Important
The HKCEE is no longer held. The last sitting for school candidates was in 2010 and the final sitting, for private candidates only, was in 2011. It was replaced by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, first held in 2012.
Overview
The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) was Hong Kong's public examination at the end of five years of secondary schooling. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) ran it from 1978, when it took over from the then Education Department, until 2011.
It was the main gateway to Secondary Six (sixth form) and to further study and jobs, and the HKEAA describes it as recognised both locally and internationally. About 4.4 million candidates entered it over its 34 years.
The HKCEE was built for a two-year senior secondary course. Under Hong Kong's New Academic Structure, students now complete a three-year senior secondary curriculum and sit the HKDSE at the end of Secondary 6.
Exam pattern
The HKCEE was a subject-by-subject written examination. Candidates chose their subjects; around 40 subjects appeared in the syllabuses over its final years, including:
Chinese Language and English Language
Mathematics
Physics, Chemistry and Biology
History, Chinese History and Geography
Economics, Commerce and Principles of Accounts
Computer and Information Technology
Visual Arts, Music and Religious Studies, plus a range of vocational subjects
Syllabuses were published in English and Chinese. The 2011 sitting offered only 22 subjects.
Marking and results
Most subjects were graded A, B, C, D, E and F, with A the highest. Work below grade F was "unclassified".
From 2007, Chinese Language and English Language were graded on five levels, 1 to 5, with 5 the highest. The best Level 5 candidates were marked 5*.
In 2010, 56.1% of all candidates got grade E or Level 2 or better in five or more subjects, including Chinese and English.
Important dates
The examination was held each year in April and May, and results came out in August.
| Year | Candidates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 122,387 | Last sitting for school candidates |
| 2011 | 26,573 | Final sitting, private candidates only |
FAQs
Is the HKCEE still held?
No. The last HKCEE for school candidates was in 2010, and the final round, for private candidates, was in 2011. Students now take the HKDSE, first held in 2012.
What replaced the HKCEE?
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, taken at the end of Secondary 6 under the New Academic Structure.
Is an HKCEE result still recognised?
The HKEAA states the qualification was recognised locally and internationally. Check with the university or employer about how they treat HKCEE results today.