Circular No. 23/2026/TT-BGDĐT Regulating Codes, Professional Standards, Appointment of Positions and Salary Grading for Teachers in Continuing Education Institutions

 

CIRCULAR

REGULATING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, APPOINTMENT OF RANKS AND SALARY GRADING FOR TEACHERS IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

BASED ON THE LAW ON EDUCATORS NO. 73/2025/QH15;

BASED ON THE LAW ON EDUCATION NO. 43/2019/QH14, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY LAWFUL DECREE NO. 123/2025/QH15;

BASED ON THE LAW ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING NO. 124/2025/QH15;

BASED ON THE LAW ON PUBLIC SERVANTS NO. 58/2010/QH12, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY LAWFUL DECREE NO. 52/2019/QH14;

BASED ON CIRCULAR NO. 93/2026/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATING MARCH 31, 2026, REGULATING AND GUIDING IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES OF THE LAW ON EDUCATORS;

BASED ON CIRCULAR NO. 204/2004/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATING DECEMBER 14, 2004, ON SALARY SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS, MILITARY PERSONNEL; CIRCULAR NO. 17/2013/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATING DECEMBER 19, 2013, AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULAR NO. 204/2004/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATING DECEMBER 14, 2004, ON SALARY SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS, MILITARY PERSONNEL;

BASED ON CIRCULAR NO. 37/2025/NĐ-CP OF THE GOVERNMENT DATING FEBRUARY 26, 2025, REGULATING FUNCTION, MISSIONS, POWERS AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING;

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF EDUCATORS AND EDUCATION MANAGEMENT;

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING ISSUES THIS CIRCULAR TO REGULATE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, APPOINTMENT OF RANKS AND SALARY GRADING FOR TEACHERS IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

ARTICLE 1. SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This Circular regulates the professional standards for teachers in non-formal education institutions, including centers of non-formal education, vocational and non-formal education centers, and other educational institutions implementing the secondary and upper secondary general education curricula (hereinafter referred to as "non-formal education institutions"), covering: codes, duties, professional standards, appointment of ranks, and salary grading for teachers in non-formal education.

ARTICLE 2. APPLICABLE OBJECTS

1. This Circular applies to the rank of teacher in non-formal education who teaches the secondary or upper secondary general education curricula at non-formal education institutions.

2. Teachers referred to in paragraph 1 include teachers performing teaching and educational duties; teachers assigned as head, deputy head, team leader, deputy team leader of functional, professional, and vocational teams, and equivalents according to regulations; teachers holding the positions of director or deputy director.

3. Teachers teaching the primary education curriculum at non-formal education institutions shall apply the provisions on codes, professional standards, appointment of ranks, and salary grading for the rank of primary teacher as stipulated by the Minister of Education and Training and relevant laws.

ARTICLE 3. CODES FOR TEACHER RANKS IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

1. Level III - Code V.07.05.18.

2. Level II - Code V.07.05.17.

3. Level I - Code V.07.05.16.

Class I - Code V.07.05.16.

Article 4. Duties of Part-time Education Teachers

1. For Category III

a) Teach subjects in the part-time education curriculum according to the functions and duties of the part-time education institution, consistent with the specialized training; organize educational activities according to the center's schedule;

b) Develop time distribution plans, arrange teaching content, and select and use materials for teaching and education that meet the objectives and requirements of various curricula, training, and enhancement programs;

c) Implement diverse teaching methods, actively engage learners in activities, and promote self-study capabilities among learners; proactively adopt modern tools and information technology, digital technologies to enhance teaching quality and effectiveness according to the conditions of the part-time education institution;

d) Complete student evaluation tasks; participate in rewarding and disciplinary actions for students as per regulations;

e) Tutor students who have not achieved satisfactory results in their final semester subjects, prepare them for entrance exams, graduation exams, and outstanding student training according to the center's plans; participate in experiential learning and career guidance activities for learners;

f) Attend all required training and development courses when called upon; complete the annual part-time education teacher development hours as per regulations; self-study, develop, and update professional knowledge and skills;

g) Build a safe, democratic, innovative, and creative educational environment;

h) Participate in literacy eradication and general education promotion work; participate in local learning needs surveys; provide information and counseling to learners for selecting appropriate courses based on their needs;

i) Participate in admission and class management tasks; organize exams, assessments of students according to the training programs organized by the part-time education institution;

k) Fulfill class advisor duties and other assigned tasks as directed by the head of the institution; complete records and files according to assigned functions and responsibilities; coordinate with parents or guardians of learners to support their educational development in the class advisory role;

l) Perform other duties consistent with the position assigned by the head of the institution.

