Circular No. 38/2013/TT-BGDĐT Issuing Regulations on the Procedures and Cycle for Accreditation of Education Program Quality at Universities, Colleges, and Vocational Schools

 

CIRCULAR

Issuing Regulations on the process and cycle of quality assessment for training programs of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools.

These regulations apply to universities, colleges, and vocational high schools.

và cao đẳng nghề

Pursuant to the Education Law on June 14, 2005; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Education Law on November 25, 2009;

Pursuant to the Higher Education Law on June 18, 2012;

Pursuant to Decree No. 36/2012/NĐ-CP dated April 18, 2012, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 32/2008/NĐ-CP dated March 19, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to Decree No. 75/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 2, 2006, issued by the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No. 31/2011/NĐ-CP dated May 11, 2011, issued by the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 75/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 2, 2006, detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No. 07/2013/NĐ-CP dated January 9, 2013, issued by the Government amending point b Clause 13 Article 1 of Decree No. 31/2011/NĐ-CP dated May 11, 2011, amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 75/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 2, 2006, detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Testing and Quality Assurance Agency;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on Regulations on the process and cycle of quality assessment for training programs of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools.

Article 1. Attached herewith are the Regulations on the process and cycle of quality assessment for training programs of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from January 13, 2014, and replaces Decision No. 29/2008/QĐ-BGDĐT dated June 6, 2008, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on Regulations on the cycle and process of quality assessment for education programs of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools.

Article 3. The Director of the Office, the Director of the Department of Testing and Quality Assessment of Education, Heads of units related to the Ministry of Education and Training; Heads of management agencies of universities, academies, colleges, and vocational high schools; Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities; Directors of universities and academies; Principals of colleges and vocational high schools; Directors of educational quality assessment organizations shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

 

 

REGULATIONS

Process and cycle of quality assessment for training programs of

universities, colleges, and vocational high schools
(Issued together with Circular No. 38/2013/TT-BGDĐT dated November 29, 2013, of the Minister of Education and Training)

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This document stipulates the process and cycle of quality assessment for training programs of universities, colleges, and vocational high schools (hereinafter referred to as training programs), including: self-assessment; external assessment and reassessment; review of assessment results; recognition of meeting quality standards for training programs; organization of implementation.

2. This document applies to universities, academies, colleges, and vocational high schools (hereinafter referred to as educational institutions) within the national education system; foreign-invested educational institutions operating in Vietnam; educational quality assessment organizations; relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this document, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. "Quality of education in training programs" refers to the fulfillment of the set objectives of the training programs of educational institutions, ensuring the requirements of educational goals as prescribed in the Education Law, the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Education Law, and the Higher Education Law; aligning with the needs of training human resources in specific professional fields to serve the socio-economic development of localities and the country.

2. "Quality assessment of training programs" refers to the activity of evaluating and recognizing the extent to which training programs meet the quality assessment criteria established by the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. "Self-assessment of training programs" refers to the process where educational institutions examine and study based on the quality assessment criteria for training programs issued by the Ministry of Education and Training to report on the status of quality, effectiveness of training activities, scientific research, human resources, infrastructure, and other related issues within the training programs, so that the institution can adjust resources and processes to achieve educational quality standards.

4. "External assessment of training programs" refers to the process of surveying and assessing by educational quality assessment organizations based on the quality assessment criteria for training programs issued by the Ministry of Education and Training to determine the extent to which training programs meet educational quality standards.

5. "Quality assessment criteria for training programs," issued by the Minister of Education and Training, refer to the level of requirements and conditions that training programs must meet to be recognized as achieving educational quality standards. Each criterion has several indicators.

6. "Quality assessment indicators for training programs" refer to the level of requirements and conditions that need to be achieved in a specific aspect of each criterion.

7. "Information" refers to materials used to support and illustrate judgments in the self-assessment report of training programs. Information is collected from various sources to ensure reliability and accuracy when used in the assessment process.

8. "Evidence" refers to information linked to the indicators to determine the degree of achievement of the indicators.

