Thông tư 15/2020/TT-BGDDT

CIRCULAR

ON PROMULGATION OF REGULATION ON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM

Pursuant to Law on Education dated June 14, 2005; Law on amendments to Law on Education dated November 25, 2009; Law on Education dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to Law on Higher Education dated June 18, 2012; Law on amendments to Law on Higher Education dated November 19, 2018;

Pursuant to Decree No. 69/2017/ND-CP dated May 25, 2017 of the Government defining the function, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 75/2006/ND-CP dated August 02, 2006, elaborating and providing guidance on the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Education; the Government's Decree No. 31/2011/ND-CP dated May 11, 2011 on the amendments to the Government's Decree No. 75/2006/ND-CP dated August 02, 2006, elaborating and providing guidance on the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Education; the Government's Decree No. 07/2013/ND-CP dated January 09, 2013 on amendments to Point b Clause 13 Article 1 of Decree No. 31/2011/ND-CP;

At the proposal of the Director of Department of Quality Control;

The Minister of Education and Training promulgates a Circular on the Regulation on high school graduation exam.

Article 1. Promulgate together with this Circular the Regulation of high school graduation exam.

Article 2. This Circular comes into force as of May 26, 2020 and supersedes Circular No. 04/2017/TT-BGDDT dated January 25, 2017 of the Minister of Education and Training on promulgation of the Regulation of national high school graduation exam and high school graduation assessment and Circulars on amendments to this Regulation (Circular No. 04/2018/TT-BGDDT dated February 28, 2018, Circular No. 03/2019/TT-BGDDT dated March 18, 2019, Circular No. 08/2020/TT-BGDDT dated March 23, 2020).

Article 3. Chief of Office, Director of Department of Quality Control, heads of relevant units affiliated to the Ministry of Education and Training, Presidents of People’s Committees in provinces and central-affiliated cities, Director of Department of School affiliated to Ministry of Defense, Director of Internal Political Security Authority affiliated to Ministry of Public Security, directors of departments of education and training; Director of Department of Education, Science and Technology of Bac Lieu province; Directors of universities and institutes; Rectors of senior colleges and colleges which enroll preschool education academic discipline shall implement this Circular./

REGULATION

ON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAM
(promulgated together with Circular 15/2020/TT-BGDDT dated May 26, 2020 by Minister of Education and Training)

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope and regulated entities

1. This Regulation sets forth high school graduation exam (hereinafter referred to as the Regulation), composed of sections below: general provisions; preparation, candidates and eligibility requirements for exam; application for the exam, responsibilities of candidates; question paper-related practices, invigilation, marking, appeal of exam results, remarking and review, high school graduation assessment; issuance of certificates of complete compulsory education program, process of reporting and storing, inspection, commendation and reward, handling unexpected situations and violations; implementation.

2. This Regulation applies to high schools, continuing education centers and other education institutions which apply the high school education program or the continuing education program at high school level (referred to as “high school”); departments of education and training, department of science and technology (referred to as “departments of education and training”); higher education institutions; relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Purpose and requirement

1. The high school graduation exam is aimed at: evaluating learners’ performance according to education objectives of the high school education program or the continuing education program at high school level (referred to as “high school program”); using exam results for high school graduation assessment; evaluating teaching and learning quality of high schools and directive actions of education authorities. Higher education institutions and vocational education institutions may use the high school graduation exam results for enrolment purpose.

2. The high school graduation exam (hereinafter referred to as exam) must be administered in a formal, truthful, objective and fair manner.

Article 3. Papers

The exam consists of 5 papers, including: 3 independent papers are: Mathematics, Literature, and Foreign Language; 1 paper of natural science (a combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology); 1 paper of social science (a combination of History, Geography, and Civic Education) with respect to students of compulsory education program at high school level or the papers of History and Geography with respect to students of continuing education program at high school level.

Article 4. Exam dates, exam schedule, exam contents, types of papers and time allotted for papers/subjects

1. Exam dates, exam schedule: stipulated in annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET for short).

2. Exam contents: In the high school curriculum, primarily grade-12 curriculum.

3. Types of papers: Mathematics, Foreign Language, natural science and social science papers shall be in multiple-choice question type papers (hereinafter referred to as “multiple-choice paper”); Literature paper shall be in written paper.

4. Time allotted for papers/subjects: 120 minutes for Literature; 90 minutes for Mathematics; 60 minutes for Foreign language; 50 minutes for each subject of the natural science and social science paper.

Article 5. Qualifications of exam officers and staff

1. To qualify as an exam officer and staff member, he/she must:

a) have sense of morality, compliance with regulations and responsibility;

b) be professionally proficient in exam administration; and

c) not being disciplined for violation against this Regulation.

2. A person who has spouse, parent, child, sibling; parent-in-law, sibling-in-law; guardian; or ward (hereinafter referred to as “kindred”) taking the exam may not be involved in the setting of question papers and administer the exam in the administrative division where his/her kindred sits the exam.

3. Without regard to qualifications prescribed in clause 1 and clause 2 hereof, those who set question papers and mark written papers must have good professional competence.

Chapter II

PREPARATION

Article 6. The National Steering Committee

1. Minister of Education and Training shall establish the National Steering Committee, composed of:

a) The manager: Deputy Minister of MOET;

b) Deputy managers: heads of affiliates of MOET, in which Standing Board Deputy Manager is the Director, or Deputy Director in special circumstance, of Quality Control Department, subject to decision of Minister of MOET;

c) Members: heads of affiliates of MOET, heads of affiliates of Minister of Public Security and Government Inspectorate.

2. Tasks and powers of the National Steering Committee:

a) Assist the Minister of MOET in directing and initiating the plan with respect to administration of the exam nationwide and setting of question papers, dispatch and printing-copying of question papers, decisions in special circumstances in connection with question paper-related practices; directing and examining performance of steering boards of provinces/centrally-affiliated cities (hereinafter referred to as provincial steering boards) and Exam Councils; approaches to problems arising during the exam administration; report to Minister of MOET and competent authorities on the exam administration;

b) Establish a Secretary Team to assist the National Steering Committee; the Leader of Secretary Team shall be held by a member of the National Steering Committee; other members shall be officials and public employees of affiliates of Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Public Security;

c) Establish a Team of Question Paper Dispatch and Handover to receive, preserve, dispatch and hand over original exam paper envelopes sealed by and from the Paper Question Setting Council to Exam Councils; the Leader of Exam Paper Dispatch and Handover Team shall be held by a member of the National Steering Committee; members shall be officials and public employees of affiliates of Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Public Security;

d) Any malpractice/maladministration against this Regulation found out in the exam period, dependent on its seriousness, shall be subject to any of corresponding actions below (special cases shall be subject decision of Minister of MOET): suspension of exam administration or re-administration of exam in certain Exam Councils or nationwide; mandatory suspension and proposed disciplinary actions against leaders of the Exam Council which compromises the Regulation;

dd) Request the Minister of MOET to establish a Marking Review Council and inspectorate of the National Steering Committee.

3. Tasks and powers of members of the National Steering Committee:

a) The manager shall perform his/her tasks and powers, take responsibility for the performance of the National Steering Committee as prescribed in this Regulation;

b) Deputy managers, members and secretaries shall take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the manager.

Article 7. The Provincial Steering Committee

1. The President of the People’s Committee of province or central-affiliated city (hereinafter referred to as province) shall establish the Provincial Steering Committee, including:

a) The manager: leader of the People’s Committee of province;

b) Deputy managers: heads of relevant departments and agencies in the province; in which the Director ( or Deputy Director in special case) of Education and Training Department shall hold the position of Standing Deputy Manager.

c) Members: heads of divisions affiliated to Departments of Education and Training, relevant departments and agencies and heads of the People’s Committees of districts (hereinafter referred to as districts);

d) Secretaries: officials and public employees of Department of Education and Training and relevant agencies in the province.

2. Tasks and powers of the Provincial Steering Committee:

a) Give comprehensive direction pertaining to preparation and administration of the exam in compliance with this Regulation;

b) Direct, inspect relevant agencies and educational institutions in the province to cooperate and facilitate the activities of the Exam Council with regard to the exam administration; consider and deal with petitions of the President of Exam Council;

c) Report the National Steering Committee and the President of the People’s Committee of province on the exam administration and implementation of the Regulation in the province and propose actions against circumstances occurring in the exam administration;

d) Propose the President of Provincial People’s Committee or competent authority to give commendation to officials, public employees or staff who have gained achievements in exam administration or enforce discipline on those with malpractice/maladministration against the Regulation;

dd) Implement any relevant decisions from the National Steering Committee.

3. Responsibilities, tasks and powers of members of the Provincial Steering Committee:

a) The manager shall perform his/her tasks and powers, take responsibility for the performance of the Provincial Steering Committee as prescribed in this Regulation;

b) Deputy managers, members and secretaries shall take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the manager.

Article 8. Exam Council

1. An Exam Council shall be established in a province, presided over by the Department of Education and Training (DET), to administer the exam to all candidates in that province. Each Exam Council has Exam Places to conduct invigilation in the exam.

2. The Director of DET shall decide to establish the Exam Council and Boards thereof, including: Secretary Board; Printing-
Copying Board; Question Paper Dispatch and Handover Board; Invigilation Board; Script Header Removal Board; Written Paper Marking Board; Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board; Written Paper Re-Marking Board; Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board.

a) Composition of Exam Council: The Chairperson is the Director of the DET (or Deputy Director of the DET in special cases); Vice Chairpersons are Deputy Directors of the DET and certain Specialized Managers of the DET; members are heads of certain divisions of the DET and head masters of high schools, in which standing member is the leader of the division tasked with management of high school graduation exam of the DET (hereinafter referred to as exam management division);

b) Tasks and powers of Exam Council: Receive original question paper envelopes with seals affixed by Paper Question Setting Council remaining intact from the National Steering Committee; print-copy question papers; guide and direct the implementation of the Regulation; conduct invigilation, preserve answer sheets, remove script headers, mark and remark papers; set up groups to perform given tasks assigned by the Board leader; announce exam results as specified in the Regulation; respond to inquiries and handle complaints and denunciation in conjunction with the exam administration; report on exam administration in a timely manner to the National Steering Committee; receive and process information or evidence on malpractice/maladministration as specified in Article 52 hereof; review the exam administration within the scope the Exam Council is tasked with; request commendation and disciplinary actions within its prescribed functions and powers; report and transfer exam data to the MOET in due time; direct and take actions against problems in the Boards of the Exam Council as per the Regulation; preserve and ensure security and confidentiality of question papers, answer sheets and relevant materials as per the Regulation; and report the Provincial Steering Committee and the National Steering Committee on circumstances beyond its competence. The Exam Council shall use the seal of the DET;

c) The Chairperson of Exam Council shall perform his/her tasks and powers, take responsibility for the performance of the Exam Council as prescribed in this Regulation;

d) Boards, Vice Chairpersons and members of Exam Council shall take responsibility for performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the Chairperson.

3. Secretary Board of Exam Council:

a) Composition: The manager: shall be held by the head of Exam Council; deputy managers: shall be held by heads of divisions of the DET, heads of high schools; members: officials and public employees of the DET, heads and teachers of high schools. A member of Secretary Board cannot join Script Header Removal Board, Marking Board and Re-marking Board;

b) Tasks and powers of Secretary Board of Exam Council: Receive and manage data of registration for the exam of the DET; assign candidate numbers, arrange exam rooms; prepare documents and forms to be used at Exam Places, exam rooms; receive and preserve written paper scripts and multiple-choice answer sheets of candidates in the envelopes with the seal remaining intact of Exam Places; hand over the envelopes of written paper scripts with the seal remaining intact to the Script Header Removal Board; receive and preserve written paper scripts headers of which have been removed in the envelopes with seal remaining intact from Script Header Removal Board; and then hand them over to Subjective Paper Marking Board; hand over multiple-choice answer sheets in the envelopes with the seal remaining intact of Exam Places to Objective Paper Marking Board and perform relevant practices; receive and preserve script headers in the envelopes with seal remaining intact from Script Header Removal Board after the written paper scripts have been completely marked; manage documents relevant to written paper scripts and multiple-choice answer sheets. Make a record on scores of written paper scripts (if any); insert scores; check, analyze and compare exam results and range of scores of papers/subjects as per regulation; manage data of exam results and perform other tasks as assigned by the Chairperson of Exam Council;

c) Secretary Board of Exam Council may perform works in conjunction with answer sheets only when at least two members join that works;

d) The manager of Secretary Board of Exam Council shall perform his/her tasks and powers, take responsibility for the performance of the Secretary Board of Exam Council as prescribed in this Regulation to the Chairperson of Exam Council;

dd) Deputy managers, members and Secretary Board of Exam Council shall take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the manager.

