EDB plans compulsory teacher license with one-year grace period

The Education Bureau is studying amendments to make a practicing certificate mandatory for teaching, with a possible one-year transition period after enactment.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin spoke at the Legislative Council’s Panel on Education today, saying that the revised law would start processing applications and issuing practicing certificates upon commencement. 

Due to the large initial volume and the need for schools and teachers to adjust, the first year would allow teaching without the certificate.

Short-term supply teachers working no more than three days per assignment and 30 days per year would be exempt from the requirement. 

Election Committee lawmaker Peter Douglas Koon Ho-ming questioned the strictness, citing cases such as maternity leave replacements needing retired teachers quickly. 

Choi replied that longer absences or study leave are predictable, allowing schools to plan ahead, and the rules protect student welfare while remaining administratively feasible. Long-term supply teachers must still obtain the certificate.

Election Committee lawmaker Nixie Lam Lam raised concerns about balancing teachers’ workload with the 150-hour, three-year continuous professional development requirement. 

Choi said the obligation has existed for over 20 years as a soft target, with three school-based staff development days annually, making compliance straightforward. 

The bureau will offer more diverse and flexible options, including government-organized professional activities.

Election Committee lawmaker Alex Fan Hoi-kit suggested an appeal mechanism for rejected applicants. Choi said the bureau will discuss this with the Department of Justice.