Circular No. 22/2026/TT-BGDĐT Regulating Standards, Procedures for Conversion, Revision and Update of Printed Textbooks to Digital Textbooks; Organization of Review of Digital Textbooks

CIRCULAR

Regulating standards, procedures for converting, revising, and updating printed textbooks into digital textbooks;

organizing the review of digital textbooks.

BASED ON THE EDUCATION LAW No. 43/2019/QH14 AND THE AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENT TO SOME ARTICLES OF THE EDUCATION LAW No. 123/2025/QH15;

BASED ON THE PUBLICATIONS LAW No. 19/2012/QH13;

BASED ON THE ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS LAW No. 20/2023/QH15;

BASED ON THE PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION LAW No. 91/2025/QH15;

BASED ON DECREE No. 195/2013/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT REGULATING SPECIFIC ARTICLES AND MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PUBLICATIONS LAW;

BASED ON DECREE No. 147/2024/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT MANAGING, PROVIDING, AND USING INTERNET SERVICES AND INFORMATION ON NETWORKS;

BASED ON DECREE No. 85/2016/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEEING SYSTEM SECURITY ACCORDING TO LEVELS;

BASED ON DECREE No. 303/2025/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT REGULATING FUNCTION, MISSION, POWERS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENT-EQUIVALENT AGENCIES;

BASED ON DECREE No. 37/2025/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT REGULATING FUNCTION, MISSION, POWERS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING;

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE PRIMARY EDUCATION DIVISION;

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING ISSUES THIS CIRCULAR REGULATING STANDARDS, PROCEDURES FOR CONVERTING, REVISING, AND UPDATING PRINTED TEXTBOOKS INTO DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS; ORGANIZING THE REVIEW OF DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS.

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Application and Applicable Subjects

1. This Circular stipulates standards, procedures for converting, revising, and updating printed textbooks compiled according to the national education curriculum approved by the Minister of Education and Training into digital textbooks; organizing the review of digital textbooks.

2. This provision applies to organizations, publishers converting, revising, and updating printed textbooks compiled according to the national education curriculum approved by the Minister of Education and Training into digital textbooks; the National Textbook Review Board and relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Digital textbook template is a printed textbook converted to a digital format that can be read, heard, and seen using electronic devices, with the phrase "template" on the cover.

2. Digital textbook is a printed textbook converted to a digital format that can be read, heard, seen, and interacted with through electronic means for all students; reviewed, approved by the Ministry of Education and Training, and permitted for use in primary education institutions. 3. Conversion is the process of converting from a printed textbook to a digital format, including the addition and integration of multimedia components and interactive features.

4. Conversion entity refers to organizations, publishers meeting all conditions for publishing and distributing electronic publications, owning printed textbooks approved by the Minister of Education and Training or leasing, linking conversion in accordance with the law.

5. Entity publishing and distributing digital textbooks is an organization, publisher having digital textbooks approved by the Minister of Education and Training or leasing, linking publication and distribution in accordance with the law.

6. Some abbreviations: EPUB electronic publication file format; HTML5 markup language for structuring and presenting web content; SCORM shared content object reference model standard; xAPI technical standard application programming interface;

LTI learning tools interoperability standard; WCAG 3.0 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 3.0 for guiding accessibility of digital content so that persons with disabilities (visually impaired, hearing impaired, physical or cognitive limitations) can access and use it.

6. A number of abbreviations: EPUB electronic publication file format; HTML5 markup language for web content presentation; SCORM shared content object reference model standard; xAPI experience application programming interface; (LTI learning tools interoperability standard; WCAG 3.0 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 3.0.

Article 3. Principles of Conversion, Revision, Update and Use of Electronic Textbooks

1. Electronic textbooks are constructed based on printed textbooks that have been approved by the Minister of Education and Training, ensuring scientific, accurate, and pedagogical content.

2. Complies with the views and policies of the Communist Party of Vietnam; adheres to copyright laws, intellectual property rights, confidentiality standards, data storage standards, and relevant legal provisions.

3. Linked to specific conditions in Vietnam and aligns with advanced educational trends worldwide; ensures objectives for promoting national digital transformation and developing digital citizens.

4. Electronic textbooks do not replace printed textbooks; are not mandatory for educational institutions, teachers, or students.

5. Does not collect or exploit user information contrary to current regulations; protects personal student and teacher information in accordance with the law. Chapter II

STANDARDS FOR ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS

Article 4. Interface of Electronic Textbooks

1. Font, font size, color, image effects, and audio are suitable for the psychological and physiological health of students at all levels.

. The order of content, chapters, lessons, and sections in the electronic textbook is clearly presented, coherent, and consistent with printed textbooks.

23. Images, audio, and video in the electronic textbook are designed and used as pedagogical solutions, contributing to innovative teaching methods, assessment, enhancing learning experience, and developing student qualities and abilities.