Article 9. Issuance of list of candidates and arrangement of exam rooms

1. Issuance of list of candidates:

a) Each Exam Council (with a unique code nationwide) shall issue lists of candidates for every Exam Place as follows: List all names of the candidates who registered for the exam at the Exam Place in alphabetical order and assign corresponding candidate numbers; list all names of the candidates in alphabetical order according to every exam paper to arrange exam rooms;

b) Each candidate has a unique candidate number. The candidate number consists of 2 digit of Exam Council’s code and the next 6 digits are issued in ascending order from 000001 to the end of the list of candidates to ensure that two different candidates should not be allocated a single candidate number.

2. Arrangement of exam rooms:

a) Candidates who have graduated high schools, post-secondary schools going to sit the exam and continuing education candidates shall be arranged to take the exam together with 12th graders of high schools in the year of exam (hereinafter referred to as high school 12^th grader candidates) at given Exam Places decided by the Director of the DET, provided that high school 12^th grader candidates accounts for at least 60% in total candidates in that Exam Place (other cases shall be subject to decision of the MOET); the issuance of lists of candidates for the purpose of arranging exam rooms shall comply with point a clause 1 hereof;

a) Exam rooms shall be arranged by type of paper. The maximum number of candidates in each room is 24; the minimum horizontal distance between two candidates is 1.2 meters. Candidates taking different languages papers, in an Exam Place, can be arranged in the same exam room but their papers must be collected separately by type of language paper; the listing for exam room arrangement purpose shall be made in accordance with point a clause 1 hereof;

c) The number of exam rooms in each Exam Council shall be numbered in ascending order;

d) Each exam room has a list of candidates and their corresponding photos;

dd) The list of candidates of each exam session and responsibilities of candidates prescribed in Article 14 of this Regulation must be posted at the entrance of the exam room.

Article 10. Use of information technology and communications devices and software

1. Exam Councils shall use a single exam management software and multiple-choice exam marking software provided by the MOET; establish the system of exchanging updated and accurate information between high schools and the DETs, between the DETs and the MOET; strictly follow the process, structure, deadline of data processing and report system as prescribed in the MOET’s guidance of administration of national high school graduation exams.

2. The Exam Council shall clearly stipulate that members in the Boards in clause 2 Article 8 hereof are authorized to use computers and exam management software, multiple-choice exam marking software to perform their assigned tasks with respect to exam administration; and obtain email addresses and phone numbers registered with the MOET.

3. One fixed telephone shall be placed in each Exam Place for communication with the Exam Council; one mobile phone shall be placed in a given position in the main office of the Exam Place in case of no landline. Every call in examination duration shall be on speaker mode and heard in public in front of inspectors at the Exam Place. If necessary, computers can be set up in the guardroom of the Exam Place and only online when sending quick reports to the Exam Council in the witness of the inspectors at the Exam Place (persons authorized to use the computer and their specific tasks shall be specified).

4. Recording and/or transmission devices are not allowed in the invigilation, marking and remarking areas (except for devices prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article).

Article 11. Exam data management and use

1. The Exam Council shall announce the exams results after completely sending the data of exams results to the MOET and completely comparing between the data sent to the MOET and the one stored in the Exam Council.

2. The MOET takes responsibility for the management of candidate result data and use this data for suitable purposes of the exam; the DETs shall use this data for high school graduation assessment..

Chapter III

CANDIDATES AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATION; APPLICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION; RESPONSIBILITIES OF CANDIDATES

Article 12. Candidates and eligibility requirements for examination

1. Candidates include:

a) Students who have finished the high school program in the year of exam;

b) Those who had finished the high school program but have yet taken or did not pass the high school graduation exams of previous years;

c) Those who obtain high school graduation diplomas or Diploma Level 4 of VQF/ Intermediate Professional Education Diploma now take the exam as the basis for university and college admission;

d) Other special cases subject to decision of the Minister of MOET.

2. Eligibility requirements for examination:

a) Candidates prescribed in point a clause 1 of this Article must also meet the requirements that in 12^th grade their conduct must be classified as Average and above and academic performance must not be classified as Poor. The classification of conduct is not required for continuing education learners in guided self-study mode and learners with no requirements of conduct classification.

b) Candidates prescribed point b clause 1 of this Article must obtain lower secondary graduation diplomas and also meet the requirements that in 12^th grade their conduct must be classified as Average and above and academic performance must not be classified as Poor. A person who was disqualified from the previous year’s high school graduation exam due to poor academic performance in grade 12 must take the final exam for any subjects with GPA below 5.0 (at the school in which they were in 12^th grade or at the school registered for the exam) and the new GPA meets academic performance requirement as prescribed;

c) Candidates who have graduated post-secondary schools as prescribed in point c clause 1 of this Article must have studied and passed a given number of high school academic subjects as per the Law on Education and its guiding documents of the MOET;

d) Candidates must register for the exam and submit all required documents in due time.

3. Registration of papers:

a) For high school graduation assessment purpose: high school candidates prescribed in point a, b clause 1 of this Article must take 4 papers, including 3 independent papers: Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language and 1 combined paper at the candidate’s option; continuing education candidates prescribed in point a, b clause 1 of this Article must take 3 papers, including 2 independent papers: Mathematics, Literature and 1 combined paper at the candidate’s option; in addition, the candidate may register for the exam of Foreign Language paper for university and college admission purpose;

b) Candidates prescribed in point c clause 1 hereof may register for independent papers, combined papers or component subjects of the combined papers at their option.

Article 13. Registration for the exam

1. Exam registration places:

a) Candidates in point a clause 1 Article 12 hereof will register for the exam at their schools where they are in 12^th grade;

b) Candidates in points b, c clause 1 Article 12 hereof will register for the exam at given places (hereinafter referred to as exam registration place) laid down by the DET. The head of the exam registration place shall perform the tasks as prescribed in Article 60 hereof.

2. Application for the exam:

a) Regarding candidates in point a clause 1 Article 12 hereof, the application consists of: 2 identical application forms for the exam; original, or authenticated copy from original, or certified copy extracted from master register, or copy enclosed with original for comparison (hereinafter referred to as certified copy) of high school academic transcript or continuing education academic transcript at high school level or evaluation report of continuing education candidate in self-study mode granted by the head master; documents supporting the candidate’s eligibility for incentives or privileges (if any). In order to enjoy the regional privileges, the candidate must have the copy of their permanent residence book; 2 4x6cm photos;

b) Regarding candidates in point b clause 1 Article 12 hereof, without regard to required documents in point a of this clause, the application for the exam shall also include: the confirmation of poor academic performance, as mentioned in Point b clause 2 Article 12, provided by the high school where the candidate studied for 12th grade or by the exam registration place; a copy of lower secondary graduation diploma; a confirmation of retention scores (if any) issued by the head master of the high school where the candidate took the exam in the previous year;

c) Regarding high school graduates, the application for the exam include: 2 identical application forms for the exam; a copy of high school graduation diploma; 2 4x6 cm photos;

d) Regarding post-secondary school graduates, the application for the exam includes: 2 identical application forms for the exam; 2 4x6 cm photos; a copy of lower secondary school graduation diploma, a copy of learning record or academic transcript of high school academic subjects as required in the Law on Education and its guiding documents of the MOET.

3. Deadline for submission of applications for the exam:

The deadline for submission of applications for registration shall be stipulated in annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET. If any mistake or misstatement is found after the submission deadline, the candidate must promptly inform the headmaster of high school, the head of registration place or the manager of Exam Place where he/she registered for the exam on the day of filling in examination procedures for correction.

4. Registration for the exam:

a) Candidates will register for the exam in accordance with requirements and guidance of the MOET;

b) Candidates will complete and submit applications for high school graduation assessment at the given high school or registration place as prescribed in annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET;

a) The head master of high school or head of registration place shall take responsibilities for practices pertaining to instructing candidates, collecting application forms for the exam, inserting candidate details and candidate’s learning performance in 12th grade in the year of exam; verifying applications for the exam and announcing disqualified candidates as prescribed in clause 2 Article 12 hereof at least 15 days before the day of exam; managing applications for the exam and forwarding the registration data to the DETs;

d) The DET shall manage registration data in the province and send the data to the MOET;

dd) The MOET shall manage the registration data nationwide.

Article 14. Responsibilities of candidates

Every candidate has the responsibility to:

1. Register for the exam in accordance with Article 13 of this Regulation and annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET.

2. Be present at a designated exam room on time as specified in the Notice of Taking Exam to complete the exam procedures:

a) Present the ID card, either conventional or new format, and receive a Candidate Card;

b) Any mistake or error with respect to the first name, middle name, last name, date of birth or eligibility for privileges should be promptly reported the invigilator or the officer on duty at the Exam Place for correction.

c) Where the ID card or another necessary document is lost, the candidate must immediately report the manager of the Exam Place for consideration.

3. In each examination session, the candidate shall be present at the designated exam room on time, follow the instructions of invigilation board and invigilators. Candidates who arrive later than 15 minutes after the official start of the exam shall not be admitted to the exam room.

4. Follow these rules in the exam room:

a) Present the Candidate Card to invigilators;

b) Sit on the seat alloted to his/her candidate number;

c) Before doing the exam, write the candidate number and details in the question paper, the script or the multiple-choice answer sheet, scrap paper;

d) After receiving the question paper, carefully check the number of pages thereof and the printing quality. Any missing, torn or blurry pages should be immediately reported to the invigilators in the exam room within 5 minutes from the distribution time of question paper;

dd) Refrain from communicating with or copying from exam-mates, using authorized materials or attempting to cheat or making noise in the exam room; raise one hand to ask for permission before saying/asking. Stand up and openly present their opinions when allowed to speak;

e) Refrain from writing or drawing any secret mark, refrain from using pencil except for filling in circle in the multiple-choice answer sheet; write one single ink color in the script (red ink is prohibited);

g) Stop writing immediately when the end of the exam sesssion is announced;

h) Protect the script and prevent other exam-mates from misusing the answer sheet; immediately report an invigilator in a case where any person misuses or intentionally interferre in the answer sheet;

i) Write the number of submitted pages and sign on the acknowledgement of submission when handing in the written paper scripts. Candidates who fail to do the papers still have to hand in their answer sheets (for written exam) or multiple-choice answer sheets (for multiple-choice exam);

k) Refrain from leaving the exam room throughout the alloted time given to a multiple-choice exam; may leave the exam room and area after two thirds of the alloted time given to a written exam, and submit the script/sheet together with question paper, scrap paper before leaving;

l) May leave the exam room, in exceptional circumstances, with persmission of invigilators and accompanied by a supervisor; in case of medical emergency, the leave of candidates must be accompanied by the police until the end of the exam session and subject to decision of the manager of the Exam Place;

m) Only bring the following items into the exam room: pens, pencils, compasses, erasers, rulers, slide rules; calculator without text composing function and memory cards (as specified in the annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET); geographic atlas of Vietnam for Geography paper (with no mark or interlineation), published by Vietnam Education Publishing House), recording and transmitting devices that have the function of information recording only and only receive and transmit audio, visual signals with the support of other devices;

n) Refrain from bring the following items into the exam room: carbon paper, correction pens, alcoholic drinks; weapons, explosives, inflammable materials; handouts, information transmission or storage devices that can be used for cheating in the process of examination and marking.

5. When taking a multiple-choice paper, in addition to the rules prescribed at clause 5 of this Article, candidates must follow these rules below:

a) Must fill in their answers on the multiple-choice answer sheets printed in the format of the MOET; only fill in the circles of candidate number, question paper code and answers with stray pencils; erase completely without leaving any stray pencil mark in the old circle and fill in the expected one, in case of changing answers;

b) Fill in correctly all required fields printed on the multiple-choice answer sheet; for the candidate number field, all digits must be written and filled in (even “0” digits at the beginning); write the question paper code correctly on the two copies of acknowledgement of submission;

c) Check if the codes of the component papers in the natural science or social science paper are the same as each other after receiving a question paper; and promptly inform the invigilators within no more than 5 minutes after receiving such a question paper in case of different codes; put the question paper under the multiple-choice answer sheet and only read the question paper after the invigilator has given such a permission;

d) Check if the question paper have enough questions and pages as stated in the beginning of the paper and all pages of the paper have the same question code;

dd) Refrain from submitting the script before the end of the exam session; hand in the multiple-choice answer sheet to the invigilators and sign in two copies of acknowledgement of submission at the end of the session;

e) Only leave the exam room after the invigilators confirm that they receive adequate number of multiple-choice answer sheets in the exam room and permit the leave.

