Civil Service Branch
Civil Service Consultation Document
Civil Service Terms of Appointment & Conditions of Service
Chinese Language Proficiency
2.10
New recruits appointed on new P&P terms will have to be proficient in the Chinese language. This means proficiency in oral Cantonese which is the spoken language of the majority of Hong Kong citizens and comprehension of written Chinese. It is proposed that the proficiency level should normally be pitched at a pass in a Chinese subject in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination. However, Heads of Department and Heads of Grade may in consultation with Civil Service Branch specify a different level of proficiency in respect of a particular rank or grade, having regard to its job nature. Candidates for that rank or grade will have to comply with the required standard. Candidates who have not received formal education in a Chinese subject or who are unable to produce documentary evidence to prove their Chinese language proficiency will be required to pass a basic Chinese language proficiency test.
2.11
The basic Chinese language proficiency test would include ability in colloquial Cantonese and comprehension of Chinese characters. The test would be conducted by the Civil Service Examinations Unit. The different levels of proficiency could be based on the in-service examinations currently conducted by the Unit. In respect of the basic proficiency level :
(a)
(b)
Colloquial Cantonese: The Unit's Advanced I examination could be used as a reference. This includes using common words/expressions in discussing topics about various aspects of life and problems in Hong Kong such as housing, transport, public works, land, utilities, environmental protection, urban services, the administration and social problems.
Comprehension of Chinese characters: The Unit's Intermediate examination. could be adopted. This includes reading and translation.
However, Heads of Department and Heads of Grade may set a higher test standard to suit the needs of a particular rank and grade.
2.12
The ability to communicate in Putonghua is becoming increasingly important particularly for officers who have dealings with mainland officials. Recruits would be encouraged to learn Putonghua or undergo specified training programmes.
2.13
Chinese language proficiency would not be a service wide requirement in respect of appointment under new agreement terms for the reason that such appointments are for a fixed term only. However, where communication in Chinese is required for the efficient day-to-day conduct of work, Heads of Department and Heads of Grade might specify a Chinese language proficiency requirement.