Minister of Education Kirby Yung (
Yung said under the system, courses offered by social education institutions, corporate training facilities and other non-profit groups such as community colleges will become accredited if they pass the ministry's screening, and students will be issued credit certificates or study certificates on completing any accredited courses.
"We are offering incentives for diverse avenues for society to have access to continuing education," Yung said.
Yung said in addition to being a personal achievement, the learning experiences can also be used as a stepping stone for school admission or professional development.
Under the preliminary plan, the credits will remain effective for seven years after they are earned, Yung added.
Chou Tsan-teh (
While accredited courses meeting the criteria of higher education, senior high education or vocational education will be entitled to credit certificates for the respective education levels, students who have earned the credits can be exempted from relevant courses if they are admitted to schools recognizing the credits, Chou said.
Non-credited courses will be entitled to study certification, Chou added.
Meanwhile, Yung said after the system is established, professional achievements can also be transformed into credits and be used as the basis for exemption for related courses in a college program.
However, Yung explained that colleges have the authority to decide whether to recognize the credits and allow any exemptions.
Yung said his ministry is planning to have college representatives participate in the ministry's accreditation screening committee to guarantee the quality and credibility of the accreditation system.
Also, the ministry will conduct evaluations on the institutions joining the life-long learning programs to ensure quality teaching, he added.
Yung's announcement immediately received approval from community college managers, who have been pushing for recognition for the colleges' programs.
"The accreditation system will help boost students' motivation to learn," said Tsai Chwan-huei (
Tsai said students usually prefer courses with credits, though the students may not intend to seek admission to colleges or want promotions using the credits.
He said while credit courses usually require more time and effort from students, students are more willing to spend the time and effort on these courses.
"To most students, credit courses seem more valuable than those without credits," Tsai said.
Community colleges have been championed by educational reformists whose aim is to expand opportunities for adult education.
There is no restriction on admissions to community colleges.
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