6. Follow the instructions of invigilators and authorized persons at the Exam Place, in case of any unexpected situations.

Chapter IV

QUESTION PAPER-RELATED PRACTICES

Article 15. Requirements pertaining to question papers

1. A question paper of the exam must meet the following requirements:

a) The content shall comply with clause 2 Article 4 hereof;

b) Ensure the conciseness, scientific and educational properties; be framed in a clear and easily understandable language;

c) Stick to the standards of knowledge and skills of the high school curriculum; ensure the categorization of candidates;

d) Point for each question shall be printed in the written question paper; scores of the written papers and the multiple-choice papers are converted into a 0-10 point scale for the whole papers and the same scale applied to the component papers of a combined paper;

dd) The question paper shall state the number of pages (if 2 pages and above) and clearly indicate the word “HẾT" (THE END) at the end of the paper.

2. Each question paper has one official version and backup version that meet the requirements prescribed in clause 1 of this Article; each version shall have marking instruction and answer key enclosed.

Article 16. Area intended for setting and printing-copying of question papers and security requirements

1. Unpublished question paper, marking scheme, answer key, grading scale are listed as “first decree top secret”  in the list of state secrets. The unused written backup question papers will be declassified after the end of the exam.

2. The process of setting question papers, printing-copying questions (referred to as question paper development) shall be conducted at an area deemed safe and separated, and guarded from the stage of question paper development to the end of the final session of the exam by the police force, and equipped with fire safety and security equipment and prevention of revealation.

3. Members joining the question paper development shall be in total isolation status. In necessary case, with written consent of the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council or the Manager of Printing-Coyping Board, the members above are allowed to make contact with people from outside using fixed phone on speaker mode and under the surveillance of guards, police. The list of members joining the question paper development shall remain confidential before, during and after the exam. Those who work in the isolated area shall wear their badges and only work in the assigned areas, only leave their assigned places after the end of the final session of the exam. In special case, with written consent of the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council or the Manager of Printing-Coyping Board, the members above are allowed to leave the isolated area under the surveillance of police (within the duration so permitted in the mentioned written consent).

4. The envelope containing question papers to be dispatched and handed over from the question paper development area to the National Steering Committee, Exam Councils and Exam Places shall be made of dark-colored paper with good durability, density, securely taped on its edge, labeled and stamped with seals. The content printed on the envelope must follow the guidance of the MOET.

5. The process of dispatch and handover of the question papers shall be supervised by police; the envelopes must be safely stored in locked containers and sealed during the process of dispatch and handover.

6. Machinery and equipment in the question paper development area, whether unused or broken, shall only be taken out of the area after the end of the final session of the exam.

Article 17. Question Paper Setting Council

1. Minister of MOET shall establish the Question Paper Setting Council for the high school graduation exam ( hereinafter referred to as the Question Paper Setting Council).

2. Composition of Question Paper Setting Council:

a) Chairperson: the head of Department of Quality Control or the head of Department of Secondary Education;

b) Vice Chairpersons: Deputy Directors of Department of Quality Control, heads of relevant units affiliated to the MOET and heads of divisions and centers affiliated to the Department of Quality Control;

c) Members, secretaries: IT and technical officers who are officials, public employees and staff of units affiliated to the MOET; in which, the position of standing member shall be held by officials of the Department of Quality Control;

d) Question paper setters and moderators: officials, public employees and teachers who have worked for educational institutions or institutes; a Question Paper Setting Team composed of a leader, paper setters and paper moderators shall be established for each exam paper/subject;

dd) Police force: to be assigned by the Ministry of Public Security;

e) Security guards, health workers, and service staff assigned by the MOET.

3. Working principles of Question Paper Setting Council:

a) Question Paper Setting Teams and other members of Question Paper Setting Council shall work independently and directly with the leader of Question Paper Setting Council; each member shall perform his/her assigned tasks without participation in other tasks;

b) Each member of Question Paper Setting Council shall incur personal liability for contents of question papers and ensure confidentiality and security of the question papers within their responsibilities and in accordance with the law on protection of state secrets.

4. Tasks and powers of Question Paper Setting Council:

a) Do setting, evaluation and proofreading of question papers, provide marking scheme, answer key, grading scale of the official and backup question papers;

b) Do printing-copying question papers in the format and quantity requested by the National Steering Committee; do packing, sealing and preserving question papers, and dispatch original question papers to the Question Paper Dispatch and Handover Team of the National Steering Committee;

c) Ensure the confidentiality and security of the question papers, marking scheme, answer key, grading scale in the question paper setting area from the setting stage to the end of the final session of the exam;

d) Request the Minister of MOET to issue decisions on commendation for or disciplinary actions against (if any) members of Question Paper Setting Council.

5. The Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council shall run the process of setting of question papers according to tasks and powers of Question Paper Setting Council; and be held accountable to the Minister of MOET for the performance of the Question Paper Setting Council as per this Regulation.

6. Members of Question Paper Setting Council shall take responsibility for performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council.

7. Process of setting of question papers:

a) Setting, evaluation and proofreading of question papers: According to objectives of an assigned question paper, the respective Question Paper Setting Team shall do the preparation and scrutiny of the question paper, answer key, and marking scheme (official and backup); the setting and moderation thereof shall meet the requirements as specified in Article 15 hereof;

b) With regard to multiple-choice question papers, the standardized question bank (hereinafter referred to as Question Bank) formulated as per regulation of the MOET is the importance source of reference, which is located in the isolated area. The question bank shall be referred to as follows: The secretary shall use a given software to withdraw randomly multiple-choice questions from the Question Bank and forward them to leaders of Question Paper Setting Teams (in the witness of the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council and leaders of Question Paper Setting Teams); each leader of Question Paper Setting Team shall assign members in the team to evaluate every multiple-choice question; the Question Paper Setting Team shall work together, proofread every multiple-choice question and compile them into a question paper which meets requirements in Article 15 hereof; after the last proofreading, the leader of Question Paper Setting Team shall sign in the question papers and hand them over to the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council; the secretary shall mix the question paper into a wide range of different versions; after that, the Question Paper Setting Team shall check every version of the question paper, answer key, marking scheme of written papers and sign in every version;

c) Moderation of question papers: After the setting, evaluation and proofreading of question papers finish, the question papers shall undergo independent moderation; a moderator shall read and answer the question paper, and then evaluate the question paper according to the requirements mentioned in Article 15 hereof and propose modification and correction when necessary; the evaluation given by the moderator shall be reported to the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council and used as a source for the Chairperson of Question Paper Setting Council to refer to during the approval of the question paper.

Article 18. Printing-copying, dispatch and handover of question papers at Exam Council

1. Printing-copying of question papers

a) Composition of Printing-Copying Board: The manager: the manager of Exam Council; deputy managers: head of the DET or heads of divisions affiliated to the MOET; members and secretaries: officials, public employees and staff of units affiliated to the DET or high schools; security team: police officers and security guards assigned by the provincial police and the DET;

b) Printing-Copying Board shall work together and will be isolated from the time of unsealing the envelopes of original question papers until the end of the final session of the exam;

c) The Manager of Printing-Coyping Board shall be held accountable to the Chairperson of Exam Council and to the law for the following tasks and powers: Receiving the envelopes of original question papers from the Chairperson of Exam Council, monitoring the printing-copying process, packing, sealing, preserving and dispatching the envelopes to the Manager of Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board in the witness of the Exam Council’s secretariat and members and assigned police officers; propose the Chairperson of Exam Council to issue decisions on or request commendation for and disciplinary actions against (if any) members of Printing-Copying Board.

2. Process of printing-copying of question papers: a) Proofread the original question papers, scrutinize the print review, compare the print review with the original question paper before printing. Any error or unclear contents in the original question paper should be reported to the Chairperson of Exam Council to receive instruction from the National Steering Committee;

b) Check the exact number of question papers according to the list of candidates of each exam room, each Exam Place, each paper/subject in order to distribute the question papers; write the name of Exam Place, exam room number, name of paper/subject and the number of question papers on each envelope of question papers as prescribed in clause 4 Article 16 of this Regulation before packing;

c) Each paper/subject shall be printed/copied separately: after printing-copying the required number of sheets, seal and pack up the question papers for each exam room, clean up and repeat the process with other papers/subjects. In the process of printing-copying, the quality of the copies must be checked, the proof copies and unusable copies shall be kept and stored as confidential documents;

d) Pack the exact number of question papers for the paper/subject written in the envelope of question papers to ensure sufficient quantity of question papers to each Exam Council, each exam room. Each Exam Place shall has 01 envelope of backup question papers for each paper/subject, with adequate codes for multiple-choice papers). After packing the question papers for each paper/subject, the Manager of Printing-Coyping Board shall manage both envelopes of question papers that have been packed and sealed and disqualified copies, which are redundant, damaged, blurry, torn, dirty, or unusable.

3. Dispatch and handover of question papers:

a) The position of the Manager of Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board shall be held by the Manager of Exam Council, the members of the Board and supervising police officers are assigned by the Chairperson of Exam Council;

b) Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board shall receive sealed envelopes from the Printing-Copying Board, and then store, dispatch and distribute them to Exam Places;

c) The envelopes shall be stored in locked and sealed boxes, cabinets, containers. These containers shall be guarded around the clock and their keys shall be kept by the Manager of Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board; the Manager of Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board may authorize, in writing, persons in charge of dispatch group or team to keep and hand over the keys of boxes, cabinets and containers to the Managers of Exam Places;

d) Make and keep records of handover of question papers between Printing-Copying Board and Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board, between Paper Question Delivery and Handover Board and the Manager of Exam Place.

Article 19. Storage and use of question papers and storage of answer sheets/scripts at Exam Places

1. Question papers and answer sheets/scripts shall be stored in separate cabinets. Cabinets of question papers and answer sheets/scripts shall be made of steady material, locked and sealed (the seal must bear all signatures of the Manager of Exam Place, inspector and police officer), the keys shall be kept by the Manager of Exam Place. The unsealing of a cabinet shall be witnessed by those who signed on that seal, and a record stating time of and reason for unsealing and seal status is required.

2. The area where the question papers, answer sheets/scripts are stored shall be guarded around the clock by the police with fire safety guarantee. The room where the question papers and answer sheets/scripts are stored must be safe and steady, with security cameras active all the time; with police and guards on duty around the clock; a Deputy Manager of Exam Place who has worked for a high school without any candidate in the Exam Place is required to be on the guard in the room all the time when the question papers and answer sheets/scripts have been stored. Particularly in exam dates, the duration on guard of the Deputy Manager of Exam Place in the room where the question papers and answer sheets/scripts have been stored shall commence from the time when the works of an exam date finish and last until the time when the works of the following exam date starts.

3. The envelopes for each paper/subject shall be opened for distribution to candidates at exam rooms on time in accordance with annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET.

4. The backup question papers are only used with the consent of the Manager of National Steering Committee.

Chapter V

INVIGILATION

Article 20. Invigilation Board

1. Composition: The manager: the head of Exam Council; Standing Deputy Manager: the head of DET, the head of exam management division of DET; other Deputy Managers: the head of DET, the heads of certain divisions of DET, and head master of high school; members and secretaries: heads, consultants of divisions affiliated to DET, heads and teachers of high schools.

2. Tasks and powers of Invigilation Board:

a) The Manager of Invigilation Board shall be held accountable to the Chairperson of Exam Council in terms of invigilation practices; run the invigilation practices at the Exam Council, decide the time when the sealed envelopes are dispatched to invigilators, and make decision to deal with situations occurring in the exam sessions;

b) Deputy Manager of Invigilation Board, members and secretaries shall take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the Manager.

