A standards-referenced reporting system will replace the current reporting system used for HKCEE and HKALE.

In the HKDSE Examination, candidates’ performance will be reported with reference to a set of standards. The performance will be reported in five levels (Level 1 to 5), with 5 being the highest. The top Level 5 students will be awarded Level 5** and the next top Level 5 candidates will be awarded Level 5*. Performance below the Level 1 standard will be designated as “Unclassified”. This will not be reported on the certificate.

For more details on standards-referenced reporting, please click here.

The assessment of Category B (Applied Learning) subjects will be undertaken by course providers. After moderation by the HKEAA, the final results will be recorded on the HKDSE certificate. The results will be reported as “Attained” and “Attained with Distinction”. Performance below “Attained” will be designated as “Unattained”. This will not be reported on the certificate. Candidates awarded "Attained with Distinction" are deemed to have performed at a level comparable to Level 3 or above for Category A subjects.

For Category C subjects, marking and grading will be conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Results will be reported in five grades (A-E) on the HKDSE certificate, with grade E being the lowest and grade A being the highest. Achievements below grade E will be designated as “Ungraded”. This will not be reported on the certificate.