Article 3. Purpose of Quality Assessment of Training Programs

1. Ensuring and improving the quality of training programs.

2. Confirming the level at which training programs meet set objectives during specific periods.

3. Serving as a basis for explaining to competent state management agencies and society about the current quality status of training programs.

4. Providing a foundation for students to choose training programs and employers to select human resources.

Article 4. Quality Assessment Process of Training Programs

1. Self-assessment.

2. External assessment, re-assessment (if applicable).

3. Reviewing assessment results.

4. Recognizing achievement of educational quality standards.

Article 5. Cycle of Quality Assessment of Training Programs

Quality assessment of training programs is conducted every five years.

Chapter II
SELF-ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING PROGRAMS

Article 6. Steps of Self-Assessment of Training Programs

1. Establishing a self-assessment council.

2. Developing a self-assessment plan.

3. Collecting, analyzing, and processing information and evidence.

4. Writing a self-assessment report.

5. Storing and utilizing the self-assessment report.

6. Implementing activities following completion of the self-assessment report.

Article 7. Establishment of the Self-Assessment Council

1. The self-assessment council for training programs shall consist of an odd number of members, with a minimum of nine members, established by the Director or Principal (hereinafter referred to as the Principal) for each training program.

2. The composition of the self-assessment council for training programs includes:

a) The Chairman of the Council is the Principal of the educational institution;

b) Two Deputy Chairmen, one of whom is a Deputy Principal and the other is the Head of the Department offering the assessed training program;

c) Members include representatives from the School Council (for public schools) or the Board of Directors (for private schools), the Scientific and Training Council; the Head of the Training Department; representatives from heads of departments, offices, and faculties involved in the related training program; representatives of reputable lecturers and teachers participating in teaching and research activities related to the assessed training program; and representatives of students enrolled in the training program;

d) Supporting the self-assessment council is a Secretariat consisting of staff from units responsible for ensuring quality and other relevant staff involved in the assessed training program;

đ) Specific tasks of the self-assessment council are assigned to specialized working groups comprising members of the self-assessment council and the Secretariat. Each working group consists of 4-5 people, responsible for 1-2 criteria and supervised by a member of the council. Each member of the Secretariat does not participate in more than two specialized working groups.

3. The self-assessment council for training programs operates on the principle of democratic centralism, discussing to reach consensus.

Article 8. Functions and Duties of the Self-Assessment Council

1. The self-assessment council for training programs assists the principal in directing the implementation of self-assessment of training programs and proposing measures to improve the quality of training program activities.

2. The self-assessment council for training programs has the following duties:

a) Promoting policies for implementing self-assessment of training programs; introducing the self-assessment process of training programs, researching, exchanging experiences in self-assessment of training programs, and requiring relevant units and individuals to cooperate in implementation;

b) Collecting information, evidence, reviewing activities, and comparing achievements with the objectives of the training program set by the educational institution; assessing the degree of achievement, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the training program; proposing plans to improve and enhance the quality of the training program;

c) Comparing achievements with quality assessment criteria for training programs issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, writing a self-assessment report;

d) Publishing the self-assessment report within the educational institution;

đ) Organizing and maintaining a database of activities under the assessed training program;

e) Advising the Principal and the Head of the Department offering the assessed training program on measures to improve the quality of the school's training program.

3. Members of the self-assessment council for training programs have the following duties:

a) The Chairman of the Council is responsible for the Council's activities, assigning specific tasks to each member, including determining the work to be done corresponding to each assessment criterion, start and end times, the person primarily responsible, and those assisting; convening and chairing Council meetings; approving the self-assessment plan for the training program; directing the process of collecting information, evidence, processing, analyzing, and writing the self-assessment report; resolving issues arising during the implementation of the self-assessment of the training program;

b) Other members of the Council are responsible for performing tasks assigned by the Chairman and are accountable for the tasks delegated to them;

c) The Deputy Chairman, when authorized by the Chairman, is responsible for chairing the Council and is accountable for the tasks delegated.

4. Members of the Council must be trained in the business of self-assessing training programs on the following contents: the quality assurance system; the process and cycle of quality assessment of training programs; guidance on self-assessment of training programs; domestic and international experience in self-assessment of training programs; techniques such as document review, interviews, observation, group discussion, surveys, and writing self-assessment reports.