3. The Director of DET shall, based on the number of registered candidates at the Exam Council, facilities, and staff, set up Exam Places in high schools and other educational institutions that meet the requirements for administration of the exam.

a) Composition:

Trưởng Điểm thi là lãnh đạo trường phổ thông; một Phó Trưởng Điểm thi là lãnh đạo hoặc Tổ trưởng chuyên môn trường phổ thông nơi đặt Điểm thi phụ trách cơ sở vật chất; các Phó Trưởng Điểm thi là lãnh đạo hoặc Tổ trưởng chuyên môn đến từ trường phổ thông khác; Thư ký Điểm thi là Thư ký hội đồng hoặc giáo viên trường phổ thông; CBCT là giáo viên trường phổ thông hoặc trường THCS trên địa bàn tỉnh; cán bộ giám sát phòng thi là giáo viên trường phổ thông; trật tự viên, nhân viên y tế, nhân viên phục vụ là nhân viên của trường nơi đặt Điểm thi và công an, kiểm soát viên quân sự; The Manager: the head of a high school; a Deputy Manager: the head or dean of a high school where the Exam Place is based, in charge of facilities; Deputy Managers: heads or dean of other high schools; secretary: secretary of Council or a teacher of high school; invigilators: teachers of high school or lower secondary schools in the province; supervisors: teachers of high school: security guard, health workers, service staff: staff of the school where the Exam Place is based and police officers, military controllers;<0}

b) The Manager and Deputy Manager of Exam Place cannot come from the same high school; each exam room must be placed two invigilators from two different high schools; each supervisor shall supervise up to 3 (three) exam rooms in a row of exam rooms; the Manager and Deputy Managers (not in charge of facilities) of Exam Place, invigilators, and supervisors must not perform tasks at an Exam Place with any candidate coming from the high schools where they have worked in the year of exam;

c) The Manager of Exam Place shall initiate performance of tasks and powers in conjuction with invigilation practices at the Exam Place and be accountable for the performance to the Manager of Invigilation Board and the Chairperson of Exam Council;

d) Deputy Managers, invigilators, supervisors and other members shall perform tasks assigned by the Manager of Invigilation Board and be accountable for such performance;

dd) For the performance of tasks at the Exam Place, the leader of Exam Place may use the seal of the high school or educational institution where the Exam Place is based.

Article 21. Complete exam procedures

1. Based on the data of registered candidates, the Secretary Board of Exam Council shall create the list of candidates for each exam room (including the list of candidates’ photos); create Candidate Cards; arrange places for candidates to complete the exam procedures.

2. On the day of completing exam procedures, the Manager of the Exam Place shall arrange staff to instruct candidates to complete exam procedures and inform candidates about the Regulation; record any mistakes about candidates’ name, priorities, permanent residence area and forward such information to the Secretary Board of Exam Council for updates on the exam management software.

Article 22. Processing of conducting of invigilation and responsibilities

1. Subject to assignment of the Manager of Invigilation Board, the Manager of Exam Place shall run the invigilation practices at the Exam Place; store and use question papers and store answer sheets/scripts at the Exam Place; designate tasks to other members at the Exam Place. Before each exam session, the Manager of Exam Place shall ensure unoccupied rooms in the exam ession must be locked and sealed; personal communications devices (if any) of those on duty at the Exam Place must be kept in the guardroom therein; do the casting lots for invigilators and supervisors to assign specific invigilation tasks, ensure principle that one invigilator must not invigilate more than one time in the same room in the exam; do the casting lots as to how to assign candidate numbers in the exam room.

2. Invigilators shall be held accountable to the Manager of Exam Place and perform the following tasks:

a) Present themselves at the Exam Place on time; during the exam time, invigilators must not bring any personal communications devices, do personal affairs, smoke, or consume alcoholic drinks;

b) When entry time is announced, the first invigilator shall call the name of candidates, the second invigilator shall check the Candidate Cards with the list of candidates’ photos to confirm the candidates' identity; make sure that candidates sit on the right seat and check their belongings to remove any prohibited documents and equipment as prescribed in Article 14 of this Regulation;

c) When the next stage is announced, the first invigilator shall receive the envelopes of question papers, the second invigilator shall remind candidates to follow the exam regulation, write his or her full name on the candidates’ answer and scrap papers and sign them based on the number of candidates present (redundant papers with signatures are not allowed); guide candidates to fold their answer papers correctly and check whether they have written their names, numbers and other required fields before taking the test;

d) When hearing the announcement, the first invigilator shall show the envelopes of question papers in front of candidates to let them see that the front and the back seals remain intact and ask two of them to sign the record confirming the condition of envelopes of question papers as witnesses; open the envelopes of question papers and check the number of question papers (any extra, missing sheets or mixed with other subjects' sheets should be reported to the manager of the Exam Place for handling); distribute the question papers to each candidate;

dd) When candidates start doing papers, the first invigilator shall compare the photo attached on Candidate Card to the one in the list of candidates and their photos for identification, write his or her full name on the candidates’ answer, scrap papers and sign them; the second invigilator shall observe the whole room. During the session, one invigilator shall observe from the front to the back of exam room and the other shall observe in the opposite pattern  ; invigilators shall not stand close to candidates and help them cheating by any means, only answer candidates' questions in public and provide answers within the scope of the regulation;

e) Invigilators shall sign and write full names in extra answer sheets/scripts and scrap papers as prescribed in point c, dd clause 1 of this Article;

g) Invigilators shall protect question paper during the exam session and prevent question paper leaks. After 15 minutes from the start of the session is announced (for the independent exam and every component subject in the combined paper), invigilators shall transfer the sealed envelope of extra question papers to the staff member assigned by the manager of the Exam Place;

g) Invigilators may only allow candidates to leave the exam room until two thirds of the examination time has elapsed (in written paper sessions) and after candidates have submitted all their answers sheet/script, question paper and scrap papers before leaving. In case of candidates' temporary leaving, invigilators shall inform supervisors for support;

h) In case of candidates' malpractice, invigilators shall make a record in accordance with the regulation. In case of unusual circumstances, invigilators shall promptly inform the Manager of the Exam Place;

k) 15 minutes before the end of the session (for the independent exam and every component subject in the combined paper), invigilators shall announce the remaining time for candidates;

l) When the end of the session is announced, the first invigilator shall require candidates to stop writing and collect their answer sheets/scripts, even the sheet/script of any candidate whom against a record is taken; the second invigilator shall maintain the discipline in the exam room; the first invigilator shall call the name of candidates and receive their answer papers. When receiving papers, the first invigilator shall count the number of submitted answer sheet/script, ask candidates to write the number of submitted answer sheet/script and sign 2 copies of acknowledgement of submission. Invigilators shall ensure that all the papers have been collected before allowing candidates to leave the room;

m) Invigilators shall put the papers in the envelope in the increased order of candidates’ numbers. The first invigilator shall bring the envelope, 2 copies of acknowledgement of submission, discipline record and evidence (if any), accompanied by the second invigilator, to the secretary of Exam Place as soon as possible after each exam session. Upon the handover, it is required to count publicly and compare the actual number of answer sheets/scripts and pages thereof with acknowledgement of submission and discipline record and evidence (if any);

n) After counting and comparing, answer sheets/scripts and 1 copy of acknowledgement of submission of each exam room shall be put in the envelope of such room; and shall be sealed by the ecretary of Exam Place and the two invigilators on the spot. One seal shall be put on at the middle of the left, right and middle edges of the bag. The Manager and secretary of Exam Place who do the counting and comparing process shall sign and write full names in the seal. Two invigilators shall sign on the edge between the seal and the bag and affix the overlapping stamp on the seal. Then, apply transparent tape around the length of the edge of the envelop and cover it with the sealing tape; Secretary of Exam Place and two invigilators clearly state their full names and sign the handover minutes; the other copy of acknowledgement of submission shall be kept outside, and submitted together with the sealed envelope and sealed invigilation dossier.

3. n) When invigilating multiple-choice papers, in addition to those provisions prescribed in this article, invigilators shall perform the following tasks:

a) Receive and sign multiple-choice answer sheets;

b) Distribute multiple-choice answer sheets and instruct candidates to fill in required fields;

c) Distribute question papers to candidates; each candidate in the same exam room shall receive a question paper with different code; in case of component papers of the natural sciences and social sciences combined papers, candidates shall receive papers with the same code for each paper/subject. When distributing the question papers, invigilators shall ask candidates to check the codes of the question papers then put the papers under the multiple-choice answer sheet and only read the question papers after the invigilator has given permission to do so. When the last candidate has received the question papers, invigilators shall allow candidates to turn up the question papers, write and fill in the question code field in the answer sheet and write the received question code in 2 copies of acknowledgement of submission;

d) In case of combined papers, one multiple-choice answer sheet is for all component subjects. The question papers for the component papers are distributed based on the subjects’ schedule: each component test shall be completed in the given time; right after the end of each paper/subject, invigilators shall collect the question papers and scrap papers of candidates who take exam on that subject and distribute the papers of the following subject as scheduled;

dd) Invigilators shall not collect question papers and scrap papers from candidates who take independent papers and component subject: Biology, Civic Education of the combined paper;

e) Invigilators shall not collect the multiple-choice answer sheets before the end of the exam. When collecting the answers sheets, invigilators shall ensure that the question code written and filled in on candidate’s answer sheet and the 2 copies of acknowledgement of submission must be the same with the printed code on the question paper distributed to the candidate;

g) Invigilators shall hand over the envelope with all the multiple-choice answer sheets organized in the increased order of candidates’ numbers and 1 copy of acknowledgement of submission containing all candidates’ signatures and distributed question codes to the Manager of Exam Place or the person assigned by the Manager of the Exam Place. The other copy of acknowledgement of submission shall be kept outside of the envelope and will be handed together with the sealed enveloped and sealed invigilation dossier.

4. Supervisors shall be held accountable to the Manager of Exam Place and perform the following tasks:

a) Supervise the performance of invigilators and other members at the assigned area;

b) Supervise the candidate who is allowed by the invigilator to leave the exam room;  remind invigilators, security guards, police officers, medical staff of their duties and take records against those who have committed maladministration;

c) Propose the Manager of Exam Place to suspend or change invigilators, security guards, police officers, and medical staff if they have committed maladministration;

d) Ask invigilators to take a record against any candidate who has committed malpractice (if any); work with inspection team on inspecting and dealing with malpractice/maladministration.

5. Security guards, police officers, military controllers (hereinafter referred to as security members) shall be held accountable to the Manager of Exam Place and perform the following tasks: 

a) Those who assigned to protect any area shall protect the assigned one and refrain from coming to other areas;

b) Security members must not allow unauthorized persons to enter the assigned area, must not leave the position and do personal affairs whilst on duty, must not enter the exam room or communicate with candidates;

c) Security members shall report to the Manager of the Exam Place about incidents occuring during the exam time for timely action;

d) Police officers sent to support the Exam Council shall have the additional duty of escorting and protecting the safety of question papers and answer sheets/scripts.

6. Medical staff shall be held accountable to the Manager of Exam Place and perform the following tasks:

a) Be ready at all times in the assigned area by the Exam Council to handle candidates' sickness or emergencies;

b) When the Manager of Exam Place informs any candidates with sickness, medical staff shall provide treatment as soon as possible or if necessary, refer the sick candidate to hospital with the escort of supervisors and police officers; the medical staff is forbidden to take advantage of the examination and treatment provided on the spot to commit the maladministration.

Article 23. Dispatch and handover of answer sheets/scripts

1. The dispatch and handover of answer sheets/scripts from the Exam Place to the Exam Council shall be subject to decision of the Chairperson of Exam Council; be joined by the Manager of Exam Place and police officers throughout the process of dispatch and handover; upon handover process, the seals of envelopes shall be checked and a record bearing all signatures of involved people is required.

2. The Chairperson of Exam Council shall adopt measures to ensure security of answer sheets/scripts as prescribed in clause 3 Article 18 hereof; police officers and the Manager, Deputy Manager, Secretary of Exam Council shall observe and protect the room where answer sheets/scripts have been kept around the clock.

Chapter VI

MARKING

Article 23. Marking area

1. The marking process of each Exam Council is conducted in up to 2 assigned areas; in which, each Marking Board shall mark papers in a single area. The marking area shall meet security and safety requirements, be fully equipped with fire safety devices and under the surveillance of guards around the clock; the places to mark and to store written paper scripts must be arranged near each other; multiple-choice answer sheets shall be kept in a room where they are going to be marked or in a room solely intended for keeping multiple-choice answer sheet, depending on the actual condition there.

2. The rooms with cabinets, boxes, containers in which papers are stored shall be locked and sealed; the seal must bear all signatures of the key keeper, inspector and police officer. The keys of rooms where answer sheets/scripts are stored shall be kept by the managers of Marking Boards; the keys of cabinets, boxes or containers in which envelopes of written paper scripts are stored shall be kept by Secretary of Exam Council who perform tasks at Written Paper Marking Board; the keys of cabinets, boxes or containers in which envelopes of multiple-choice paper answer sheets are stored shall be kept by the Leader of Secretary Team affiliated to Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board. The rooms where answer sheets/scripts are stored, multiple-choice answer sheets and written paper scripts are marked, Secretary Board of Exam Council and Secretary Team of Marking Board perform their tasks, in the marking area, must be equipped with fire safety devices, surveillance cameras in active and police officers and guards around the clock. The rooms where answer sheets/scripts are stored and marked and cabinets, boxes and containers where envelopes are stored shall be opened and closed in the presence of police officers, inspectors, and also recorded in logbook.

