ASEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION ARRANGEMENT ON TOURISM ...

Step 1Step 2Step 36.6 The ASEAN Tourism Qualifications Equivalence Matrix (ATQEM)In order to satisfy the ASEAN ‘Conformity Assessment’ requirements, an ASEANTourism Qualifications Equivalence Matrix (ATQEM) will be developed using theCATC qualification framework. The following steps show the ATQEM process:The minimumACCSTPcompetenciesrequired aremapped onto eachqualification level ofthe CATCframework(Certificate II toAdvanced Diploma)The competencyrequirements ofeach individualqualification in eachASEAN country canbe mapped againstthe competencyrequirements ofCATC frameworkA matrix can nowbe constructed toshow on a countryby country basiswhere aqualification fallsshort, is equivalentto, or exceeds thestandardsdemanded by theCATC framework.Figure 6-1: Mapping Qualifications to the ATQEMThe need to provide a reliable indication of conformity of regional qualificationslies at the heart of the question of validation of qualifications and thetransferability of skills. If potential users cannot be assured of this basic tenet ofQA/QC, the relevance and reliability of the ATPRS would diminish rapidly.Therefore the conformity check can be indexed against the CATC as the commonregional standard.From the introduction of MRA – TP in 2015, applicants will be required to exhibittheir local qualifications weighted for conformity by the TPCB in their homecountry through the ATPRS. The pre-requisite for this is completion of the ATQEM.6.7 Rationale for ATQEMThe concept of a qualification equivalents mechanism is centred on resolving theneed for a device that can provide a comparative understanding of the scope,content and equivalent value (or status) of a tourism qualification awarded in anyone of the ASEAN Member States.The need to consider the equivalent value of an award will arise each time aqualified tourism professional in an ASEAN country makes an application to becomeregistered as a regional tourism professional.P a g e | 52