5. The self-assessment council may request the Principal to hire consultants to assist the Council in implementing self-assessment of training programs. Consultants must hold a master's degree or higher, have knowledge of quality assurance and assessment in education, self-assessment, and necessary techniques for implementing self-assessment.

Article 9. Establishing Self-Assessment Plans

1. Educational institutions shall establish self-assessment plans for training programs and such plans shall be approved by the Rector - Chairman of the Board.

2. The self-assessment plan for training programs must include the following contents:

a) The objectives and scope of the self-assessment period for training programs;

b) The composition of the self-assessment board for training programs;

c) Specific tasks of each member of the board;

d) Self-assessment tools for training programs;

đ) Identification of information and evidence to be collected;

e) Anticipated resources in terms of infrastructure, finance, and the time required to mobilize these resources during the implementation of self-assessment for training programs;

g) Timeline: clearly specify the necessary duration for implementation and the schedule for specific activities during the process of implementing self-assessment for training programs.

Article 10. Collection, Analysis, and Processing of Information and Evidence

1. Based on the criteria in the quality assessment standards for training programs, the self-assessment board shall assign specific responsibilities to its members for organizing the collection, analysis, and processing of information and evidence before drafting the self-assessment report.

2. During the process of collecting information and evidence, their sources must be clearly identified. Measures must be taken to protect and store the information and evidence, including materials related to the sources of the collected information and evidence. It is encouraged to use information technology to digitize evidence, facilitating storage and comparison when necessary.

Article 11. Writing the Self-Assessment Report

1. The self-assessment report for training programs shall be presented concisely, clearly, accurately, and comprehensively about the activities of the training program, highlighting strengths, existing issues, difficulties, and recommendations for improving quality, implementation plans, deadlines for completion, and the timing for the next self-assessment period.

2. The results of the self-assessment for training programs shall be presented sequentially according to the quality assessment standards for training programs. Within each standard, they shall be presented sequentially according to each criterion. For each criterion, five parts must be fully written: description and analysis of the activities of the training program related to the criterion, accompanied by relevant information and evidence; strengths and factors to be promoted; existing issues; action plans; self-assessment of the achievement level of the criterion.

3. A draft of the self-assessment report shall be published internally within the educational institution so that management staff, lecturers, teachers, employees, and students can read and provide comments for at least two weeks.

4. The self-assessment report shall be finalized by the self-assessment board based on the comments from management staff, lecturers, teachers, employees, and students. The Rector - Chairman of the self-assessment board shall approve the self-assessment report.

Article 12. Storage and Use of the Self-Assessment Report

1. Educational institutions shall store the approved self-assessment report for training programs along with all related files during the development and completion process.

2. Copies of the self-assessment report for training programs shall be kept in the library for organizations and individuals interested in referencing them. For training programs requiring confidentiality according to state regulations, the Rector shall stipulate the use of the self-assessment report under confidentiality procedures.

Article 13. Implementation of activities following completion of self-assessment report

1. Implement quality improvement plans set forth in the self-assessment report to improve and enhance the quality of the training program.

2. Send the self-assessment report to the supervising authority along with a letter requesting the supervising authority's attention and support during the implementation of quality improvement plans for the training program as outlined in the self-assessment report; simultaneously send it to the Ministry of Education and Training (Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency) for reporting.

3. Annually, the self-assessment report is updated according to the current status of the evaluated training program and educational institution (in the form of an annual supplementary report) and stored in the library of the educational institution.

Chapter III
EXTERNAL EVALUATION AND RE-EVALUATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMS

Article 14. Procedures and formalities for registering external evaluation

1. An educational institution registers for external evaluation of the training program with an education quality assurance organization licensed by the Ministry of Education and Training, after publishing the approved self-assessment report within the institution for at least 30 days. For training programs requiring confidentiality according to state regulations, the educational institution sends the self-assessment report to the supervising authority to request permission to register for external evaluation.

2. Periodically every five years or upon the request of the state management agency for education, the educational institution is responsible for preparing the self-assessment report on the training program and registering for external evaluation to be recognized as meeting the quality standards.

