FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions for PCSTP
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What information should I provide for application?
a. Section A: personal information
b. Section B: applicant’s signature and date
c. Section C: verification of information by initial of supporter, copy of academic qualifications, training courses and membership; and a CV on working history.
d. Section D: please indicate the category and sub-category you choose
e. Section E: signature and/or initial of the supporter
2. Can I apply for two sub-categories or disciplines in one application?
a. The first application is classified as initial application while application of the second sub-category or discipline will be defined as upgrade. Candidates certified as CTT apply for CTP is also classified as upgrade.
b. Application for CTP via the mature route (15 years of experience of which 5 years at a managerial position)
As a matter of respect and honor, candidates with 15 years of experience of which 5 years at a managerial position can apply more than one sub-category or discipline.
3. Can I apply both CTT and CTP at the same time under one discipline but different sub-category?
In principle yes but practically may not be feasible. Examination for all sub-categories and levels within a discipline will be conducted on the same day.
4. Will research experience during higher degree be counted also as testing experience?
Research experience will be considered and evaluated on case by case basis. It depends on the research topics and its relation to the discipline that the candidate seeks for certification.
5. As the Scheme is launched, how can I get the required information and can someone explain to me in detail if available?
Certification criteria, background and organization of the Scheme and information of training courses are available under “Personnel Certification” of our website www.hktic.org.
6. Do I need to indicate the 2 out of 4 sub-categories for application of CTP in “Textiles and Garments” discipline? What happen if candidate is strong at a third sub-category?
There is no sub-category for CTP under “Textiles and Garments” discipline. The requirement for a candidate to be certified as a CTP in this discipline is demonstration of knowledge in two sub-areas out of the 4 areas as defined in the Certification criteria. It is highly recommended that candidates mark their choices (the 2 sub-areas) on the application form. Currently we do not offer certification for additional sub-area for CTP under “Textiles and Garments” discipline. The criteria will be reviewed regularly and revised, if necessary to suit the actual demand.
7. Is there any time schedule for conducting professional interview?
Professional interview will be started from January 2012 onwards. The interview will normally be arranged within two months upon confirmation of the application.
8. Is a Bachelor degree or higher required for mature candidate i.e. having 15 years of experience of which 5 years at a managerial position?
The academic requirement as a bachelor holder is waived for mature candidate.
9. As mentioned that re-certification shall be applied 3 years after certification and is achieved by 30 CPDUs (technician) or 60 CPDUs (professional). Any other alternative routes for re-certification other than CPDU?
CPDU is a mechanism aimed to encourage continuous professional development of testing practitioners. Achieving CPDUs is now the only route to be re-certified. Criteria for re-certification will be constantly reviewed and revised, if necessary, to reflect the actual situation.
10. Is it mandatory for an examiner to be certified as CTP?
Both examiner and CTP are voluntary. An examiner is not necessarily be a CTP.
11. Can an examiner apply for more than one category or sub-category?
Yes, examiners with versatile experience are mostly welcome and can apply more than one category or sub-category.
12. Why interview is still be needed for examiners applying for CTP?
Testing personnel, if appointed as an examiner, is demonstrated to be experienced and competent in the particular discipline(s). Interview only serves as formality for our Scheme to understand and know our applicants better.
13. Will there be any mock examination paper?
There will not be any mock examination paper.
14. I would like to achieve the training requirements by training courses, when and which organization will offer such courses?
List of approved training courses from different training organizations will be posted under “Training courses” on our website: www.hktic.org in January.
15. Can I re-apply for examination and/or interview right after I was notified of results of examination and/or interview?
You can re-apply for examination and/or interview 6 months after notification of result of previous examination and/or interview.
16. How can the marking scheme of interview be harmonized and are there any means to prevent inconsistency in results of interview?
Professional interview is a qualitative assessment. There is no standard marking scheme. Topics stipulated in respective Certification Handbooks will be questioned and the performance of the candidate be assessed. All professional interviewers with extensive experience in respective discipline have been trained and are well aware of the requirements. The pair interviewers system also serves as a good mechanism in prevention of bias and inconsistencies.
17. Can I get back all my submitted documents as I do not want to further my application?
All submitted documents will not be returned to candidate. All data, examination result, or information that is considered to be confidential or proprietary to the candidates will strictly be kept confidential and disposed in accordance with our internal procedures and schedules.
Designation
18. How do I print my name card?
You are entitled to use the designation in your name card as per specimen below and also see Note-1 and Note-2 on certified level and disciplines:
You are entitled to use the designation in your name card as per specimen below and also see Note-1 and Note-2 on certified level and disciplines:
| For Certified Testing Personnel with one discipline – SPECIMEN A | For Certified Testing Personnel with more than one discipline – SPECIMEN B |
Your name CTT (CHT) | Your name CTP (CHT); CTP (THT) Or Your name CTP (CHT) CTP (THT) |
Specimen A
meaning you are a Certified Testing Technician under the discipline of Chemical Testing
Specimen B
meaning you are a Certified Testing Professional and certified in two disciplines, i.e. Chemical Testing and Toys and Hardlines Testing
Note-1
| Certified Level | |
| In abbreviation | Your full certified level name |
| CTT | Certified Testing Technician |
| CTP | Certified Testing Professional |
Note-2
Certified Discipline | Name Card Printing | ||
In full | In abbreviation | Certified Testing Technician | Certified Testing Professional |
| Chemical Testing | (CHT) | CTT (CHT) | CTP (CHT) |
| Construction Material Testing | (CMT) | CTT (CMT) | CTP (CMT) |
| Electrical Product Testing | (EPT) | CTT (EPT) | CTP (EPT) |
| Microbiological Testing | (MIT) | CTT (MIT) | CTP (MIT) |
| Textile and Garment Testing | (TGT) | CTT (TGT) | CTP (TGT) |
| Toys and Hardlines Testing | (THT) | CTT (THT) | CTP (THT) |
| Calibration | (CAL) | CTT (CAL) | CTP (CAL) |
| Environmental Testing | (EVT) | CTT (EVT) | CTP (EVT) |
| Food Testing | (FDT) | CTT (FDT) | CTP (FDT) |
| Quality Assurance | (QUA) | CTT (QUA) | CTP (QUA) |
Programme Secretariat
Professional Certification Scheme for Testing Personnel
Hong Kong Association for Testing, Inspection and Certification Ltd.
28 June 2025
Version 4