2. For Category II

A part-time education teacher of Category II must perform the duties stipulated in paragraph 1 and the following additional duties:

a) Organize specialized topic activities within the subject group; participate in compiling, refining teaching and educational materials;

b) Develop plans and organize experiential learning and career guidance activities for students at the class level or above during the academic year;

c) Participate as an examiner, question setter, or mentor in teacher or student competitions; engage in scientific research or guide learners in scientific research;

d) Participate in school counseling teams and social work within the institution;

e) Develop and expand training programs to meet learner needs; participate in developing and expanding collaborative educational activities both domestically and internationally; mobilize organizational, individual, and corporate participation in teaching and educational activities of the part-time education institution.

3. For Category I

A part-time education teacher of Category I must perform the duties stipulated in paragraphs 1 and 2 and the following additional duties:

a) Lead the compilation or review, selection of learning materials that align with educational program objectives and requirements;

b) Serve as a trainer, demonstrate teaching at training sessions for teachers; act as a core teacher;

c) Participate in professional competency inspections of teachers organized by competent authorities;

d) Contribute to the development strategy and plans of the center; propose content improvements and solutions for the development of part-time education institutions;

e) Serve as a member of the advisory board of the part-time education institution.

Chapter II

PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR REGULAR EDUCATION TEACHERS

Article 5. Ethical Standards

1. Adhere to the Party's policies, State laws, and relevant regulations of the education sector and competent authorities concerning regular education.

2. Maintain professional qualities, reputation, honor, and integrity; serve as a role model and exemplar in professional activities and social interactions; ensure academic integrity.

3. Respect, treat fairly, and protect the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of learners.

4. Strictly comply with conduct codes for teachers; adhere to the rules and regulations of the regular education institution and other ethical standards prescribed by law.

5. Refrain from actions prohibited for teachers.

Article 6. Educational Qualification and Training Standards

1. For Level III

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in teacher training, corresponding to the subject taught; or hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field and have a teaching qualification certificate for secondary education teachers, except as provided in point b of this clause;

b) Teachers teaching minority languages must meet the educational standards specified in paragraph 4 of Article 20 of Decree No. 93/2026/NĐ-CP dated March 31, 2026, which details and guides the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Teachers;

c) Hold a certificate for professional training in regular education teachers.

2. For Level II

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in teacher training, corresponding to the subject taught; or hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field and have a teaching qualification certificate for secondary education teachers;

b) Hold a certificate for professional training in regular education teachers.

3. For Level I

a) Hold a master's degree or higher in teacher training, corresponding to the subject taught; or hold a master's degree or higher in a relevant field and have a teaching qualification certificate for secondary education teachers;

b) Hold a certificate for professional training in regular education teachers.

Article 7. Professional Competence and Vocational Standards

1. For Level III

a) Master the knowledge of the subject and field assigned to teach;

b) Master the objectives and requirements of the regular education curriculum and the curricula for training and development assigned to teach;

c) Understand the psychological, physiological characteristics, learning methods, and needs of learners under their management and teaching;

d) Understand and implement diverse teaching methods, actively engage learners in activities; understand and implement adult education teaching methods;

d) Master and implement assessment activities for learners according to regulations;

e) Establish cooperative relationships with parents in teaching and educational activities;

g) Continuously self-study and research to enhance professional competence and vocational skills;

h) Apply information technology, digital technologies in professional activities; use foreign languages or minority languages for professional purposes (if required by the position).

2. For Level II

a) Master and expand knowledge of the subject and field assigned to teach;

b) Master objectives, requirements, and update trends in the regular education curriculum and curricula for training and development assigned to teach;

c) Deeply understand the psychological and physiological characteristics of learners; master content and implement guidance counseling and social work within the school;

d) Update and flexibly apply teaching methods, create a positive learning environment for learners;

d) Use flexible assessment forms suitable for different learner groups; use evaluation results to adjust teaching activities and support learners' studies;

e) Maintain and promote cooperative relationships with parents; establish cooperative relationships with relevant organizations and individuals in educational activities;

g) Timely update new professional requirements; organize events and collective activities;

h) Apply information technology, digital technologies in professional activities; use foreign languages or minority languages for professional purposes (if required by the position);

i) Achieve achievements at the institutional level or higher in professional activities.

