Introduction

In the context of international integration, the Ministry of Education and Training has implemented policies to accredit the quality of teaching and learning at all universities, regardless of whether they are public or private institutions. Currently, many universities across the country have established centers or specialized units responsible for testing, quality assurance, and quality evaluation. Therefore, the establishment of the Office of Testing and Quality Assurance (abbreviated as TQA) at Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City is an essential requirement.

To ensure continuity and effectiveness in quality assurance activities, the University requested the Center for Testing and Data Processing to develop a project for transforming and expanding the Center into the Testing Center, which later became the predecessor of the current office. On September 1, 2006, the Testing Center was officially established under Decision No. 1630/QĐ-ĐHCN-TCHC, issued by the Rector of Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.

On November 1, 2006, the University issued a decision to dissolve the Testing Center and establish the Center for Testing and Educational Quality Accreditation under Decision No. 1900/QĐ-TCHC. Later, due to adjustments in the Center’s functions, the Office of Testing was established on June 1, 2011, based on the Center for Testing and Educational Quality Accreditation under Decision No. 267/ĐHCN-TCHC.

On August 8, 2012, the office was renamed the Office of Testing and Quality Assurance under Decision No. 606/QĐ-ĐHCN.

Functions and Responsibilities

1. Testing

a. Advise the Rector on strategies, objectives, and policies related to testing and assessment activities;

b. Act as the focal point responsible for implementing testing activities in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of Education and Training and Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City; lead and coordinate with relevant units in developing projects, plans, regulations, and management documents related to testing activities;

c. Manage the multiple-choice question bank; coordinate with academic units to develop test items, grade multiple-choice examinations, print examination papers, and anonymize exam scripts in accordance with regulations; collaborate in handling re-evaluation requests and other issues arising during the examination process;

d. Guide units in implementing testing tasks in accordance with the University’s regulations and plans; manage, archive, and ensure the confidentiality of examination papers, scripts, and results as required;

e. Manage blank certificates and diplomas in accordance with regulations;

g. Evaluate the effectiveness of testing activities and propose solutions to enhance quality.

2. Quality Assurance

a. Advise the Rector on strategies, objectives, and policies related to quality assurance, accreditation, classification, and university ranking;

b. Serve as the focal unit responsible for implementing educational quality assurance activities in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of Education and Training and Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City; lead and coordinate with relevant units to develop regulations and management documents related to quality assurance, self-assessment, accreditation, and quality assurance information systems;

c. Advise on and develop projects and plans, and implement activities related to educational quality assurance; develop and implement cooperation programs and projects both domestically and internationally in the fields of quality assurance, accreditation, and university rankings;

d. Provide consultation, supervision, and monitoring of quality assurance and accreditation activities implemented by academic units;

e. Advise on training and professional development for staff in the fields of quality assurance, accreditation, and testing; develop training materials and organize professional training programs on higher education quality assurance for administrators, lecturers, and staff;

g. Evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance activities and propose solutions for quality improvement.

3. Research and Improvement of Teaching and Learning Methods in Higher Education

a. Advise the Rector on strategies, objectives, and policies related to research on improving teaching and learning methods;

b. Act as the focal point responsible for implementing research on improving teaching and learning methods in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of Education and Training and Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City; lead and coordinate with relevant units to develop projects, plans, regulations, and management documents related to these activities;

c. Implement activities related to research on improving teaching and learning methods; develop and implement cooperation programs and projects domestically and internationally in this field;

d. Organize training courses on syllabus design, modern and active teaching methods, and assessment in higher education;

e. Evaluate the effectiveness of activities related to improving teaching methods and propose solutions to enhance educational quality.

4. Other Responsibilities

Manage and utilize the assets, equipment, machinery, materials, and office supplies assigned by the University to the Office in a proper, safe, and efficient manner; and perform other duties assigned by the Rector.