Article 15. Contract for reviewing self-assessment reports and external evaluations between the quality assurance organization and the educational institution

1. At the request of the educational institution, the quality assurance organization signs a contract with the educational institution to review the self-assessment report on the training program. The educational institution submits the self-assessment report and related documents to the quality assurance organization for review.

2. Within thirty days from the date of signing the contract, the quality assurance organization reviews the self-assessment report on the training program and returns the review results to the educational institution in the following cases:

a) The self-assessment report on the training program does not meet the requirements regarding format and content. The educational institution needs to continue improving.

b) The self-assessment report on the training program meets the requirements and can proceed with external evaluation.

3. In case the self-assessment report on the training program meets the requirements, the quality assurance organization and the educational institution agree to sign a contract for external evaluation.

4. The contract for reviewing self-assessment reports and the contract for external evaluation of the training program between the quality assurance organization and the educational institution are implemented in accordance with the provisions of the law on economic contracts.

Article 16. Establishment of the external evaluation team

1. The external evaluation team consists of five to seven members appointed by the Director of the quality assurance organization, including:

a) The team leader is a person who has been or is currently a Department Head, Deputy Department Head, or holds equivalent or higher positions, knowledgeable in the specialized field of the evaluated program, experienced in implementing self-assessment and external evaluation activities. The team leader is responsible for managing the team's activities.

b) The secretary of the external evaluation team is a member of the quality assurance organization and has experience in implementing external evaluation activities. The secretary assists the team leader in all team activities.

c) The permanent member of the external evaluation team is a member of the quality assurance organization and is knowledgeable in the specialized field of the evaluated program. The permanent member assists the secretary in preparing and implementing external evaluation activities under the direction of the team leader.

d) Other members of the external evaluation team include two to four experts from educational institutions, state management agencies for education and training, quality assurance organizations, professional associations, or labor recruiters related to the evaluated program.

2. Members of the external evaluation team are education quality assurance inspectors who meet the conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Members are responsible for performing tasks assigned by the team leader.

3. Before establishing the external evaluation team, the quality assurance organization is responsible for notifying the educational institution of the proposed team list. The educational institution has the right to request the quality assurance organization to change one or more team members if there is evidence that this member has had a conflict of interest with the training unit or the educational institution, but may not suggest or propose other individuals to join the evaluation team.

After ten working days from receiving the proposed team list, if the educational institution does not provide feedback, it is considered to have agreed with the proposed list of the quality assurance organization.

4. External evaluation can only be carried out after the quality assurance organization and the educational institution have signed the external evaluation contract and the external evaluation team has been established in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Article 17. Procedures for implementing external evaluation

1. Reviewing self-assessment files:

The external evaluation team reviews the self-assessment report and related files; collects and processes information and evidence related to the quality assessment standards of the training program.

2. Preliminary survey at the educational institution with the evaluated program.

3. Formal survey at the educational institution with the evaluated program.

4. Drafting the external evaluation report. The draft external evaluation report must be approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the evaluation team. The external evaluation team, through the education quality assurance organization, sends the draft external evaluation report to the educational institution for comments within fifteen working days from the date the educational institution receives the draft report.

5. Completing the external evaluation report:

a) Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving feedback from the educational institution with the evaluated program or from the expiration date of the educational institution's response period, the external evaluation team, through the education quality assurance organization, sends a notification letter to the educational institution regarding the opinions that have been adopted or reserved. In cases where opinions are reserved, the reasons must be clearly stated;

b) The external evaluation team completes the external evaluation report and submits it along with related files (if any) to the Director of the education quality assurance organization for the official submission of the external evaluation report to the educational institution with the evaluated training program and to request termination of the contract;

c) The external evaluation team is responsible for keeping confidential all information related to the content of the work and the evaluation results until the education quality assurance organization officially sends the external evaluation report to the educational institution with the evaluated program.

Article 18. Re-evaluation of the external evaluation results

Within ten working days from the receipt of the external evaluation report, the educational institution with the evaluated program has the right to request the education quality assurance organization to re-evaluate the external evaluation results if the following conditions are met simultaneously:

a) The external evaluation results of the training program do not meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 4, Article 23 of this Regulation as expected by the educational institution;

b) The educational institution does not agree with part or all of the external evaluation report of the external evaluation team.