3. For Level I

a) Have deep knowledge of the subject and field assigned to teach;

b) Understand curriculum development, predict trends in regular education;

c) Proficient in guidance counseling techniques and social work within the school;

d) Inspire learners to progress in their studies;

d) Effectively adjust assessment activities at the educational institution; update colleagues on new assessment methods;

e) Build healthy, trusting relationships with parents and relevant organizations and individuals, expand training and development activities of the educational institution;

g) Establish a professional reputation, inspire and motivate colleagues in their professional activities; willing to share and support colleagues;

h) Apply information technology, digital technologies in professional activities; use foreign languages or minority languages for professional purposes (if required by the position);

i) Achieve achievements at the provincial level or higher in professional activities.

Chapter III

APPOINTMENT OF RANK AND SALARY GRADING FOR REGULARLY EDUCATIONAL TEACHERS

Article 8. Principles of Appointment of Rank and Salary Grading for Regularly Educational Teachers

1. The appointment of rank and salary grading for regularly educational teachers shall comply with the principles of appointment of rank and salary grading for educators in public education institutions as stipulated by the Minister of Education and Training.

2. Regularly educational teachers working at positions in a regular education institution shall be appointed to the corresponding rank of regularly educational teacher based on their current position.

Article 9. Appointment of Rank for Regularly Educational Teachers

Regularly educational teachers who are currently teaching the Secondary Education Program or Senior High School Education Program in a regular education institution shall be appointed as follows:

1. Appoint to Grade III - Code V.07.05.18 for teachers meeting all of the following conditions simultaneously:

a) Meet the moral standards specified in Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Meet the training and development standards specified in Clause 1 of Article 6 of this Circular;

c) Currently hold positions applying the salary coefficient for civil servant category A1 from salary coefficient 2.34 to salary coefficient 4.98.

2. Appoint to Grade II - Code V.07.05.17 for teachers meeting all of the following conditions simultaneously:

a) Meet the moral standards specified in Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Meet the training and development standards specified in Clause 2 of Article 6 of this Circular;

c) Currently hold positions applying the salary coefficient for civil servant category A2, group A2.2 from salary coefficient 4.00 to salary coefficient 6.38.

3. Appoint to Grade I - Code V.07.05.16 for teachers meeting all of the following conditions simultaneously:

a) Meet the moral standards specified in Article 5 of this Circular;

b) Meet the training and development standards specified in Clause 3 of Article 6 of this Circular;

c) Currently hold positions applying the salary coefficient for civil servant category A2, group A2.1 from salary coefficient 4.40 to salary coefficient 6.78.

Article 10. Salary Grading for Regularly Educational Teachers

1. Regularly educational teachers appointed to a rank of regularly educational teacher in accordance with this Circular shall be subject to the corresponding salary table issued along with Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004, by the Government on remuneration for civil servants, public officials, civil servants, and military personnel, as follows:

a) Grade III - Code V.07.05.18, subject to the salary coefficient of civil servant category A1 from salary coefficient 2.34 to salary coefficient 4.98;

b) Grade II - Code V.07.05.17, subject to the salary coefficient of civil servant category A2, group A2.2 from salary coefficient 4.00 to salary coefficient 6.38;

c) Grade I - Code V.07.05.16, subject to the salary coefficient of civil servant category A2, group A2.1 from salary coefficient 4.40 to salary coefficient 6.78.

2. The salary grading for ranks of regularly educational teachers shall be carried out in accordance with the grades and rank specified in this Circular and the guidelines provided by Circular No. 02/2007/TT-BNV on salary grading when upgrading, transferring, or changing categories of civil servants and public officials, as well as current legal provisions. When implementing new remuneration policies, the transition to new salaries shall be carried out in accordance with Government regulations.

3. The salary grading for regularly educational teachers in a regular education institution outside the public sector shall be agreed upon between the teacher and the education institution but shall not be lower than the provisions stipulated in paragraph 1 of this Article.

Chapter IV

PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Article 11. Transitional Provisions

1. In the case of a teacher in continuing education who has not yet met the conditions for appointment as a continuing education teacher as specified in Clause 9 of this Circular, they shall continue to hold their current position, code number, and salary grade until they meet the conditions as stipulated in Clause 9 of this Circular, at which point they will be appointed to the corresponding continuing education teacher position and assigned the appropriate salary grade. The decision on appointment and assignment of the salary grade for a continuing education teacher position shall take effect from the date the teacher meets the conditions specified in Clause 9 of this Circular but not earlier than the effective date of this Circular.