3. Members of the Marking Board, on entering and leaving the marking area, must not bring any devices for information recording and transmission, copying documents, any personal papers, correction pen, pencil and other types of pen that are not allowed by the Marking Board.

Article 25. Script Header Removal Board

1. Script Header Removal Board:

a) Composition: The manager: shall be held by the head or member of Exam Council; deputy managers: shall be held by heads of divisions of the DET, heads of high schools; members: officials and public employees of the DET, heads and teachers of high schools, police officers, security guards, medical staff, service staff;

b) Tasks and powers of Script Header Removal Board: Receive written paper scripts in sealed envelopes of Exam Places from Secretary Board of Exam Council; remove script headers and keep them confidential; seal and store answer sheet headers as per regulation on confidentiality throughout the marking duration until the marking of written paper scripts finishes; hand over answer sheets/scripts, headers of which have been removed, in sealed envelopes, to Secretary Board of Exam Council; hand over answer sheet headers, in other sealed envelopes, to Secretary Board of Exam Council after the marking of written paper scripts finishes. The process of removal of answer sheet headers for remarking written paper scripts shall be done in a similar manner as above;

c) Script Header Removal Board shall work independently with other Boards of Exam Council, under direct steering of the Chairperson of Exam Council; only do works related to answer sheets/scripts with presence of at least 2 members of Script Header Removal Board; those in Script Header Removal Board may not join as members of Written Paper Marking Board and Written Paper Re-Marking Board;

d) The Manager of Script Header Removal Board shall perform his/her tasks and powers, take responsibility for the performance of the Script Header Removal Board as prescribed in this Regulation to the Chairperson of Exam Council;

dd) Deputy managers, members of Script Header Removal Board shall take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the Manager.

2. The header removal area must meet security and safety requirements and be fully equipped with fire safety devices and under surveillance of police officers and guards around the clock; be equipped no device used for recording and transmitting information and image; those in Script Header Removal Board must not bring any communications device to this area.

3. Method: The Chairperson of Exam Council shall decide the method of removal of script headers. Header numbers shall be generated randomly from a software to ensure every script of candidate (with equivalent candidate number) shall have one single header number. The generation of header numbers shall be done in the isolated area in the witness of inspectors.

a) Removing headers in one round: Script Header Removal Board must be completely isolated during the process of removal of headers until the marking of written paper scripts finishes; the Manager of Script Header Removal Board shall, in person, do the generation of header numbers using a supporting software of the MOET;

b) Removing headers in two independent rounds: Script Header Removal Board must be completely isolated during the process of removal of headers of each round; members of the Board shall be split into two teams: Header Remover Team round 1 and Header Remover Team round 2; two teams shall work independently and entirely isolated from each other. Header Remover Team round 1 only may leave the isolated area after Header Remover Team round 2 has been isolated. Header Remover Team round 2 must be completely isolated while on duty until the marking of written paper scripts finishes. The Leaders of Header Remover Team round 1 and 2 shall, in person, do the generation of header numbers using the supporting software of the MOET.

4. Handover of written paper scripts, headers of which have been removed, to Exam Council:

a) After completing the removal of script headers, the Manager of Script Header Removal Board shall hand over the written paper scripts, headers of which have been removed, to the Manager of Secretary Board of Exam Council; the Chairperson of Exam Council shall decide to hand over answer sheets/scripts at once or according to marking progress;

b) Script headers shall be stored by Script Header Removal Board and only be handed over to the Manager of Secretary Board of Exam Council after the marking of written paper scripts finishes.

Article 26. Written Paper Marking Board

1. Composition:

a) The Manager of Written Paper Marking Board: the head of Exam Council; Deputy Managers of Written Paper Marking Board: heads of divisions of DET and high schools, in which, Standing Deputy Manager is the head of Exam Management Division or Lower Secondary School of DET;

b) A Deputy Manager whose field of expertise falls in the subject area of the written paper shall hold the position of Lead of Subject Marking;

c) Written Paper Marking Board shall have at least two Marking Teams under management of Lead of Subject Marking; each Marking Team shall have a Leader and examiners, who are officials, public employees and teachers teaching the subject area of the written paper to be marked; members of Secretary Board and Script Header Removal Board are not allowed to mark papers;

d) Police officers, security guards, medical staff and service staff.

2. The Manager of Marking board shall run the marking practices and be held accountable to the Chairperson of Exam Council for the marking process, progress and quality; have powers to replace or dismiss any member who is deemed irresponsible or has committed maladministration or has made many mistakes in performing their assigned tasks; conduct examination or verification upon occurrence of any incident.

3. Deputy Manager of Written Paper Marking Board take responsibility for their performance of tasks and powers as assigned or authorized by the Manager.

4. Lead of Subject Marking shall be held accountable to the Chairperson of Exam Council and the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board for the management and process of marking of written paper scripts of Exam Council in compliance with the Regulation; and perform the following tasks:

a) Plan the marking schedule; receive scripts and assign tasks to examiners;

b) Before marking, the Lead of Subject Marking shall work with the members to discuss the application of marking scheme, answer key and grading scale, and hold a review of the team’s performance;

c) Propose the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board to replace or dismiss any member who is deemed irresponsible, has made many mistakes or has committed maladministration;

d) After marking process, the Lead shall hold a review of the team’s performance.

5. Leader of Marking Team shall help Lead of Subject Marking manage and run the marking practice in each Team and perform the tasks assigned by the Lead.

6. Members of the Written Paper Marking Board shall perform tasks assigned by the Manager of the Board and comply with provisions in this Regulation; examiners shall comply with orders of their Leader and the Lead.

Article 27. Marking of scripts

1. General provisions concerning marking of scripts:

a) Examiners shall follow the marking scheme, answer key and grading scale of the MOET; script is graded on scale 0-10, counted up to 0.25; each script is marked through two independent rounds by two examiners from two different Marking Teams;

b) The Secretary Board of Exam Council will deliver the envelope of scripts with headers removed and the record of scores to the Lead of Marking Subject;

c) The Lead of Marking Subject shall gather all Leaders of Marking Teams, examiners to announce the Regulation, discuss the marking scheme, and grade at least 10 scripts so as to withdraw experience and reach a consensus on application of the marking scheme; then conduct the marking through two independent rounds in two separated rooms;

d) The envelope of scripts shall be handed over to an examiner who is chosen by casting lot.

2. First-round marking:

a) The Lead of Subject Marking shall hand over envelopes of scripts to examiners by casting lot;

b) Before marking, examiners shall check every script to make sure that they have received sufficient pages and headers as written on the envelope and cross out any blanks left on the paper. Examiners must not mark any script made of material different from the paper used for the exam;

c) In case of missing pages, headers, answers written on scrap papers or unspecified papers, papers with handwriting of two people, answers written in two different colors and more or in red color, answers written in pencil or any note, drawing that have no related meaning to the exam, torn or intentional marking, examiners shall transfer these scripts to the Leader of Marking Team, who will forward these scripts to the Lead of Subject Marking for consideration;

d) In the first-round marking, except for the cross out strokes in blank areas, examiners must not write anything on the candidates’ scripts and the envelope. Scores for each question, total score and comments (if any) shall be written on the record of scores for each written paper. On the record, examiners shall write and sign their full name.After finishing marking one envelope, examiners shall bring that marked envelope to the Leader of Marking Team, who will forward it to the Lead of Subject Marking for continuing forward to the Secretary Board of Exam Council.

3. Second-round marking:

a) After receiving envelopes of scripts from the first-round marking, members of the Secretary Board of Exam Council shall take the records of scores out of the envelopes and give back to the Lead of Marking Subject and then cast lots for the second-round marking, making sure that an envelope of marked scripts should not be given back the examiner who marked those scripts;

b) The second-round marking examiners shall mark directly onto the candidates’ scripts and write the marks on the record of scores. Scores for each part of an answer shall be written in the margin next to the marked part, then the total score for each answer and for the whole paper shall be written in the scores areas. Examiners shall write their full names and sign at all required areas in every page of the candidate’s script;

c) After finishing one envelope, the examiner shall bring this envelope to the Leader of Marking Team, who will forward this to the Lead of Subject Marking for further forward to the Secretary Board of Exam Council.

4. Processing scores and taking record of marking

Members of the Secretary Board of Exam Council, the Lead of Marking Subject, the Leader of Marking Team and examiners shall compare the scores and proceed as follows:

a) The final score after two rounds of marking:

b) The final score after two rounds of marking:

5. Inputing scores of written paper:

a) Score Input Team is affiliated to Secretary Board of Exam Council, the position of Leader is held by the head or member of Secretary Board of Exam Council; Score Input Team consists of at least two sub-teams, each sub-team shall have at least three members;

b) Score Input Team shall input scores of written paper in two independent rounds provided that each round is undertaken by a different sub-team on the marking software in the witness and observation of inspectors.

Article 28. Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board

1. Composition of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board:

a) The Manager shall be the leader of the Exam Council;

b) Deputy Managers shall be heads of divisions of the DET and high schools:

c) Marking Team, composed of: Leader: the head of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board; other members: officials and public employees, and teachers under management of the DET and high schools;

d) Secretary Team, composed of: Leader: a Deputy Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board; other members: officials and public employees, and teachers under management of the DET and high schools;

dd) Supervision Team, composed of: Leader: a Deputy Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board; other members: officials and public employees, and teachers under management of the DET and high schools;

e) Police officers, security guards, medical staff and service staff.

2. The Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall run the marking practices and be held accountable to the Chairperson of Exam Council for the marking process, progress and quality; have powers to replace or dismiss any member who is deemed irresponsible or has committed maladministration or has made many mistakes in performing their assigned tasks; conduct examination or verification upon occurrence of any incident at the request of the Supervior Team.

3. Deputy Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall perform the tasks as assigned by the Manager.

4. Marking Team shall carefully read the manual of multiple-choice paper marking software provided by the MOET and use it to mark multiple-choice answer sheets.

5. Secretary Team is tasked to help Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board to prepare documents, forms and records for marking of multiple-choice answer sheets; receive answer sheets from the Exam Council; seal and unseal the envelopes; store answer sheets whilst they have been kept in the room where they have been marked.

6. The Supervision Team shall work indepedently from other Teams of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board. The Supervision Team shall continuously supervise the process of marking and storage of multiple-choice answer sheets at the room as per the Regulation. Any suspicion shall be promptly reported to the Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board for suspension of the marking process and the Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall verify and take actions before resuming the marking process.

7. Members of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall comply with the assignments given by the Manager as per the Regulation.

Article 29. Marking of multiple-choice answer sheets

1. General principles for marking of multiple-choice answer sheets:

a) Members of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board, any person in charge in the area where multiple-choice answer sheets are marked must not bring any pencil, eraser and other forbidden items as per the Regulation into the marking room; and must not make any correction or interlineation/omission in the multiple-choice answer sheets of candidates in any form and for any reason;

b) Members of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall strictly comply with the marking process as prescribed; any suspicion shall be promptly reported to the Leader of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board for, together with the Supervision Team, taking a record, and then report it to the Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board for further action;

c) Multiple-choice answer sheets must be marked by a specialized software provided by the MOET, from the scanning stage to the time when the score of the answer is given;

d) Only paper codes in the files prescribed by the MOET shall be used;

dd) During the processing and marking process, Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall promptly update and report to the MOET as prescribed.

2. Processing multiple-choice answer sheets:

a) Scanning: Scan multiple-choice answer sheets by envelopes, check every envelope in the software and seal it when it is done. After scanning all envelopes/the multiple-choice answer sheets of Exam Council, all scans automatically encrypted by the software shall be copied to 2 CDs/DVDs (hereinafter referred to as CDs) with the same content;

b) Recognizing scans: After recognizing all scans of multiple-choice answer sheets of Exam Council, all scans automatically encrypted by the software shall be copied to 2 CDs/DVDs (hereinafter referred to as CDs) with the same content;

c) Fixing technical defects: After fixing all technical defects of multiple-choice answer sheets of Exam Council, all scans automatically encrypted by the software shall be copied to 2 CDs/DVDs (hereinafter referred to as CDs) with the same content;

d) In each step in points a, b, c hereof, the 2 CDs with same content must be sealed under supervision of the Supervisions Team, police and recorded in writing; only 1 CD is sent to the Department of Quality Control affiliated to the MOET for management and the other CD is sent to the Chairperson of Exam Council for storage and next step is only proceeded when the Chairperson of Exam Council approves to do so. It is required to seek approval from the National Steering Committee to use these CDs.

