to have attained the level of language teaching
methodology that is equivalent to a PGDE in language teaching as required by SCOLAR / LPR.
 Appendix 1 (Page 13 of 13)
as at 17 July 2012

Relevant Post-graduate Programmes in Subject Knowledge

#
G. Post-graduate Programmes in Subject Knowledge for English Language Teachers

Institute Certificate/Diploma
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University – English
1 Postgraduate Diploma in English Language Studies
Department
The Open University of Hong Kong – School of
2 Postgraduate Certificate in English Studies for Language Teaching
Education and Languages (E&L)
City University of Hong Kong – Department of Postgraduate Certificate in Subject Knowledge for English Language Teachers
3
English and Communication Renamed as Postgraduate Diploma in Subject Knowledge for English Language Teachers
City University of Hong Kong – Department of
4 Postgraduate Diploma in Language Studies [with specialization in Linguistics] (PGD LS)
Chinese, Translation and Linguistics
Hong Kong Baptist University – Department of
5 Post-graduate Diploma in English Subject Knowledge (PGSK) for English Language Teachers
English Language and Literature
Hong Kong Institute of Education – Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies
6
Department of English Renamed as Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies
Hong Kong Baptist University – Department of Postgraduate Diploma in Education – English Subject Teaching and Subject Knowledge Stream (Two-year Part-time) # #
7
Education Studies Renamed as Postgraduate Diploma in Education – English Subject Teaching and Subject Knowledge Stream # #
The University of Hong Kong – English Centre in
8 collaboration with Department of English and Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies (PDipES)
Department of Linguistics
The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Faculty of
9 Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy for English Language Teaching) # #
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programmes (Primary/Secondary)(Two-year Part-time) English Subject Knowledge
10 The Hong Kong Institute of Education
and Pedagogy # #
#
Applicants who possess a degree not in the relevant language subject but have completed a recognized post-graduate programme in subject knowledge (PGSK) in the relevant language
subject are regarded as having a relevant language major degree for the purpose of exemption from the LPR.
##
Graduates of this course, who are already holders of a PGDE / PGCE / BEd or equivalent and majoring in subjects other than English, will be considered to have fulfilled the SCOLAR requirements on
English subject knowledge (PGSK) and relevant teacher training, and will be considered for exemption from the LPR. This course is also included in Section F of the Reference List.

Note: The institutes concerned are required to formally advise the Education Bureau (EDB) of any changes to the programmes listed above. If EDB is not informed of such changes, the
programmes concerned will not be recognized as an approved qualification for Exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR) (English Language).
 Appendix 2 (Page 1 of 4)
RESTRICTED

APPLICATION FORM
EXEMPTION FROM THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT
(ENGLISH LANGUAGE)

1. Please enclose a stamped (postage: HK$1.7) self-addressed envelope for the acknowledgement
of receipt of your application.
2. Please complete Sections A and B in block letters.
3. Please ensure the accuracy of the postal address. The result of the application will be sent to the
postal address provided.
4. All applications, together with the certified photocopies of all supporting documents, should be
directed to the Language Teacher Qualifications Team, Education Bureau, Room 1107, Wu
Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
5. The supporting documents submitted together with the applications will not be returned to the
applicants.
6. Please refer to the related circular memorandum when filling in the application form.

Section A. Personal Particulars

HKID: ( )

Name in English: (Surname First)

(Please use the name as shown on the HKID card)

Name in Chinese: (Please use the name as shown on the HKID card)

Sex: M F

Contact Telephone Number:

Home Office Mobile

Postal Address:

Flat/Room Floor Block

Name of Building
Estate/Village
Street No. & Name
District Name

Region:* Hong Kong Kowloon New Territories

* Please put a tick in the appropriate box.

 Appendix 2 (Page 2 of 4)
RESTRICTED
Section B. Qualifications
Applicants should indicate their qualifications in Parts (1) to (4) of this Section as appropriate. Office
Please refer to the Reference List (Appendix 1) and Notes 1-4 on this page when completing this Section. Use
(1) Degree or Higher Degree (Please put a tick in the appropriate box and fill in the blanks provided.)
(Please refer to Sections A, B, C &
□ a relevant degree on the Reference List Code No. D in Appendix 1 )
e.g. A 0 1
□ a relevant degree not on the Reference List
□ a non-relevant degree plus a relevant qualification indicated in Part (3)
Title:
Year:
Major Subject:
Awarding Institute:

(2) Teacher Training (Please put a tick in the appropriate box and fill in the blanks provided.)
(Please refer to Sections E &
□ relevant teacher training on the Reference List Code No. F in Appendix 1 )
e.g. F 0 1
□ relevant teacher training but not on the Reference List
□ non-relevant teacher training plus a recognized relevant qualification indicated in Part (4)
Title:
Year:
Major Subject:
Awarding Institute:

