History and Milestones
Development of Public Exams in Hong Kong
With the implementation of the New Academic Structure (NAS) in 2009, the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) administered the first Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination in 2012, and the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) and Hong Kong Advanced Level of Education Examination (HKALE) were discontinued from 2012 and 2014 respectively.
- HKALE (1978 - 2011)
- HKALE (1980 - 2013)
HKALE (1978 - 2011)
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) had administered the first Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) since 1980. With the implementation of the New Academic Structure (NAS), the HKEAA administered the final HKALE for school candidates in 2012 and the final HKALE for private candidates in 2013.
The HKALE was mainly taken by students upon completion of the two-year sixth-form education. HKALE qualification had always served as a significant credential for students to pursue further studies and employment.
The HKALE registered a total of over 900,000 entries over the past 34 years.
The HKALE was conducted in the months of March and June annually and the results were released in June/July. Syllabuses of HKALE subjects can be categorised into two types: Advanced Supplementary level (AS-level) and Advanced level (A-level). AS level subjects were taught in half the amount of periods required for A-level subjects, but they required the same level of intellectual rigour.
The results of the HKALE were expressed in terms of six grades A – F, of which grade A was the highest and F the lowest. Results below grade F were designated as unclassified (UNCL). Since 2002, fine grades used in 2001 and before (i.e A(01), A(02), B(03), B(04)) have been abolished.
HKALE (1980 - 2013)
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) had administered the first Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) since 1980. With the implementation of the New Academic Structure (NAS), the HKEAA administered the final HKALE for school candidates in 2012 and the final HKALE for private candidates in 2013.
The HKALE was mainly taken by students upon completion of the two-year sixth-form education. HKALE qualification had always served as a significant credential for students to pursue further studies and employment.
The HKALE registered a total of over 900,000 entries over the past 34 years.
The HKALE was conducted in the months of March and June annually and the results were released in June/July. Syllabuses of HKALE subjects can be categorised into two types: Advanced Supplementary level (AS-level) and Advanced level (A-level). AS level subjects were taught in half the amount of periods required for A-level subjects, but they required the same level of intellectual rigour.
The results of the HKALE were expressed in terms of six grades A – F, of which grade A was the highest and F the lowest. Results below grade F were designated as unclassified (UNCL). Since 2002, fine grades used in 2001 and before (i.e A(01), A(02), B(03), B(04)) have been abolished.
For HKCEE subjects, a grade "C" or above is equivalent to a pass in GCE O-level examination conducted by a British awarding body, except English Language (Syllabus A), Accommodation & Catering Services and Fashion & Clothing.
Starting from 2007 HKCEE, standards-referenced reporting had been adopted in Chinese Language and English Language. Candidates' levels of performance were reported using levels with reference to a set of standards for the subject. The results in the two language subjects are recognised as equivalent to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Details of results are as follows:
| Levels attained in HKCEE | 5* | 5 | 4 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels attained in HKCEE | 5* | 5 | 4 | 3 |
IELTS (2004) with AL
HKEAA conducted a research to equate performance levels on the HKCEE and HKALE to that of the IELTS. The two tables below express the grade levels of these two examinations in respect to the IELTS band scores. They are based on equi-percentile equating for stratified samples of candidates taking the 2004 HKCEE and HKALE.
| Grade | Equivalent Range of Overall IELTS Band Score for HKALE Use of English (AS-Level) |
|---|---|
| A | 7.41-8.30 |
| B | 6.92 -7.40 |
| C | 6.51-6.91 |
| D | 6.03-6.50 |
| E | 5.40 -6.02 |
GCE A level with AL
For HKALE A level subjects, a grade of "E" or above is equivalent to a pass in GCE A level examinations conducted by a British awarding body. HKCEE and HKALE qualifications are recognized by British Universities for entrance purposes.