4. Does not include advertisements or commercial content; does not contain or display harmful links or content inappropriate for educational purposes.

Article 5. Technical Requirements of Electronic Textbooks

1. Electronic textbooks must comply with current technical regulations for electronic publishing, encouraging the use of international open standards for educational e-books such as EPUB 3 (for content), HTML5 (for interaction), data packaging standards like SCORM or xAPI (Tin Can API) or LTI, and WCAG 3.0 guidelines on accessibility.

2. Has search, bookmarking, annotation, zoom in/out features; allows basic interactions such as selecting answers, dragging and dropping, repeating audio, typing text, and looking up terminology. 3. Supports offline use for static content; operates on low-configured devices; integrates assistive technology features for students with disabilities and vulnerable individuals. Article 6. Infrastructure and Security of Electronic Textbooks

1. Server system storing data is located in Vietnam, has a Vietnamese Internet domain name; regularly maintained and complies with information security and cybersecurity laws; protects user personal data according to current regulations.

2. Operates stably on various devices and platforms without relying exclusively on specific technology or device configurations; adheres to national or international data standards for integration with learning management systems; ensures seamless synchronization between online and offline modes.

3. System must implement technical measures to control content rights, copying, and verify access rights according to legal provisions; has mechanisms to receive feedback and address access issues arising during use.

1. The data hosting server system is located in Vietnam, with a Vietnamese Internet domain name; it is regularly maintained and complies with laws and regulations concerning information system security and cybersecurity; personal user data is protected according to current regulations.

2. Electronic textbooks must operate stably on various devices and platforms without being dependent on proprietary technology or specific device configurations, conforming to national or international standards for data integration with learning management systems; they shall also have a mechanism for seamless synchronization of data between online and offline modes.

3. Technical measures must be established to control content rights, copying, and verify access rights according to legal provisions; there should be a mechanism for receiving feedback and addressing access issues that arise during use.

Chapter III

PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFORMATION, MODIFICATION AND UPDATE OF PRINT TEXTBOOKS INTO DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS

TRANSFORMATION OF PRINT TEXTBOOKS INTO DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS

Article 7. Procedure for Transformation and Experimental Implementation of Digital Textbooks

1. Organize the transformation of at least one lesson, organize experimental teaching and feedback after experimental teaching to refine the lesson, unify the method of transformation for other lessons; organize the transformation of print textbooks into digital textbooks that meet all the criteria specified in Articles 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular.

2. Organize Experimental Implementation

a) Coordinate with primary and secondary education institutions to conduct technical experiments and user experience evaluations on different regional student and teacher groups. The number of experimental lessons should be at least 5% of the total number of lessons for subjects or educational activities with 105 or more lessons per academic year; at least 10% for those with between 70 and 104 lessons per academic year; and at least 15% for all other subjects. The form of experimental implementation can be direct, online, a combination of direct and online, or simulated.

b) Report the results of the experiment including: user bandwidth load testing to evaluate the system's ability to handle concurrent users; display technology evaluation to assess the content visibility on multiple platforms; information security assessment to evaluate the software safety level of digital textbooks; technical delay indicators, error rates, and ease-of-use for various types of exercises; and data privacy impact assessments in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Law.

3. Organize editing, compilation, completion of the template for digital textbooks and request approval from the reviewing unit to review the template for digital textbooks.

Article 8. Procedure for Editing and Updating Digital Textbooks

1. Digital textbooks are edited and updated when print textbooks are revised or updated.

2. The procedure for editing and updating digital textbooks follows the transformation process specified in Article 7 of this Circular, except for the experimental implementation of digital textbooks. In cases where it is necessary to conduct an experiment on the revision and update of digital textbooks, the Minister of Education and Training shall decide.

3. Technical updates, corrections of technological errors, and improvements in functionality that do not alter the approved content knowledge or achievement requirements of print textbooks do not require re-approval.

4. The procedures for transformation and editing and updating of digital textbooks are carried out by the transforming unit as specified in paragraph 4 of Article 2. Ensure that updated contents do not reduce the level of accessibility achieved in previous versions.

Chapter IV

ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL

REVIEWING DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS

Article 9. National Council for Reviewing Digital Textbooks

1. The National Council for Reviewing Digital Textbooks (hereinafter referred to as the Council) is established by the Minister of Education and Training for each subject or educational activity, assisting the Minister in reviewing digital textbooks.

2. Composition and Structure of the Council

a) The Council consists of scientists, education administrators, technology experts, experienced teachers with a reputation in education and knowledge of information technology; at least one-third (one-third) of the total number of members are current educators teaching the subject or educational activity at the corresponding level. The number of Council members is an odd number, with a minimum of seven (7) people.

b) The structure of the Council includes: Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary, and Members.