2. The re-evaluation team is established by the education quality assurance organization with a number and composition meeting the requirements for the external evaluation team. Members who participated in the external evaluation team at the educational institution will not participate in the re-evaluation team.

3. The re-evaluation team is responsible for reviewing the files and working documents of the external evaluation team; discussing with members of the external evaluation team; conducting surveys at the educational institution with the evaluated program; discussing with the leadership of the educational institution, the self-assessment council, and writing a re-evaluation report on the results of the external evaluation team.

4. The re-evaluation results are considered the final conclusion of the education quality assurance organization regarding the evaluated program.

5. The educational institution is responsible for paying all costs for the re-evaluation of the external evaluation results through an economic contract with the education quality assurance organization.

Article 19. Utilization of External Evaluation Results and Re-evaluation

The results of external evaluation and re-evaluation (if applicable) shall be used as the basis for educational institutions with training programs that have been evaluated to implement improvement plans to enhance the quality of education, and for the Education Quality Accreditation Council of the quality assurance organization to review, consider, recognize or not recognize the training program as meeting the standards of educational quality.

Article 20. Responsibilities of Educational Institutions with Evaluated Training Programs Regarding External Evaluation and Re-evaluation (if applicable)

1. Prepare complete files and data related to the activities of the training program and other necessary conditions to serve the external evaluation and re-evaluation work (if applicable).

2. Assign a leader from the educational institution, a leader from the faculty with the evaluated training program, and a dedicated staff member to act as the point of contact for the external evaluation team or the re-evaluation team (if applicable).

3. Cooperate, exchange, and discuss with the external evaluation team about the research results of the self-assessment report and the survey results of the team at the educational institution.

4. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving the draft external evaluation report, the educational institution has the responsibility to send a document to the quality assurance organization clearly stating their agreement or disagreement with the draft external evaluation report; in case of disagreement with the draft external evaluation report, they must clearly state the reasons along with supporting evidence. If the educational institution does not provide feedback within the above period, it will be considered as agreeing with the draft external evaluation report.

5. After reaching consensus on the external evaluation results or re-evaluation results, the educational institution sends a document to the quality assurance organization requesting consideration for recognition of the training program as meeting the standards of educational quality.

Chapter IV
REVIEW OF QUALITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR TRAINING PROGRAMS

Article 21. Documentation for Reviewing Quality Assessment Results for Training Programs

1. The documentation for reviewing quality assessment results for training programs includes: self-assessment report; external evaluation report; the educational institution's document proposing to publicize the external evaluation results and request recognition of the training program as meeting the standards of educational quality; the educational institution's feedback document on the external evaluation report; the external evaluation team's document sent to the educational institution regarding the adoption or retention of opinions; re-evaluation report (if applicable); summary report of self-assessment, external evaluation, and re-evaluation results (if applicable); document summarizing issues to be focused on in discussions.

2. The secretariat assists the Education Quality Accreditation Council in developing a plan for reviewing quality assessment results for training programs, preparing the review documentation, and sending the review documentation to council members at least fifteen working days before the council meeting.

Article 22. Procedure for Reviewing Quality Assessment Results for Training Programs

1. The Education Quality Accreditation Council convenes to review quality assessment results for training programs:

The Chairperson of the Education Quality Accreditation Council or the Vice-Chairperson authorized to chair the full council meeting shall conduct the following tasks:

a) Listen to the summary report of self-assessment, external evaluation, and re-evaluation results (if applicable) and issues to be focused on in discussions;

b) Discuss the following contents: Self-assessment results; external evaluation and re-evaluation results (if applicable); draft resolution of the council on reviewing quality assessment results for training programs;

c) Approve recommendations of the council regarding requests for educational institutions with evaluated training programs to address existing shortcomings and continue improving and enhancing the quality of education;

d) The council conducts a secret ballot to approve the resolution on reviewing quality assessment results for training programs.