3. Marking: After completing the works in clause 2 hereof, Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board shall unseal the CD containing data of marking of multiple-choice answer sheets of the MOET, take a record of unsealing and input data into the multiple-choice paper marking software under supervision of police and Supervision Team; mark and count up to 0.25 for each paper and component subject of the combined paper; only use the codes of papers/subjects in the files as prescribed by the MOET; during the process, the Exam Council must promptly update and report to the MOET. <0}

4. As soon as the marking is completed, the official files and test results (exported from the software in the format required by the MOET) shall be copied to 2 same CDs/DVDs, which shall be sealed under supervision of the Supervision Team and the police, and recorded in writing. 1 CD shall be sent to the Department of Quality Control affiliated to the MOET and 1 CD shall be kept by the Chairperson of Exam Council for update into the database of the exam management software and storage.

5. The marking of multiple-choice answer sheets shall be performed as per requirements and procedures prescribed in this Article. Any problem arising must be recorded in writing and reported to the Provincial Steering Board or the National Steering Committee for consideration.

Article 30. Marking assessment of written papers

1. The Manager of Written Paper Marking Board shall establish a Marking Assessment Team, composed of: The leader: to be held by Deputy Manager of Written Paper Marking Board and examiners. The examiner must not, concurrently, perform other tasks in the Written Paper Marking Board and Secretary Board of Exam Council.

2. Tasks and powers of the Marking Assessment Team:

a) Evaluate at least 5% of the amount of scripts which was already marked in round 1 or round 2 according to the progress of marking each paper/subject and at the request of the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board; each script undergoing marking assessment shall be marked by an assessment examiner following first-round marking process as specified in clause 2 Article 27 of this Regulation;

b) At the end of the marking assessment session or if necessary, the Leader of Marking Assessment Team shall gather the result and report to the Manager of Written Paper Marking Boardard for suitable adjustments in the marking process to ensure a fair, objective and serious marking process;

c) The Marking Assessment Team only works directly with Written Paper Marking Teams and other relevant examiners by the request of the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board. The session result shall be recorded in writing.

3. the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board shall decide whether or not a dialogue between the examiners and the assessment examiners should be held.

Article 28. Score management

1. After the marking of all subjects is completed, the Chairperson of Exam Council shall approve the exam scores, report and send all exam data to the Department of Quality Control affiliated to the MOET for storage and comparison. The official files and test results shall be copied to 02 CDs, which shall be sealed under supervision of the supervision team and the police and the process shall be recorded in writing. 01 CD shall be held by the Chairperson of Exam Council and 01 CD shall be sent by to the Department of Quality Control.

2. In order to ensure the accuracy of exam score data, the MOET shall use the CD containing the exam scores sent by the Exam Councils to update in the system; Exam Councils shall use the CD kept at the Exam Council to the exam management software and compare them thereafter. After every Exam Council completes the comparation and make all necessary preparations, the exam scores shall be published as prescribed.

3. After approving and sending the exam scores to MOET, the Chairperson of Exam Council shall direct the Secretary Board of Exam Council to printing score certificates of candidates (in the format designed by MOET), signing and sending those certificates to high schools or places where which candidates registered to take the exam. Each candidate shall receive one score certificate with one unique code.

4. Any documents related to the scores shall be sealed and stored by the Chairperson of Exam Council.

Chapter VII

REMARKING AND REVIEWING

Article 29. Remarking Board

1. Written Paper Re-Marking Board shall have a composition as similar as that of Written Paper Marking Board as per clause 1 Article 26 of this Regulation; Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board shall have a composition as similar as that of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board as per clause 1 Article 28 of this Regulation. A member of Answer Script Header Removal Board and Written Paper Marking Board must to join Written Paper Re-Marking Board; a member of Multiple-Choice Paper Marking Board must not join Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board.

2. Tasks of Re-Marking Boards:

a) Written Paper Re-Marking Board: Check for scoring errors such as wrong calculation of score, writing down wrong score; re-mark the papers as requested by candidates;

b) Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board: Double check errors in marking process of multiple-choice answer sheets; check for technical defects; re-mark the papers as requested by candidiates;

c) Submit the re-marked papers to the Chairperson of Exam Council for decision.

3. The re-marking process shall be conducted in a place meeting all requirements in Article 24 hereof.

Article 33. Re-marking procedures

1. Candidates can request for re-marking by sending re-marking application to the registered Exam Place.

2. The high school where a candidate registered shall receive that candidate’s re-marking application within 10 days from the day of score announcement. Within 15 days from the deadline for submisison of re-marking application, the Exam Council shall post and send the re-marked score to the candidate.

3. Before sending the answer sheet/script to be re-marked to the Re-Marking Board, the Secretary Board of Exam Council shall perform these following tasks:

a) Sort out the candidate numbers to find the number written on matching header of the script or the multiple-choice answer sheet. Take out the script/sheet and compare it with the copy of acknowledgement of submission.

b) Collect all the scripts/sheets to be re-marked of a paper/subject and put them into one or several envelopes, write the number of scripts/sheets and pages thereof on each envelope;

c) Regarding written paper scripts: Hand scripts of candidates applying for re-marking to Answer Script Header Removal Board for removing script headers; hand scripts with removed headers and forward them to Written Paper Re-Marking Board for remarking;

d) The handover of scripts between Secretary Board of Exam Council and Written Paper Re-Marking Board shall be done as prescribed in Article 27 hereof; the handover of multiple-choice answer sheets must accompany with the acknowledgement of submission.

4. Re-Marking Scripts: Each script shall be re-marked by two examiners as prescribed in Article 27 of the Regulation and with the ink color different from the ink color already used to mark previously. Any work related to the re-marking shall be joined by at least two members of Written Paper Re-Marking Board under supervision of the inspector. The re-marking score of scripts shall be decided by the Secretary Board of Exam Council as follows:

a) If the exam scores of the two re-marking examiners are the same, that score will be the re-marking score and the examiners shall sign on the remarked script;

b) If the exam scores of the two re-marking examiners are not the same, that script shall be handed to the Manager of Written Paper Re-Marking Board for forwarding to the third examiner to re-mark directly with different ink color;

c) If the exam scores of the two in three re-marking examiners are the same, the agreed score will be the re-marking score. If the exam scores of all three re-marking examiners are not the same, the Manager of Written Paper Re-Marking Board shall take the average of the exam scores and round to the nearest one hundredth as the final score; the examiners shall sign on the re-marked script;

d) If the difference in the re-marking score and the marking one is 0.25 point, the final score will be the re-marking one. In case the difference is from 0.5 points and above, a dialogue between the examiners and re-marking examiners shall be held (meeting minutes is required). Any misconduct shall be reported to the Manager of Written Paper Re-Marking Board for consideration.

5. Re-marking multiple-choice answer sheets:

a) The envelopes shall not be unsealed until every member tasked to re-mark multiple-choice answer sheets is present. An Exam Council having a great deal of sheets to be re-marked may split certain teams for re-marking. Every sheet in an envelope must be re-marked and the envelope must be re-sealed and then the next envelope may be opened;

b) Compare every answer filled in the multiple-choice answer sheet and the image scanned in the computer; in case of any discrepancy, the cause thereof must be discovered; and then print the scores from the software before and after correction;

c) The re-marking score data shall be exported from the software and copied into 2 same CDs, sealed under supervision of the Supervision Team, the police and recorded in writing, with the signature of the Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board; 1 CD shall be sent to Department of Quality Control affiliated to the MOET; 1 CD shall be handed to the Chairperson of Exam Council for update to the database of the exam management software and storage;

d) When the re-marking is completed, Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board shall make a final record bearing signature of the Manager and all members, Supervision Team;

dd) The Supervision Team shall supervise all stages of the re-marking of multiple-choice answer sheets in a direct, regular and uninterupted manner.

6. Re-marked scores shall be sent to the Manager of Multiple-Choice Paper Re-Marking Board in order to seek decision from the Chairperson of Exam Council. The Chairperson of Exam Council shall update scores of candidates after re-marking into the exam management software as prescribed by the MOET; report and send data to Department of Quality Control affiliated to the MOET.

7. The Exam Council shall print score certificates after re-marking and send them to candidates whose scores are ajdusted; as well as revoke and cancel the score certificates issued before re-marking.

Article 34. Marking review

1. In case of necessity, the Minister of MOET shall establish a Marking Review Council to mark all or some of the marked scripts/sheets, or examine the remarked scores of one or several Exam Councils.

2. Marking Review Council of the MOET: The Director of the Department of Quality Control shall hold the position of the Manager; Deputy Directors of units affiliated to MOET shall hold the position of Deputy Managers; members, secretaries of this Council are heads, specialists of units affiliated to MOET and qualified officials, lecturers and teachers.

3. A review examiner must not mark a script which he/she previously marked in the Written Paper Marking Board and Written Paper Re-Marking Board.

4. The review score of the Marking Review Council shall be the official score for the reviewed script.

5. The Chairperson of Marking Review Council shall decide whether or not a dialogue between the examiners, re-marking examiners and review examiners shall take place.

6. The Marking Rreview Council of MOET shall use the seal of the Department of Quality Control.

Chapter VIII

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION ASSESSMENT AND ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETE COMPULSORY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Article 35. Exemption from Foreign Language paper in high school graduation assessment

1. Eligible entities:

a) Members in the national team for the International Olympiad of Foreign Languages in accordance with the decision of the Minister of MOET;

b) Those who have required certificates in accordance with annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam issued by the MOET.

2. Candidates with exemption from Foreign Language paper shall obtain the score 10 for this paper for high school graduation assessment.

3. Those who choose not to be exempted from Foreign Language paper shall take the exam and his/her score will be used for the graduation assessment in the same way of non-exempt candidate’s case.

Exemption from all papers of the exam

1. A person chosen to become a member in the national team for the International or Regional Olympiad of academic subject shall be exempt from all papers of the high school graduation examination if he/she:

a) is chosen in the second semester of 12^th grade;

b) has his/her conduct classified as Good and academic performance classified as Good or above in the 12^th grade; and

c) is named in a list of exemption of the MOET.

2. A person chosen to become a member in the national team for the International or Regional Olympiad of engineering or arts shall be exempt from all papers of the high school graduation examination if he/she:

a) is chosen in the second semester of 12th grade;

b) has his/her conduct classified as Average and academic performance classified as Average or above in the 12^th grade; and

c) is named in an offical dispatch on request for exemption and confirmation of training and taking test made by the recruiter sent to the DET before the date of high school graduation exam.

3. People suffering from extremely severe disabilities and severe disabilities as prescribed in clause 1, clause 2 Article 3 of the Government’s Decree No. 28/2012/ND-CP dated April 10 2012; revolutionary activists infected with chemical toxins with the degree of impairment from 61% and above; offspring of revolutionary activists infected with chemical toxins with the degree of impairment from 61% and above must satisfy the following requirements:

a) In the case of disabled students who follow the general education program: They must finish the high school program and meet the requirements as prescribed in clause 2 Article 12 of this Regulation to take the exam; and have the certificate of disability issued by the competent authority;

b) In the case of disabled students who  do not meet the requirements of the general education program: They shall have the certificate of the implementation of the individual education plan each year at high school level approved by the headmaster of the school at which they studied; and have the certificate of disability issued by a competent authority;

c) In the case of revolutionary activists and their children infected with chemical toxins: They must finish the high school program and meet the requirements as prescribed in clause 2 Article 12 of this Regulation to take the exam; and have the certificate of infection with chemical toxins with the working capacity loss from 61% and above issued by a competent authority.

Article 37. Cases of exception in graduation recognition

1. Candidates who meet the requirements prescribed in Article 12 of this Regulation may be granted an exception of graduation recognition in the following cases: Those who have an accident, get sick or get into unexpected situations during 10 days before the exam or being unable to take the exam because of the mentioned reasons at the first day of exam.

a) Conditions for granting exception: Academic performance and conduct in 12^th grade shall be classified as Good and above;

b) Required documents in the application: The admission and discharge notes of hospital of district level and above are required in the case of sickness and having an accident; records for unexpected situations verified by the local People’s Committee are required in the case of getting into unexpected situations. Proposal record of exception in graduation recognition of the high school at which the candidate registered for the exam and proof of academic performance and conduct in 12^th grade.

2. Those who have an accident, get sick or get into unexpected situations after taking at least one test and being unable to take the rest of the exam or volunteering for taking the rest of the exam after their recovery.

a) Conditions for granting exception: Scores of the taken papers required for graduation recognition shall be 5.0 and above; academic performance and conduct in 12^th grade shall be classified as Average for the former and Good for the latter;

b) Required documents in the application: applciation for granting exception; the admission and discharge notes of hospital of district level and above are required in the case of sickness and having an accident; records for unexpected situations verified by the local People’s Committee are required in the case of getting into unexpected situations and proof of academic performance and conduct in 12th grade.

