How to Check Hong Kong Tutor and Course Credentials

A tutor, a course, and a funding claim need different checks. Ask the provider to write down each claim before you compare records. Use the same spelling, course title, operator name, and record number across the advertisement, enrolment form, invoice, and authority page.

Write down the exact tutor and course claims

Start with the words the provider uses. “Teacher”, “registered teacher”, “degree holder”, “QF-recognised course”, and “CEF reimbursable course” describe different records.

Build a short evidence sheet:

Claim	Detail to collect
Tutor identity	Full name used for the claimed record
Teaching status	Type of registration and school named by the tutor
Qualification	Award title, granting body, and record number
Course	Programme title, operator, dates, and venue
CEF	Course code and QR number shown by the provider

Do not join two records because names look similar. Ask the provider to explain any difference in writing.

Check whether teacher registration fits the claim

The Education Bureau teacher-registration page says a person who teaches in a school has to be a registered teacher or a permitted teacher. The page also describes an exemption path for some private schools that offer non-formal curricula. That school-based rule does not support a claim that every private tutor has to appear in the same record.

A permitted teacher’s status needs context. The Education Bureau says the permit names a school and ends when the person leaves that school. Ask which school and teaching role support the claim rather than treating “permitted teacher” as a credential for every setting.

The same Education Bureau page gives parents and members of the public a consent-based enquiry path. Ask the tutor for consent, then apply to the bureau for release of the registration information. Keep the bureau’s reply with the date of your check.

Match the qualification and course in the Qualifications Register

HKCAAVQ describes the Qualifications Register as an online database covering qualifications, related programmes, and providers. It also says HKCAAVQ-accredited qualifications can enter the register for recognition under the Qualifications Framework.

Match all three parts of the claim:

• the qualification title;
• the associated programme;
• the provider or granting body.

Record the result and date. A match supports the record you found. It does not establish the tutor’s teaching ability, the course’s fit for you, or a promised outcome.

Run a separate Continuing Education Fund check

Use the WFSFAA CEF course search with the institution name, course name, course code, or QR number supplied by the provider. Compare the result with the enrolment papers. Check the title, operator, course code, and the course information shown on the authority page.

WFSFAA warns that course quality can vary and tells learners to compare its course details with the provider’s information. The agency also ties reimbursement eligibility to successful course completion and the current conditions for that course. Treat a search match as evidence of the listed record, not a promise that WFSFAA will reimburse your claim.

Compare the provider’s documents before enrolment

Ask for one written pack that identifies the tutor, course, operator, timetable, total charge, payment schedule, cancellation terms, and any funding claim. Mark each authority check with its URL and date.

Leave a gap unresolved when the provider’s name, course code, QR number, or tutor claim differs from the record. Ask the provider or the named authority to resolve it before payment. Registration and funding records answer narrow questions; they do not rank tutors or courses.

Common questions

Does every private tutor in Hong Kong need teacher registration?

The Education Bureau states the rule for a person who teaches in a school and notes an exemption path for some private schools offering non-formal curricula. Do not extend that statement to every private tutoring arrangement.

Can a parent check a tutor’s teacher-registration status?

The Education Bureau directs a parent or member of the public to seek the teacher’s consent and apply for release of the registration information. Ask for consent and keep the bureau’s response.

Does a CEF course listing guarantee reimbursement?

No. WFSFAA links eligibility to successful completion and the conditions that apply to the listed course. Check the current course record and claim requirements before enrolment.