2. In the case of a teacher teaching the secondary school level part of the continuing education program who has not yet attained the required training standard as provided for in point b, paragraph 1, Article 28 of the Law on Teachers but is not subject to the provisions of Decree No. 71/2020/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2020, by the Government setting out the implementation schedule for raising the training standard required for kindergarten, primary school, and secondary school teachers, they shall continue to hold their current position, code number, and salary grade until retirement.

3. A certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for teacher positions at the secondary school or high school level, a certificate of professional development for a secondary school teacher, or a certificate of professional development for a high school teacher issued before December 31, 2026, as per legal provisions, shall be deemed equivalent to a certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers as specified in this Circular.

4. A teacher employed, received, or transferred to a different position in a continuing education institution prior to the effective date of this Circular is not required to meet the requirement of having a certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers.

5. For cases where a teacher is recruited, received, or transferred to a position as a continuing education teacher from the effective date of this Circular:

a) If they already hold a certificate of professional development as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article, they shall be deemed to have met the requirement for having a certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers;

b) If they do not hold a certificate of professional development as specified in paragraph 3 of this Article, they must obtain a certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers within a period of 12 months from the effective date of the program for professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers;

c) After 12 months from the effective date of the program for professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers, they must meet the requirement for having a certificate of professional development in accordance with the occupational standards for continuing education teachers as per regulations.

Article 12. Application Provisions

1. A teacher assigned to teach History and Geography in the secondary school level part of the continuing education program shall be deemed to have met the educational qualification requirement for a continuing education teacher if they hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of teacher training for History or Geography; or a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field or specialization that is compatible with History and Geography, and possess a teaching competency certificate for secondary school teachers or high school teachers.

2. A teacher assigned to teach Natural Sciences in the secondary school level part of the continuing education program shall be deemed to have met the educational qualification requirement for a continuing education teacher if they hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of teacher training for Natural Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology; or a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field or specialization that is compatible with Natural Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, and possess a teaching competency certificate for secondary school teachers or high school teachers.

3. A teacher assigned to teach Technology in the secondary school level part of the continuing education program and in the continuing education program at the high school level shall be deemed to have met the educational qualification requirement for a continuing education teacher if they hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of teacher training for Technology, Industrial Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering; or a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field or specialization that is compatible with Technology, Industrial Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering, and possess a teaching competency certificate for secondary school teachers or high school teachers.

4. A teacher assigned to teach Economic Education and Law in the continuing education program at the high school level shall be deemed to have met the educational qualification requirement for a continuing education teacher if they hold a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of Civic Education or Political Education; or a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant specialization that is compatible with Civic Education, Political Education, and possess a teaching competency certificate for secondary school teachers or high school teachers.

5. The duties assigned to each grade of continuing education teacher position as specified in Article 4 of this Circular are the tasks performed by a teacher after being appointed to the corresponding grade and throughout their tenure at that grade if assigned by the head of the educational institution. The head of the educational institution may assign teachers to perform higher-grade duties if they have the capability to do so. For tasks not assigned or for which the continuing education institution does not have the necessary conditions, the head of the educational institution shall decide on the conversion to related tasks as a basis for evaluating the performance of the teacher in fulfilling their duties.

6. In case a teacher of continuing education institution has a bachelor's degree in a relevant specialty and a senior secondary school teacher professional training certificate or a certificate or certification of professional training for teachers issued by educational institutions according to regulations prior to May 22, 2021, such teacher shall be deemed to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant specialty and a certificate of professional training for high school teachers as per the program promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training.

In case a teacher of continuing education institution has a certificate of professional training for primary school teachers issued by educational institutions according to regulations prior to the effective date of this Circular, such teacher shall be deemed to meet the requirements for a certificate of professional training for high school teachers as per Article 6 of this Circular.

7. A bachelor's degree in a relevant specialty as stipulated in the training standards for continuing education teachers is deemed equivalent to a bachelor's degree in teacher training or a bachelor's degree in a non-teacher training specialty where the curriculum of such specialty includes specific subject areas (belonging to the specialized knowledge curriculum) that ensure the requirements for teaching specific subjects in the secondary school continuing education program and senior high school continuing education program. The Director of the Department of Education and Training shall decide or cooperate with the educational institution (where the degree was issued) to determine the suitability of the bachelor's degree for a specific subject in the continuing education curriculum.