(3) Recognized post-graduate diploma/certificate in subject knowledge (PGSK) of English Language

(For holders of a non-English major degree)
(Please refer to Section G in
Code No. of the Programme on the Reference List G Appendix 1 )
e.g. G 0 1
Title:
Year:
Major Subject: English
Awarding Institute:

(4) Other recognized relevant teacher training

(For holders of initial teacher training with a major in subjects other than English obtained after Sept 2000.)
(Please refer to Section F in
Code No. of the Programme on the Reference List F Appendix 1 )
e.g. F 0 1
Title:
Year:
Major Subject: English
Awarding Institute:

(5) Other qualifications (relevant to English that you think could be considered for this application)
Title:
Year:
Major Subject: English
Awarding Institute:
Notes
1. A Bachelor of Education degree with specialism in English (except add-on Education degrees) is considered as both a relevant
degree and relevant teacher training and should therefore be entered for both categories.
2. To be accepted for exemption, an add-on Education degree programme has to be accompanied by a recognized relevant initial
teacher training qualification.
3. Initial teacher training obtained before September 2000 is recognized for exemption regardless of the subject of specialism.
4. Please provide evidence of assessment of non-local qualification(s), if any.
 Appendix 2 (Page 3 of 4)
RESTRICTED

Section C. Declaration

1. I declare that all the information provided is correct and true. I understand that if I give
false or incorrect information, I shall render myself liable to disqualification from the
application for exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement and any
exemption granted may be revoked.
2. I understand that I may be requested to provide further documentary evidence, where
required on my qualifications. Failure to comply with this requirement may render the
application difficult to be processed and hence exemption will not be granted.
3. I understand that the acceptance of qualifications for exemption is for the purpose of
granting exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement (English Language) only
and does not have any implication for qualification assessment for appointment.
4. I agree that the personal data provided above can be used by the Vetting Committee on
Exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement and the Education Bureau for
vetting of the application for exemption from the Language Proficiency Requirement and
related activities.

Applicant’s signature: Date:

 Appendix 2 (Page 4 of 4)

RESTRICTED

Section D. Documents to be submitted with the application form

1. Please provide certified true copies of all relevant supporting documents including certificates and
transcripts.
2. Please complete the checklist below for documents to be submitted.
3. Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for the acknowledgement of receipt of your
application.

A Checklist for Documents to be Submitted

I have attached the following documents with my application.
(Please put a tick in the appropriate boxes.)

Yes No N.A. (For Office Use)

For all qualifications
a. Degree certificate(s)/Graduation diploma(s) □ □ □
b. Official transcript(s) □ □ □
For qualifications not on the Reference List
a. Results of qualification assessment issued by the Hong □ □ □
Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic &
Vocational Qualifications (formerly the Hong Kong
Council for Academic Accreditation) / the Government
(For non-local qualifications only)
b. Documents showing the major/specialism, mode, □ □ □
duration and course outlines /descriptions (if available)

c. Cover page, abstract, table of contents and □ □ □

bibliography of dissertation(s), where dissertation(s)
is/are required for the degree(s)
d. Documents indicating details of teaching practice such as □ □ □
the number of weeks/hours, subject(s) and level(s) taught
(For non-local teacher training only)
e. Others (if appropriate, please specify) □ □ □

Remarks: (e.g. why and when any required documents will be submitted later)

Applicant’s signature: Date:

For Office Use

□ R □ NR □ P
Remarks:

Date:
 Appendix 3 (Page 1 of 2)
限閱文件

豁免普通話科教師語文能力要求申請表

1. 請附貼上郵資 1.7 元郵票的回郵信封一個，以便工作人員寄回收到申請的覆函。

2. 請用正楷填寫本表格。

3. 請 確保通訊地址正確 。申請結果通知書將以郵遞方式寄往通訊地址。

4. 請把填妥的申請表格連同 已經核實 的證明文件影印本，郵寄或送交 香港灣仔皇后大道東

213 號胡忠大廈
號胡忠大 廈 1107 室教育局語文教師資歷小組 。

5. 申請人所提交的證明文件將不獲發還。

6. 填寫表格時，請參閱與本期申請相關的通函。

香港身份証號碼： ( )

英 文 姓 名 ： (須 按 身 份 証 填 寫 )

中 文 姓 名 ： (須 按 身 份 証 填 寫 )

性 別 *： □男 □女

聯絡電話：

住宅電話 辦公室電話 手提電話

通 訊 地 址 (須 用 英 文 正 楷 填 寫 )：

Flat/Room 室 Floor 樓 Block 座

Name of Building
大廈名稱

Estate/Village
屋苑 邨/
Street No. & Name
門牌號數及街道名稱

District Name
地區名稱

地域*: Hong Kong 香港

Region Kowloon 九龍 New Territories 新界
請在適當的空格內加上
號。
 Appendix 3 (Page 2 of 2)
限閱文件

