Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes

Recognition of Higher Diploma and Associate Degree for Civil Service Appointment

Higher Diploma (HD) and Associate Degree (AD) are valuable standalone qualifications. Holders of such qualifications are fully prepared to take up jobs at elementary management and assistant professional levels. At present, 18 grades in the government set locally accredited HD and/or AD as the qualification requirement for their entry ranks. These grades are Ambulance Officer, Analyst/Programmer II, Assistant Information Officer (General and Photo), Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, Dispenser, Health Inspector II, Immigration Officer, Industrial Officer (Correctional Services), Inspector of Customs and Excise, Inspector of Police, Occupational Safety Officer II, Officer (Correctional Services), Operations Officer (Airworthiness), Police Translator II, Station Officer (Operational), Statistical Officer II, Survey Officer (Engineering and Land), and Transport Services Officer II.

In addition, HD and AD graduates may also apply for appointment to around 80 civil service grades requiring academic qualifications below HD/AD level, such as two passes at Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination plus three credits in Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (commonly known as 2A3O), (e.g. Housing Officer and Social Security Officer grades) and School Certificate, (e.g. Clerical Officer and Land Inspector grades). They may also apply for disciplined services ranks with entry requirements below HD/AD level, (e.g. Ambulancemen and Police Constable). Please visit the section of "Job Opportunities" in the Civil Service Bureau's Homepage for further information.