Key facts
- Teachers without the new practising certificates face up to two years' imprisonment and a HK$50,000 fine from 2028-29.
- Short-term supply teachers are exempted from the newly required certificates.
- Teachers in international schools, private schools and kindergartens applying for or renewing the certificate must complete 60 hours of training.
Hong Kong teachers found working without new practising certificates will face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and two years' imprisonment from the 2028-29 academic year, according to a report published on November 13, 2026. The penalties form part of tighter requirements for educators in the city.
Short-term supply teachers will be exempted from needing the newly required certificates. Teachers in international and private schools, as well as kindergartens, applying for or renewing the certificate will have to complete 60 hours of training, the report said.
The report did not set out the remaining conditions attached to the certificate or name the body administering it.