本人謹以下列成績，申請豁免普通話科教
師語文能力要求，並附上經過適當核實的 本欄由教育局填寫：
測試證書副本。
□ 申請人以下列成績獲豁免
□ 香港考試及評核局 A01
普通話高級水平測試 香港考試及評核局
普通話高級水平測試
成績 口 語
B01
年份 譯寫 聽力
朗讀 說話 會話
總成績
國家語言文字工作委員會
普通話水平測試
口語
譯 聽 朗 說 會
□ 國家語言文字工作委員會 寫 力 讀 話 話
普通話水平測試 A01 成 績
年份：
測試地點： B01 成 績

成績： 級 等 豁免部分 II I III

聲明：
□ 申請人不獲豁免
本人聲明以上資料及所附證書均屬
1.
真確無誤。本人明白如有提供虛假
資料，豁免申請將會受到影響，教
育局可能拒絕這項申請，或撤銷已
經授予的豁免資格。
2. 本 人 明 白 如 未 能 提 供 申 請 所 需 的 資
備註： __________________________________
料，則本人的豁免申請可能無法如
期 受理。
3. 本 人 同 意 以 上 的 個 人 資 料 可 供 有 關
人員在評審豁免資格時或有關工作
中使用。
申請人簽名：
日期：
 Appendix 4 (Page 1 of 2)

Notes on Application for Exemption

from the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR)
General
1. Teachers and prospective teachers with appropriate qualifications may apply for exemption.
2. Applications should be submitted to the Education Bureau by post, in person or by an authorized
representative at the following address:
Language Teacher Qualifications Team, Education Bureau
Room 1107, 11/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

3. The application must be accompanied by copies of supporting documents and they should be duly certified,
for example, by the applicant’s school head.
4. All applications should reach the Language Teacher Qualifications Team on or before 29 November 2013
(Friday).

Application for Exemption from the LPR (English Language)

5. Applicants will be granted full exemption from the LPR (English Language) and deemed to have reached
Level 3 proficiency in the LPR (English Language) if they (i) hold a relevant degree, and (ii) have
successfully completed relevant teacher training. Qualifications satisfying the requirements for English
teachers as recommended by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), will
also be considered for exemption from the LPR (English Language).
6. A “relevant degree” means a recognized degree or higher degree with substantial components on the study of
English and its use. In the main, this includes degrees specifically in the study of the English language
(including English studies, English literature and linguistics), degrees in education with specialism in English,
degrees in the communicative use of English and degrees in translation with English as one of the principal
languages studied.
7. “Relevant teacher training” means recognized initial teacher training with specialism in English and
supervised English teaching practice. Initial teacher training obtained before September 2000 is recognized
for exemption regardless of the subject of specialism whilst initial teacher training obtained in or after
September 2000 must be one with specialism in English.
8. Holders of non-local qualifications should submit results of qualification assessment by the Hong Kong
Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications (formerly the Hong Kong Council for
Academic Accreditation). For recognized non-local teacher training, the length of the course and the
practicum in English teaching should be specified.
9. Where dissertations are required for their degrees, applicants should also submit photocopies of the cover
page, the abstract, table of contents and bibliography of their dissertations.
10. The List of Qualifications Awarded by Local Institutes and Recognized for Exemption is attached for
applicants’ reference (Appendix 1). The List covers the relevant degrees and teacher training programmes
offered by local institutes. Qualifications not on the List may also be recognized for exemption.
 Appendix 4 (Page 2 of 2)

11. The list of qualifications recognized for exemption is to be used for the purpose of exemption from the LPR
(English Language) only and has no implications for qualification assessment for appointment to the Civil
Service or in the aided sector.

Application for Exemption from the LPR (Putonghua)

12. Applicants who have been awarded the Certificate for the Test of Advanced Proficiency in Putonghua
conducted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) and obtained passes or
above in Listening, Transcription and Speaking (including Reading, Oral Presentation and Conversation) will
be deemed to have attained Level 3 proficiency in the corresponding components of the LPR (Putonghua):
Listening and Recognition, Pinyin, and Speaking. Please note that the HKEAA has ceased to conduct the
Test of Advanced Proficiency in Putonghua since 2009, but holders of the certificate for this test previously
awarded by the HKEAA can still apply for exemption.
13. Applicants who have obtained Grade B, Level 2 or above in the Test of Proficiency in Putonghua conducted
by the State Language Commission will be deemed to have attained Level 3 proficiency in the Speaking
component in the LPR (Putonghua).
14. There is no exemption from the LPR in the Putonghua Classroom Language Assessment for any applicants.