3. Tasks of the Council

a) Review digital textbooks according to each clause specified in Articles 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular;

b) Request approval from the Minister of Education and Training for the use of digital textbooks.

Article 10. Responsibilities and Powers of the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Secretary, and Members of the Council

1. Responsibilities and Powers of the Chairman of the Council

a) Prepare and implement the work plan of the Council in accordance with the prescribed schedule; preside over meetings of the Council; organize the review of electronic textbooks as provided for in Clause 12 of this Circular; convene approval of the minutes of the review;

b) Report to and coordinate with the unit organizing the review to handle exceptional situations that arise during the review process; propose additions or changes to the members of the Council (if necessary); delegate specific tasks to the Vice Chairman of the Council;

c) Fulfill responsibilities and powers as provided for in points c and d of Clause 4 of this Article.

2. Responsibilities and Powers of the Vice Chairmen of the Council

a) Bear responsibility for tasks assigned or delegated by the Chairman of the Council;

b) Fulfill responsibilities and powers as provided for in Clause 4 of this Article.

3. Responsibilities and Powers of the Secretary of the Council

a) Assist the Chairman and Vice Chairmen of the Council in preparing working documents for Council meetings; draft minutes, compile summaries of opinions and suggestions from Council meetings;

b) After the Council has issued a conclusion minute, collect and forward all relevant files to the unit organizing the review;

c) Fulfill responsibilities and powers of a member of the Council as provided for in Clause 4 of this Article.

4. Responsibilities and Powers of a Member of the Council

a) Implement the tasks of reviewing electronic textbooks as specified in Clause 12 of this Circular and other tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Council;

b) Attend all meetings of the Council; if unable to attend a meeting, obtain written permission from the Chairman of the Council;

c) Bear individual responsibility for comments and evaluations during the review process of electronic textbooks; safeguard the reviewer account and template of the electronic textbook, other review files in accordance with regulations; be responsible for the content and quality of the review.

d) Have the right to request provision of all relevant documents to serve the review work; retain personal opinions; submit personal opinions to the unit organizing the review in writing.

Article 11. Working Principles of the Council

1. The Council operates on principles of concentration, democracy, objectivity, and truthfulness.

2. A meeting of the Council is deemed valid when at least two-thirds (two-thirds) of the total number of Council members participate, including the Chairman and Secretary; absentees must obtain approval from both the unit organizing the review and the Chairman of the Council in writing.

3. The content of each Council meeting is recorded in minutes signed by the attending Council members and a representative of the unit organizing the review.

4. During the review process, the Council may request professional opinions from relevant agencies, organizations, or individuals if deemed necessary.

Article 12. Review Process and Handling of Review Results for Electronic Textbooks

1. No later than ten (10) days before the first meeting of the Council, the template of the electronic textbook is sent to all members of the Council through an electronic channel by the unit organizing the review. Members read, study, and write comments on the template of the electronic textbook according to the content specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular.

2. The Council meets and discusses the template of the electronic textbook according to the content specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular. The form of the review meeting is determined by the Minister of Education and Training. The time for reviewing each template does not exceed five (5) days per template. Each template is reviewed no more than two times a year.

3. Members of the Council evaluate and grade the template of the electronic textbook:

a) Evaluate and grade the template of the electronic textbook according to the content specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular into one of three categories: "Meets Requirements", "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed", or "Does Not Meet Requirements";

b) Provide a general evaluation and grade the template of the electronic textbook into one of three categories: "Meets Requirements", "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed", or "Does Not Meet Requirements":

- The template of the electronic textbook is graded as "Meets Requirements" if all evaluations according to the content specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular are "Meets Requirements";

- The template of the electronic textbook is graded as "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed" if all evaluations according to the content specified in Clauses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Circular are either "Meets Requirements" or "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed";

- The template of the electronic textbook is graded as "Does Not Meet Requirements" in any other case.

4. Evaluation by the Council

a) The Council grades "Meets Requirements" for the template of the electronic textbook if at least three-quarters (three-fourths) of the total number of Council members grade it as "Meets Requirements";

b) The Council grades "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed" for the template of the electronic textbook if at least three-quarters (three-fourths) of the total number of Council members grade it as "Meets Requirements" and "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed", or if at least three-quarters (three-fourths) of the total number of Council members grade it as "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed";

c) The Council grades "Does Not Meet Requirements" in any other case.