2. The quality assurance organization sends the resolution on reviewing quality assessment results for training programs to the educational institution:

Within ten working days from the date of the review results, the quality assurance organization has the responsibility to send the following documents to the educational institution that has registered for quality program accreditation: the resolution on reviewing quality assessment results for training programs, the council's recommendations regarding requests for the educational institution to address existing shortcomings and continue improving and enhancing the quality of the evaluated education program.

3. The educational institution receives the resolution on reviewing quality assessment results for training programs and provides feedback (if applicable):

In cases where the training program has undergone external evaluation but has not yet graduated students, the educational institution uses the review results to continue improving and enhancing the quality of the training program.

In cases where there is at least one graduating class of students, within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the documents stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, the educational institution shall submit a feedback document to the quality assurance organization in one of the following three scenarios:

a) Agreeing with the content of the resolution and the council's recommendations; requesting the quality assurance organization to consider recognizing the training program as meeting the standards of educational quality and issuing a certificate of program quality accreditation;

b) Agreeing with the content of the resolution and the council's recommendations; the educational institution has a plan to address existing shortcomings and continue improving and enhancing the quality of education to register for future quality program accreditation;

c) Disagreeing with part or all of the content of the resolution and the council's recommendations; requesting the quality assurance organization to reconsider.

4. The quality assurance organization implements the following tasks upon receiving feedback from the educational institution:

a) For cases as provided for in point a, Clause 3 of this Article, within ten working days from the date of receipt of the document from the educational institution, the quality assurance organization shall publicly announce the external evaluation results, the contents of the resolution and recommendations of the Council on its electronic information page. After thirty days of announcement, if there are no complaints or accusations, the quality assurance organization shall issue a decision to grant the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program to the educational institution; if there are complaints or accusations, the quality assurance organization shall review the entire assessment process and file before deciding to issue or not to issue the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program.

b) For cases as provided for in point b, Clause 3 of this Article, the quality assurance organization shall be responsible for explaining the contents of the resolution and recommendations of the Council when requested by the educational institution; advise and assist the educational institution in improving and enhancing the quality of the training program.

c) For cases as provided for in point c, Clause 3 of this Article, the quality assurance organization shall plan to re-examine the contents of the resolution and recommendations of the Council at the next regular meeting according to the procedures stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and implement subsequent steps as prescribed in this Article.

Chapter V
RECOGNITION OF QUALITY STANDARDS ACHIEVEMENT

TRAINING PROGRAM

Article 23. Conditions for Recognition of Achievement of Quality Standards for Training Programs

A training program shall be recognized as achieving quality education standards when it meets the following conditions:

1. There has been at least one graduating class of students at the time of completing the self-assessment report.

2. It has been externally evaluated and there is a document requesting the quality assurance organization to consider recognition of achievement of quality education standards. For training programs that require information confidentiality according to state regulations, the educational institution shall submit the external evaluation results to the supervising authority and simultaneously request consideration for recognition of the training program achieving quality education standards.

3. The external evaluation results, contents of the resolution and recommendations of the quality assurance council shall be publicly announced on the electronic information page of the quality assurance organization as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 27 of this Regulation. For training programs that require information confidentiality according to state regulations, the educational institution shall send the external evaluation results, contents of the resolution and recommendations of the Council to the supervising authority at least thirty days prior to obtaining the quality assurance organization's consideration for recognition.

4. The training program must have at least eighty percent of criteria meeting requirements, with each standard having at least fifty percent of criteria meeting requirements according to the quality education assessment results of the quality assurance council.

Article 24. Quality Assurance Certificate for Training Programs

1. Based on the recommendation of the quality assurance council, the Director of the quality assurance organization shall issue a decision and grant the Quality Assurance Certificate for training programs that meet all the conditions specified in Article 23 of this Regulation.

2. The Quality Assurance Certificate for training programs shall be valid for five years from the date of issuance, clearly stating the percentage of criteria meeting requirements.

3. The Quality Assurance Certificate for training programs achieving quality education standards shall be designed and printed by the quality assurance organization after registering the certificate model with the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 25. Responsibilities of educational institutions with recognized training programs meeting quality standards

1. Publicly announce the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program on the institution's electronic information website no later than 30 days after receiving the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program (this does not apply to educational institutions or training programs that require confidentiality according to state regulations).