3. Athletes who are eligible for exception of graduation recognition as per Article 5 of Decree No. 36/2019/ND-CP dated April 29, 2019.

4. Procedures:

a) Candidates shall submit the application of granting exception to the head of units at which candidates registered for the exam in no more than 7 days after the end of the final paper. The head of the unit shall receive and transfer candidates’ applications of granting exception to DETs;

b) The council of graduation recognition shall consider and grant exception for qualified candidates prescribed in Clause 1 and 2 of this Article.

Article 38. Retained scores

1. Candidates' scores are retained as follows: Candidates who took all required papers in the last year exam but have not been qualified to graduate and have no record of score disposal can reuse any score that was marked from 5.0 and above for the relevant paper or component subject in the combined paper in the following year exam to be qualified for high school graduation assessment.

2. Those who chooses not to use the retained score shall take all papers and his/her scores will be used for the high school graduation assessment in the same way for candidates without retained scores .

Article 39. Bonus points

1. The bonus points policy is applied to three groups of candidates, in which Group 1 consists of normal candidates with no bonus points. Candidates in Group 2 and 3 shall receive the amount of bonus points as follows:

2. Group 2 : Candidates shall receive 0.25 point as bonus if they are one of the following subjects:

a) Continuing education candidates who are war invalids, sick soldiers, those receiving the same benefits as war invalids, sick soldiers with the degree of impairment under 81%;

b) Children of war invalids, sick soldiers; those who are receiving the same benefits as war invalids, sick soldiers with the degree of impairment under 81% , Hero of the People’s Armed Force, Hero of Labor; children of Vietnamese Heroic Mother, Hero of the People’s Armed Force, Hero of Labor;

c) Ethnic minority candidates;

d) Kinh ethnic people, foreigners who has registered of permanent residency for 3 years and above (up to the date of the exam) and live in extremely disadvantaged communes, border communes, former revolution bases under the cover of program 135, extremely disadvantaged communes in coastal areas and islands specified in current regulation by the Prime Minister; live in extremely disadvantaged communes in Zone I,II,III of mountainous areas and highlands specified in current regulation by the Committee of Ethnic Minority Affairs; study at high schools located outside the urban districts area of central-affiliated cities for at least two thirds of high school time;

dd) Those who are infected with dioxin, children of those infected with dioxin, children of revolutionary activists infected with chemical toxins, those who have deformities, malformations, working capacity loss as a result of exposing to chemical toxins certified by competent authorities;

e) Continuing education candidates whose age is 35 and above at the time of the exam.

3. Group 3 : Candidates shall receive 0.5 point as bonus if they are one of the following subjects:

a) Minority ethnics people who live in extremely disadvantaged communes, border communes, former revolution bases under the cover of program 135, extremely disadvantaged communes in coastal areas and islands specified in current regulation by the Prime Minister; live in extremely disadvantaged communes in Zone I,II,III of mountainous areas and highlands specified in current regulation by the Committee of Ethnic Minority Affairs; study at high schools located outside the urban districts area of central-affiliated cities for at least two thirds of high school time.

b) Continuing education candidates who are war invalids, sick soldiers; those who are receiving the same benefits as war invalids, sick soldiers with the degree of impairment from 81% and above;

c) Children of war invalids, sick soldiers; those who are receiving the same benefits as war invalids, sick soldiers with the degree of impairment from 81% and above.

4. Candidates with more than one benefit shall only enjoy the most beneficial one.

5. Bonus point policy for other beneficiaries specified in current law will be decided by the Minister of MOET.

Article 40. Extra points

1. Students participating in contests and other activities shall receive the amount of extra points as follows:

a) Get individual prizes in the contest of sciences for excellent 12th-graders: Win first, second, third prize in the national contest or first prize in provincial contests: +2.0 points; get consolation prize in the national contests or second prize in provincial contests: +1.5 points; Get third prize in provincial contests: +1.0 points;

b) Get individual or team prizes in practical contests of Physics, Chemistry, Biology; arts, sports contests, exhibitions of national defense education, science and engineering contests, international letter-writing competitions held by education units cooperating with other relevant units from provincial level and above for high school students. Individual prizes: Win first, second, third prize in the national contests , first prize in provincial contests or gold medal : +2.0 points; get consolation prize in the national contests, second prize in provincial contests or silver medal : +1.5 points; bronze medal : + 1.0 point. Team prizes: Extra points only awarded to candidates with team prizes at national level; the number of players, athletes, actors in the team shall be referred to the rules provided by each prize’s organizers; the amount of extra points awarded for individuals in a team prize shall be the same with the individual prize specified in this point;

c) Candidates with prizes from several contests shall only receive the highest extra score for the highest prize.

2. High school students, continuing education students who have to undergo conduct assessment, continuing education students who are following a program that combines both intermediate vocational training and secondary education and have the vocational training certificate issued by the DET, educational institutions and vocational training institutions shall be eligible for extra points according to the classification of their vocational training certificates as follows:

a) “Very Good” for Vocational Certificate, “Excellent” and “Very Good” for Diploma Level 4 of VQF/ Intermediate Professional Education Diploma: + 2.0 points;

b) “Good” for Vocational Certificate, “Good” and “Average Good” for Diploma Level 4 of VQF/ Intermediate Professional Education Diploma: + 1.5 points;

c) “Ordinary”: +1.0 point.

3. Continuing education students who have foreign language and/or informatics certificates in accordance with regulations by MOET during high school: +1.0 point for each certificate. 

4. In case of having several certificates qualified for getting bonus as prescribed in this clause, the maximum amount that candidates can receive is 4.0 extra points.

5. If extra points specified in point a, b, c of this clause were gained during high school time, they shall be retained and added later to the final score for graduation assessment.

Article 41. Grade-point average for graduation assessment

1. Grade-point average for graduation assessment: consists of scores of papers for high school graduation assessment as prescribed in poit a clause 3 Article 12 of this Regulation, bonus points, extra points (if any) and the grade-point average of 12th grade, score of each paper/subject will be converted into scale 1-10.  <0}

a) The grade-point average (GPA) for high school students is calculated as follows:

b) The graduate point average (GPA) for continuing education students is calculated as follows:

2. Grade-point average for graduation assessment shall be rounded to the nearest one hundredth by examination software.

Article 43. High school graduation recognition

1. Candidates who meet the requirements of taking the exam, have no discipline record at the level of score disposal and above, have all papers and component subjects in combined papers scored greater than 1 point in scale 1-10 and have the grade-point average for graduation assessment from 5 and above are qualified to be recognized as high school graduates.

2. Candidates who meet the requirements of taking the exam and have the grant of exemption from all of papers as prescribed in Article 36 of this Regulation shall be recognized as high school graduates.

Article 43. Graduation Assessment Council

1. The Director of DET shall establish the Graduation Assessment Council with the following composition:

a) The President: head of the DET;

b) Vice presidents: the managers of Examination, Secondary Education and Continuing education departments of the DET;

c) Members: heads, specialists, employees of units affiliated to the DET, heads of high schools.

2. The Graduation Assessment Council shall organize the graduation assessment process for qualified candidates in accordance with this chapter.

Article 44. High school graduation recognition

1. Request for high school recognition includes:

a)  Documentation on information used for high school graduation assessment;

b) List of qualified candidates for approval;

c) List and applications of candidates with exception, exemption or graduated after re-marking or adjusting candidates’ information;

d) CD with exam data;

dd) Other related documents;

e) Other documents in accordance with MOET guidance per annum.

2. Procedures for high school graduation recognition:

a) The Director of DET shall approve high school graduation recognition regarding eligible candidates and be responsible for his/her approval to the MOET;

b)  After reporting to MOET, Directors of DET shall announce the graduation recognition on websites and inform high school to post the list of graduated candidates and issue the temporary certificates of high school graduation;

c) The temporary certificate of high school graduation shall be signed by the headmaster of high school and its validity is remained until the candidate receives the official one;

d) DETs shall send the list of graduates to MOET after the end of the exam for management.

Article 41. Issuance and management of high school diplomas

1. Candidate specified in points a, b clause 1 Article 12 of this Regulation shall receive the high school diploma if he/she meets the requirements of graduation. 2. Director of DET shall direct and manage the issuance of high school diploma and its copies, other documents related to the bonus points, privileges or score retention in accordance with the regulation of the MOET.

Article 46. Issuance of certificates of complete compulsory education program

1. A student who is prescribed in points a, b clause 1 Article 12 of this Regulation and is qualified for taking the exam but has not taken the exam or fails to meet the graduation recognition requirements will be issued with a certificate of complete compulsory education program.

2. The power to issue and form of certificate of complete compulsory education program are stipulated in the Decision No. 39/2008/QD-BGDDT dated August 22, 2008 of the Minister of MOET.

3. The management, use of blank certificate, issuance, modification, revocation, cancellation, issuance of certified copies from master register concerning certificates of complete compulsory education program shall be done in the same manner as if they are diplomas or certificates as prescribed in Circular No. 21/2019/TT-BGDDT dated November 29, 2019 of the Minister of MOET.

4. The master register of certificates of complete compulsory education program must record adequate and accurate contents of certificates of complete compulsory education program, have no erasures, be given page numbers, fan-stamped, and kept under strict management perpetually.

5. The issuance of certificates of complete compulsory education program shall apply from July 1, 2020.

Chapter IX

REPORT AND STORAGE

Article 47. Report

1. Each DET shall assign a group of officials and public employees to gather information, statistics before, during and after the exam, prepare necessary documents and report in accordance with regulations.

2. The report procedure is stipulated in annual guidelines for administration of high school graduation exam of MOET.

Article 48. Storage of exam data

From the last date of the exam, education authorities shall keep the following:

1. The MOET shall keep the list of recognized graduates from DETs permanently.

2. DETs shall:

a) Keep the following permanently: documentation of exam scores; documentation of information used for high school graduation assessment; the list of recognized graduates; books of issued high school diplomas;

b) Keep the following for 12 months: Decisions on establishment of the Provincial Steering Committee, Exam Council and other relevant boards; summary report and statistics of the exam; records of the Exam Council; other documents that is relevant to the exam; decisions on establishment of Re-Marking Board, summary report, the list of scores after re-marking and other relevant documents; discipline report (if any); other documents in accordance with MOET guidance per annum; data storage devices (hardware, memory cards) of surveillance cameras used in the exam and the server used for marking of multiple-choice papers;

c) Keep the following for 24 months: Candidates’s scripts/answer sheets and relevant marking porfolios; application of candidates with exception, exemption from the exam, candidates’ claims or handling of complaints.

3. High schools shall keep applications for the exam of candidates for 12 months. The original academic transcripts and other certificates attached in registration application shall be returned to candidates by high schools after the announcement of graduation assessment result.

Chapter X

INSPECTION, COMMENDATION, HANDLING UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS AND VIOLATIONS

Article 49. Exam inspection

1. The Chief Inspector of MOET shall decide the establishment of inspectorates that will inspect the preparation and administration of the exam and inspect stages of the exam in administrative divisions; in necessary cases, the establishment of inspectorates shall be subject to decision of the Minister of MOET.

2. The Chief Inspector of province shall establish inspectorates to inspect stages of the exam in the administrative divisions, subject to direction of the President of the People’s Committee of province.

3. The Chief Inspector of the DET shall establish inspectorates to inspect the preparation, invigilation, marking, re-marking, and high school graduation assessment of the DET; in necessary cases, the establishment of inspectorates shall be subject to decision of the Director of DET.

4. The MOET shall provide guidelines for inspection of the exam as per the law.

Article 50. Commendation

1. Eligible entities: Officials, lecturers, teachers, students and staff with excellent performances during the exam shall be commended.

2. Forms of commendation:

a) Those with good performances in the exam shall be commended in the meeting of Question Paper Setting Council or Exam Council and the units where they work or study will be informed about their performances;

b) Those with good performances in the exam shall receive certificates of merit awarded by Director of DET;

c) Those with good performances in the exam shall receive certificates of merit awarded by the Minister of MOET, Presidents of provincial People’s Committee, Chief of the General Staff of People's Army of Vietnam.

3. Application and procedures: The National Steering Committee and Provincial Steering Committee, Question Paper Setting Council, Exam Council and relevant units shall consider and decide to grant rewards within their authorities or propose higher competent authorities to reward officials, lecturers, teachers, students and staff with excellent performance during the exam.

