FAQ for LSD APC Rules & Guide 2012

FAQ in general:

Q: When does the new APC become operative?

A: The new APC becomes operative following the amendment of the HKIS Constitution and Bye-laws on 18 July 2011.

Q: When does the new APC R&G take effect?

A: The new R&G takes retrospective effect as early as the new APC became operative, i.e. 18 July 2011.

Q: What new contents are introduced in the new R&G?

A: The new R&G paves the paths for Probationers to become Associate Members (AMHKIS) and Members (MHKIS). Both technical and professional training and assessment requirements are covered to replace the old R&G of ATC and APC. Two levels of assessments (Part I and II) are introduced.

Q: Why the type of training (Technical or Professional) has to be specified by the Supervisor and Counsellor in Form APC1/LS and APC1S/LS?

A: Technical training leads a candidate to associate membership (AMHKIS) only while professional training is the path to full membership (MHKIS). Also, the Institute needs to know the type of training that a candidate is undergoing when processing their subsequent APC applications.

Q: Do candidates of professional training need to pass the Part I Assessments before taking the Part II Assessments?

A: It is not required to have passed the Part I Written Assessment or Interview before taking the Part II Written Assessment. However, candidates are required to have obtained a pass in the Part I Written Assessment before applying for the Part II Assessment Interview.

Q: Is the Part I Assessment Interview mandatory for candidates of professional training?

A: The Part I Assessment Interview is required for those pursuing the associate membership. It is not mandatory for candidates undergoing professional training.

Q: Can candidates of technical training take the Part II Assessment?

A: No, but until they become Associate Member and complete the further professional training.

Q: Can I change the type of training (i.e. Technical or Professional) during the course of my training?

A: Subject to the relevant requirements fulfilled, you may apply for change of training profile using Form APC1S/LS.

FAQ by candidates who had entered the APC before the new R&G took effect:

Q: Does the new R&G apply to candidates who entered the APC before 18 July 2011?

A: The new R&G also applies to the candidates who entered the APC before 18 July 2011 but have not completed the APC yet. As a transitional arrangement, these candidates are allowed to skip the APC Part I Assessment unless they intend to pursue the associate membership (AMHKIS). In other words, the requirement of professional assessment for them has no change.

Q: If I attempt the Part I Assessment but fail, am I still eligible to take the Part II Assessment?

A: Provided that you entered the APC before the new R&G took effect (i.e. 18 July 2011), you are eligible to take the Part II Assessment direct no matter you have attempted the Part I Assessment or not.

Q: Can I continue to use the old APC forms for APC applications and submissions?

A: No, candidates should stop using the old forms unless they have justification to do so. For instance, they had completed their Work Diaries using the old form before the new form was available.

Q: Do the new assessment fees apply to candidates who had entered the APC before the new R&G took effect?

A: The old APC entry fee (i.e. HK$3000) paid by a candidate before the new R&G took effect includes the fee for the first attempt of Final Assessment. Therefore, it is not necessary for the candidate to pay the fee for his/her first attempt of the Part II Written Assessment and Part II Assessment Interview. Candidates should pay the new assessment fees for the Part I assessments and re-attempts of the Part II assessments. The new APC fees are listed below:

APC Application	Fee
Entry to APC	$1350
Part I Written Assessment	$550
Part I Assessment Interview	$600
Part II Written Assessment	$800
Part II Assessment Interview	$600

Last update: 9 January 2013