5. Handling Based on Review Results

a) In cases where the template of the electronic textbook is evaluated as "Meets Requirements" by the Council, the unit organizing the review completes the file, prepares the review report, and drafts a decision for submission to the Minister of Education and Training for examination and decision-making regarding approval and use;

b) In cases where the template of the electronic textbook is evaluated as "Meets Requirements with Corrections Needed" by the Council, the unit organizing the review submits a document to the Minister of Education and Training informing the entity responsible for transformation to carry out corrections and resubmit the file for re-review in accordance with Clause 3, Article 13 of this Circular;

c) In cases where the template of the electronic textbook is evaluated as "Does Not Meet Requirements" by the Council, the unit organizing the review informs the entity responsible for transformation of the review results.

d) The time for notifying the result of the assessment to the transferring unit shall be no later than five (5) working days after the completion of the assessment.

Chapter V

APPLICATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS FOR THE ASSESSMENT, APPROVAL, AND AUTHORIZATION OF ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS

Article 13. Application for Assessment of Electronic Textbooks

1. The application for assessment is compiled into one (1) electronic file; the components of the file are specified in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article and are packaged within the assessment account.

2. The initial application for assessment of an electronic textbook (hereinafter referred to as "the application") is compiled into one (1) file, including:

a) A notification letter requesting assessment from the transferring unit;

b) A template of the proposed electronic textbook for assessment;

c) An explanation and user guide for the template of the proposed electronic textbook, including: conditions for use; target audience and scope of application; structure and content; instructions for using the electronic textbook; report on experimental results; other relevant information (if any);

d) Information security files according to the level for the software system of the electronic textbook; an audit report on the system and software of the electronic textbook in accordance with current regulations. 3. The application for assessment of an electronic textbook is classified as "Met but Requires Revision": a) A notification letter requesting assessment from the transferring unit; b) The revised template of the proposed electronic textbook;

c) An explanation and justification for the revised content, other relevant information (if any).

4. The application for assessment of an electronic textbook is received in May each year. The time for receiving applications classified as "Met but Requires Revision" is thirty (30) working days from the date the Ministry of Education and Training announces the results of the assessment.

Article 14. Procedures for Assessing, Approving Electronic Textbooks

1. Assessment Procedure:

a) The unit organizing the assessment of electronic textbooks is functional departments within the Ministry of Education and Training designated by the Minister;

b) The unit organizing the assessment receives the application file from the transferring unit as specified in Article 13 of this Circular; within fifteen (15) working days from receiving a complete set of valid documents, the unit organizes the formation of the Assessment Committee, submits the list to the Minister for review and decision-making on its establishment; prepares financial and physical conditions necessary for the activities of the committee; transfers the application file for assessment of electronic textbooks to the members of the assessment committee; the time for notifying the result of the assessment is thirty (30) working days from receiving a complete set of valid documents.

c) The Assessment Committee conducts the assessment of the electronic textbook in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 12 of this Circular. The unit organizing the assessment receives the results of the assessment from the committee, submits them to the Minister for review on approval, use authorization; retains minutes of meetings of the committee and related documents during the organization of the assessment and transfers them to the storage department of the Ministry of Education and Training in accordance with regulations.

2. Approval of Electronic Textbooks: After completing the assessment, for templates of electronic textbooks evaluated as "Met" by the National Assessment Committee, the unit organizing the assessment submits a decision on approval in an electronic document form to the Minister.

3. Post-Approval Management: The transferring unit is responsible for the content, structure, scientific and pedagogical aspects of the electronic textbook; the operating unit is responsible for technical infrastructure, data security, and accessibility and usability. In case a single entity performs both tasks, it bears corresponding responsibilities.

4. The Ministry of Education and Training conducts an annual review of the publication and distribution work of approved electronic textbooks at least once per academic year.

2. Approval of electronic textbooks: after the review process is completed, for the sample of an approved electronic textbook by the National Council, if it is rated "Meets Standards," the reviewing unit shall submit to the Minister of Education and Training for decision-making approval in the form of an electronic document.

3. Post-approval management: the conversion unit is responsible for the content, structure, scientific, and pedagogical aspects of the electronic textbook; the operation unit is responsible for technical infrastructure, data security, and access and usage capabilities. In cases where a single entity performs both tasks, it shall bear corresponding responsibilities.

4. The Ministry of Education and Training conducts an annual inspection of the publication and distribution work of approved electronic textbooks, with at least one inspection per academic year.

Chapter VI

CLAUSE ON IMPLEMENTATION

Article 15. Rights of Authors and Related Rights in Electronic Textbooks

Matters concerning the rights of authors and related rights in electronic textbooks shall be governed by the provisions of the law.

Article 16. Complaints and Reports

The resolution of complaints and reports shall be carried out in accordance with the current provisions of the law on complaints and reports.

Article 17. Entry into Force

1. This Circular shall take effect from May 22, 2026.

2. The Secretary of the Office, Director of the Primary Education Department, Heads of Relevant Units under the Ministry of Education and Training, Chairmen of People's Committees of Provinces and Cities, Directors of Departments of Education and Training, relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.