2. Report to the Ministry of Education and Training and the supervising authority the results of the quality assurance assessment of the training program, plans for improvement and enhancement of the quality of the training program after receiving the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program.

3. Maintain and develop conditions ensuring the quality of the training program. Implement recommendations of the Quality Assurance Council regarding the resolution of existing issues (if any) and continue to improve the quality of the training program.

4. Preserve and promote the results of the quality assurance assessment of the training program that have been recognized throughout the validity period of the Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program. If the quality is not maintained at the level previously recognized, depending on the nature and degree of violation, the institution may be reprimanded, warned, or have its Quality Assurance Certificate for the training program revoked.

5. Write a mid-term report two and a half years after being recognized as meeting quality standards and submit it to the Ministry of Education and Training, the supervising authority, and the quality assurance organization for reporting purposes.

Article 26. Revocation of the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program

1. The Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program will be revoked from an educational institution if it violates any of the following circumstances:

a) There is fraud during the implementation of the quality assurance activities, leading to the training program not meeting quality standards but being assessed as meeting them;

b) The training program no longer meets the requirements for quality standards.

2. Procedure for revoking the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program:

a) The Ministry of Education and Training sends a document requesting the Director of the quality assurance organization to revoke the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program along with related documents;

b) The Director of the quality assurance organization makes a decision to revoke the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program of the educational institution within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the document from the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. The decision to revoke the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program of the educational institution shall be publicly announced on the electronic information website of the quality assurance organization, the electronic information website of the Ministry of Education and Training, and through mass media.

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Organization

1. Publicly announce the external evaluation results, contents of resolutions and recommendations of the Quality Assurance Council on the quality assurance organization's electronic information website at least 30 days before issuing the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program to the educational institution (this does not apply to educational institutions or training programs that require confidentiality according to state regulations).

2. Publicly announce the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program of the educational institution on the quality assurance organization's electronic information website no later than five working days after issuing the Quality Assurance Certificate for the Training Program to the educational institution and maintain it on the electronic information website for at least five years.

Chapter VI
IMPLEMENTATION

Article 28. The Department of Testing and Quality Assurance in Education

1. Develop plans for educational quality assurance in accordance with the overall plan of the education and training sector.

2. Guide, supervise, inspect, and evaluate the implementation of regulations on educational quality assurance at quality assurance organizations, educational institutions, and related units.

3. Publicize the list of quality assurance organizations licensed to operate quality assurance activities on the Ministry of Education and Training's electronic information website and through mass media.

Article 29. Educational Institutions

1. Develop plans to strive for educational quality standards for training programs at each stage.

Implement self-assessment procedures as stipulated in Chapter II of this Regulation. After completing the self-assessment report, encourage cross-institutional peer reviews among educational institutions to enhance the quality of self-assessment reports.

Be responsible for external assessment, re-assessment, and recognition of achieving educational quality standards as prescribed in Articles 20 and 25 of this Regulation.

Annually report to the supervising authority and the Ministry of Education and Training on the results of implementing improvement and quality enhancement plans; be subject to inspection, supervision, and evaluation by competent authorities.

Have the right to lodge complaints and denunciations according to the law regarding actions, decisions, and conclusions of organizations and individuals conducting educational quality assurance activities if there is evidence proving that such actions, decisions, and conclusions are not in compliance with the law.

Article 30. Quality Assurance Organizations in Education

1. Conduct external assessment and recognize training programs meeting educational quality standards as prescribed in Chapters III, IV, and V of this Regulation.

2. Annually report to the Ministry of Education and Training on the results of implementing quality assurance activities.

3. Be subject to inspection, supervision, and evaluation by competent authorities.

Article 31. Funding for Activities

1. Financial resources of educational institutions allocated for quality assurance activities include state budget funds and non-budget revenues as prescribed. Revenue and expenditure items are carried out based on the provisions of competent authorities and internal financial regulations of educational institutions.

2. Each year, educational institutions prepare budgets for funding quality assurance activities.

3. Educational institutions may receive lawful sponsorships from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to support activities related to ensuring and assessing the quality of training programs./.