8. Prior to May 30, 2023, where a teacher has a bachelor's degree or higher in a teacher training specialty, or holds a bachelor's degree and a certificate of professional training for teachers who are assigned to teach subjects other than their specialized field of study and have been evaluated by the head of the educational institution as meeting the standards for professional competence and expertise required for teaching the assigned subject, such teacher shall be deemed to meet the training requirements and be appointed to the appropriate position and salary grade of a continuing education teacher according to the provisions of this Circular. By December 31, 2030, all cases referred to in this clause must meet the training standards that satisfy the teaching requirements for their assigned subjects.

9. Where a continuing education teacher is assigned to teach programs other than the secondary school or senior high school continuing education program, such teacher shall achieve the required level of training and professional development as per the teaching requirements of such programs.

10. From November 3, 2015, to December 31, 2025, where a public continuing education institution teacher is appointed to a higher position after completing their probationary period or achieving a higher level of training than required but has not been successfully selected in the examination or promotion ranking organized by the competent authority, such teacher may be appointed to Grade III of the position of continuing education teacher - Code v.07.05.18 (including cases where recruited before November 3, 2015 and completing the probationary period according to regulations after November 3, 2015).

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION

Article 13. Implementation Responsibilities

1. The Department of Teachers and Education Administration shall take the lead, coordinate with relevant agencies and units to assist the Minister of Education and Training in directing, guiding, and inspecting the implementation of the provisions of this Circular; develop a training plan for teachers in continuing education to meet the professional standards for such teachers.

2. The Department of Education and Training shall direct, guide, and inspect the implementation of the provisions of this Circular; provide guidance and inspection on the assignment of tasks to continuing education teachers according to their appointed ranks, ensuring compliance with professional standards; organize training for continuing education teachers to meet the professional standards as prescribed; clearly identify achievements from the grassroots level up to provincial level in the professional activities of teachers at continuing education institutions according to the provisions set out in point i of clause 2 and point i of clause 3 of Article 7 of this Circular.

3. The head of a continuing education institution:

a) Assign, allocate, and delegate tasks to continuing education teachers based on the professional standards for such teachers, and evaluate their performance against job requirements;

b) Based on the actual functions and duties of the continuing education institution and the provisions regarding the tasks for each rank of primary teacher in vocational education institutions, specifically determine the tasks for each rank of primary teacher at the continuing education institution. Assign, allocate, and delegate tasks to primary teachers based on the Primary Teacher Professional Standards in vocational education institutions, and evaluate their performance against job requirements;

c) Develop and implement a training, development, and staffing plan for teachers at continuing education institutions under its jurisdiction; report and propose to the competent authority regarding the management and development of teachers at continuing education institutions that meet professional standards as prescribed.

Article 14. Implementation

1. This Circular shall come into force on April 9, 2026.

2. Cases involving recruitment, reception, or promotion of teaching staff in public continuing education institutions under the authority of a plan or program approved before June 30, 2026, shall be implemented according to the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 25 of Decree No. 93/2026/NĐ-CP dated March 31, 2026, issued by the Government on detailed implementation and guidance for certain provisions of the Teachers' Law.

3. The evaluation of teachers at continuing education institutions according to Circular No. 20/2018/TT-BGDĐT dated August 22, 2018, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on professional standards for teachers in general education schools (if applicable), and the evaluation of directors of continuing education institutions according to Circular No. 42/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated December 30, 2010, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on professional standards for directors of vocational education centers shall continue until the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.

4. In addition to implementing the provisions of this Circular, teachers holding the position of director of a vocational education center must also meet the political qualities, professional ethics, leadership, and management standards prescribed in the Director's Professional Standards for Vocational Education Centers issued with Circular No. 42/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated December 30, 2010, by the Minister of Education and Training.

5. Articles 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the appendices issued with the Director's Professional Standards for Vocational Education Centers at Circular No. 42/2010/TT-BGDĐT dated December 30, 2010, by the Minister of Education and Training shall cease to be effective from the date this Circular comes into force.

6. Where any referenced documents in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the new documents.

7. The Deputy Director General, Director of the Department of Teachers and Education Administration, heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training; Chairpersons of People's Committees at provincial and centrally-administered city levels; Directors of Departments of Education and Training; and heads of continuing education institutions shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.