4. Funds for commendation shall be set aside from the sources used for administration of the exam.

Article 46. Handle unexpected situations concerning question papers

1. Any mistakes found in question papers during the process of printing-copying and invigilation shall be promptly reported to the National Steering Committee for handling by the manager of Exam Council.

2. Any unexpected situations concerning question papers must be reported to the Steering Committee for consideration.

3. The National Steering Committee shall take entire responsibilites for handling the case of question paper leakage. When it is officially concluded that a question paper is leaked, the National Steering Committee shall suspend the exam session of that leaked paper/subject and use backup question paper to administer that paper/subject at an appropriate time after the final scheduled session of the exam.

Article 52. Receiving and handling information and evidences of malpractice/maladministration

1. Recipients of information and evidence of malpractice/maladministration:

a) The National Steering Committee, Provincial Steering Committees;

b) The Manager of Exam Council, the Manager of Exam Place;

c) Provincial inspectors, education and training inspectors.

2. Evidences of malpractice/maladministration which have been verified shall prevail as a basis for actions against wrongdoers.

3. Provision of information and evidences of malpractice/maladministration:

a) Candidates, members of Exam Councils and citizens are encouraged to detect and report any malpractice/maladministration;

b) Those who detect any malpractice/maladministration shall promptly report to the competent authorities specified in clause 1 of this Article for further actions;

c) Those who have an evidence of malpractice/maladministration shall promptly report to the competent authorities specified in clause 1 of this Article for further actions. The process of receiving and handling reports on malpractice/maladministration shall be done in accordance with law on denunciation;

d) Those who provide information, evidence of malpractice/maladministration shall be responsible to the law for the authenticity of that information/evidence and have no intention of exploiting this to cause negative impact on the exam.

4. Any entity receiving information, evidence of misconduct or malpractice/maladministration shall perform the following tasks:

a) Receive the information, evidence in accordance with the regulation; protect the evidence and verify the authenticity of received ones and propose competent authorities to take actions against these malpractice/maladministration;

b) Promptly initiate measures to prevent misconduct and malpractice/maladministration as per regulation;

c) Handle misconduct and malpractice/maladministration in authority or report the situation to competent agencies for handling and announce the result of handling those who committed misconduct or malpractice/maladministration;

d) Remain the information and identification of the providers confidential.

Article 53. Actions against individuals joining administration of the exam and relevant individuals who commit acts of maladministration

1. Individuals joining administration of the exam who are officials and public employees and have committed acts of maladministration (detected in or after the exam) shall be suspended from performing exam-related tasks and disciplined by their employers as per the law on officials and public employees as follows:

a) Reprimand is issued with those who commit acts of maladministration for the first time severity of which is below the ones specified in point b, c, and d;

b) Warning is issued for those who commit one of the following acts of maladministration: Allow candidates to cheat, bring handouts and prohibited items specified in point n, clause 4 Article 14 of this Regulation; fail to follow the marking scheme when marking papers or make multiple errors in calculating scores; set question papers with content beyond the content of high school program prescribed in clause 2 Article 4 of this Regulation; send data in wrong format, wrong deadline or not in accordance with the regulation of the MOET;

c) Depending on the seriousness of the acts of maladministration, downgrade of pay step or pay grade, dismissal or transferral is issued for those who commit one of the following acts of maladministration: Set wrong question papers/subjects; write the answers for candidates or instruct students to answer during the exam; take one candidate’s script/answer sheet to another candidate; cheat at marking, fail to follow the marking scheme, boost or lessen scores of a candidate;

d) Dismissal or request for criminal prosecution is issued for those who commit one of the following acts of maladministration: Bring the question papers out of the examination area or bring the answers from outside to the exam room during the exam; leak out, buy or sell the question papers; leak out the number of headers; make alternation, interlineation or omission in candidate’s script/answer sheet; intentionally alter the written scores on scripts/sheets, marking reports or list of scores; swap candidates’ scripts/sheets, headers or scores; alter candidates’ academic transcripts, applications.

dd) Those who lose the scripts/answer sheets of candidates during the process of gathering, dispatch and storing, marking or commit other acts of maladministration during the administration of the exam shall be disciplined in the corresponding form of punishments specified in this Article according to the severity of their violations.

2. Officials who do not join the administration of the exam but commit one of the following acts: Engage in impersonation to take the exam for other candidates, bring the question papers out of the exam room and provide candidates with answers, spreading falsified information about the exam, cause disturbances within the examination area shall face administrative sanctions and request of dismissal.

3. If a person who takes part in the organization of the exam or relevant processes is not an official or public employee and commits any act of maladministration specified in point b, c, d, dd clause 1 of this Article during or after the exam, he/she shall face administrative sanction from the competent authority and being handled in accordance with law on labor; suspension of study or retention (in case he/she is a student).

4. The application of the forms of handling mentioned at clause 1, 2 ,3 of this Article shall be decided by the competent authority in accordance with regulations. In addition to the forms of handling mentioned above, competent authorities may ban those who commit maladministration from performing tasks relevant to the exam for 1-5 years.

Article 54. Actions against candidates committing acts of malpractice

Any act of malpractice committed by a candidate shall be recorded, handled and the final result of handling will be informed to him/her.

1. Reprimand:

a) for those who commit the following act of malpractice for the first time: peek at others' papers or communicate with other candidates;

b) Reprimand shall be decided by the invigilator and recorded in writing.

2. Warning:

a) Warning is issued for those who commit one of the following acts of malpractice: Have been reprimanded for the first time but still continue commiting an act of malpractice at reprimand level; swap scripts/answer sheets or scrap papers with other candidates; copy other candidates or let other candidates copy their scripts/answer sheets;

b) Warning shall be subject to decision of the invigilator, record shall be made in writing and enclosed with evidence (if any).

3. Suspension of taking the exam:

a) Suspension of taking the exam  is issued for those who commit one of the following acts of malpractice: Have been warned for the first time but still commit acts of malpractice at reprimand or warning level; bring prohibited items specified in Article 14 of this Regulation into the exam room. bring the question papers out of the examination area or bring the answers from outside to the exam room during the exam; write or draw on the answer paper any content that has no relevance to the exam; threaten officials or other candidates;

b) Invigilators shall issue a record, confiscate evidence (if any) and report the situation to the Manager of the Exam Place for decision of handling.  In case of disagreement in handling, the situation shall be report to the manager of invigilation for final decision. Suspended candidate shall hand in the question paper, script/answer sheet and scrap paper to invigilators and leave the exam room immediately after the suspension is announced. The suspended candidate is allowed to leave the examination area until two thirds of the written paper exam time has elapsed and after the end of the multiple-choice paper. The suspended candidate shall have their all papers taken in the year of suspension cancelled.

4. Score deduction

a) A candidate who is reprimanded for a paper will have 25% of total score of that paper deducted;

b) A candidate who is warned for a paper will have 50% of total score of that paper deducted;

c) A candidate who has a script with special symbol detected during the marking will be have 50% of total score of that script deducted;

d) Scripts will be marked with 0 (zero) in the following cases: The candidate’s script is copied from any unauthorized handouts; the candidate hands in two scripts for one paper or one component subject; the script is written in two different styles of handwriting and above; answer is written on scrap paper or other kind of paper that is not in the format specified by the MOET;

dd) Candidate who is suspended shall be marked 0 (zero) for the suspended paper/subject and not allowed to continue taking the exam;

e) The application of score deducting specified in point c and d of this clause shall be approved by the Manager of Written Paper Marking Board on the basis of report sent by the Lead of Marking Subject.

5. Score cancellation is issued in the following cases: The candidate who has two papers marked with 0 (zero) as the exam scores of committing acts of malpractice specified in point d clause 4 of this Article; write or draw on the script any content that has no relevance to the paper; allow someone to impersonate the candidate to take the exam, or engage in impersonation to take the exam for someone else; make alternation, interlineation and omission to the script/answer sheet after submission; submit a script/answer sheet of someone else as their own. Director of DET is responsible for the decision of score cancellation on the basis of report sent by the Chairperson of Exam Council.

6. A candidate who commits one of the following acts of malpractice shall have their exam paper scores annulled and be reported to the regulatory body for further sanctions as per the law:

a) Forge documents to enjoy privileges;

b) Submit invalid diplomas or certificates;

c) Allow someone to impersonate the candidate to take the exam, or engage in impersonation to take the exam for someone else in any manner;

d) Cause disturbances ; threaten officials or other candidates;

dd) Submit the invalid score certificate.

7. In case of acts of malpractice with criminal signs, education authorities shall request competent authorities for criminal prosecution in accordance with law; in other cases, depending on the nature and extend of the malpractice, corresponding form of handling specified in this Article shall be applied.

Article 50. Verify and handle complaints of acts of malpractice after the disbandment of Exam Council

The process of verifying and handling complaints of acts of malpractice after the disbandment of Exam Council is conducted in accordance with law on complaints.

Chapter XI

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 56. Responsibilities of the MOET

1. Direct the administration of the exam.

2. Establish the National Steering Committee to direct the administration of the exam.

3. Direct the inspection of the implementation of the Regulation.

4. Develop question papers for annual exam.

Article 57. Responsibilities of provincial People’s Committees

1. Direct the administration of the exam in the province.

2. Establish the Provincial Steering Board; approve the plan and budget for administration of the exam proposed by the DET; direct and give tasks to the DET and relevant agencies of the province, the People’s Committees of districts concerning administration of high school graduation examination to ensure strict implementation of the Regulation and guiding documents issued by the MOET.

Article 58. Responsibilities of the DET

1. Direct and inspect the process of teaching and classifying students’ academic performance and conduct at high schools.

2. Propose the President of People’s Committee of province to establish the Provincial Steering Committee.

3. Advise the Provincial Steering Committee to administer the exam in accordance with the regulation and guidance of MOET.

4. Organize the process of exam registration, manage candidates’ applications, and prepare necessary facilities for the exam; cooperate with relevant units in conducting the exam for candidates who study Foreign Language subject under pilot program permitted by the MOET and then using the exam score in high school graduation assessment.

5. Establish, direct and manage the performance of Exam Council and its boards; conduct training for examination staff; direct education establishments to prepare necessary facilities for the exam.

6. Report to the Provincial Steering Committee on the.process of conducting the exam and any unexpected situation during the exam

7. Hand over score certificates to candidates.

8. Conduct high school graduation assessment; direct the issuance of temporary high school graduation certificates, high school graduation diplomas and certificates of complete compulsory education program; publish score range of papers/component subjects, compare average scores of papers/component subjects with GPA of equivalent subjects in the 12^th grade of high schools in the province.

9. Promptly reward or enforce discipline examination staff or candidates according to the granted authority; propose competent authorities to reward or enforce discipline examination staff in accordance with the exam regulation and law; store the data of the exam in accordance with regulation.

10. Cooperate with the Department of Finance and relevant agencies in seeking approval from the People’s Committee of province for the budget of the exam administration.

Article 59. Responsibilities of School Department (Ministry of National Defense)

1. The School Department shall be held accountable as a department of education and training to General Staff of the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Education and Training for the organization and management of the national high school graduation exam in People's Army of Vietnam.

2. Director of the School Department shall have the same responsibility as a Director of a department of education and training in organization and management of the national high school graduation exam.

Article 53. Responsibilities of high schools

1. Complete teaching the high school program as appointed by the local DET, conduct reviews for students, instruct students to get their ID cards in no later than the first semester of 12th grade; examine and classify the academic performance of self-study candidates appointed by the DET.

2. Receive candidates’ applications for registration, re-marking application; verify the applications of the school's students; complete the list of registered candidates and send the data to the local DET; print, sign and send examination notices to candidates.

3. Train and inform the exam regulation to staff, teachers, students ; provide facilities in good condition to support the Exam Council  in case being chosen as an Exam Place or marking or re-marking place.

4. Receive the re-marking request of candidates, form the list of re-marking requests and send to the DET; send the scores certificate to candidates who registered to take the exam at the same place.

5. Issue temporary high school graduation certificates and certificates of complete compulsory education program.

6. Store the data of the exam in accordance with the regulation.

7. Compare the average scores of papers/component subjects with GPA of equivalent subjects in the 12^th grade of students in the high school as the basis for make fundamental changes in teaching and studying in the school.

Article 61. Responsibilities of higher education institutions

1. Establish or participate in inspectorates in stages of the exam under direction of the Minister of MOET; ensure necessary condition for public employees and lecturers of higher education institutions to perform their tasks.

2. Perform the tasks relevant to administration of the exam assigned by the Minister of MOET./.