Reasons why VNeID cannot be used in exams

According to regulations, VNeID Level 2 identification can replace some types of personal identification documents. However, candidates are not allowed to use VNeID during exams.

During the second phase of the National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test, several candidates who forgot or lost their citizen identification cards (CCCD) wanted to use VNeID Level 2 as a replacement, but the examination board refused. These candidates were therefore not allowed to participate in the exam. The incident has attracted public attention. Many people wonder why VNeID Level 2, which the Ministry of Public Security has approved as a replacement for some types of personal identification documents like CCCD in certain administrative procedures, is not accepted in the university entrance exam.

Candidates taking the 2024 aptitude test of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking with reporters, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh, Director of the Center for Examination and Quality Assessment of Training, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the regulations on organizing the aptitude test of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City clearly state: When entering the examination room, candidates must present their Examination Notice and the original identification documents they used to register for the exam. The types of identification documents used for registration include: Citizen Identification Card (CCCD) or National Identity Card (CMND) (still valid) or passport (still valid). In the case (close to the exam date) that a candidate loses their identification documents as mentioned above, they need to obtain a personal identification confirmation form according to the prescribed mẫu, with a photo attached and a seal affixed, signed and stamped by the Head of the Police Station of the ward/commune; this is also a valid identification document for participating in the exam. Candidates can use the personal identification confirmation form of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (form DT15) or the form provided by their local authority. The document is only valid for one month from the date of confirmation by the police. In cases where candidates do not have the required identification documents, or do not bring their examination notification slip, they must be present at the Examination Board Room at least 30 minutes before the scheduled candidate assembly time to complete the necessary procedures.

According to Mr. Chinh's explanation, the regulations regarding personal identification documents at the Ho Chi Minh City National University do not contain any content related to VNeID. The required documents are not only announced by the university in the regulations for organizing the competency assessment exam but are also listed in the candidates' exam notification letters.

Mr. Chinh stated that VNeID was not used in the competency assessment exam because the software is on personal mobile phones, and according to the exam regulations, candidates are not allowed to bring mobile phones into the examination area.

That's true, but it doesn't guarantee the rights of the candidates.

From a legal standpoint, the Ho Chi Minh City National University's decision to prohibit candidates without a Citizen Identification Card from taking the exam is in accordance with regulations. However, from the perspective of protecting the rights of the candidates, the Ho Chi Minh City National University has been rigid and deprived these candidates of the opportunity to participate in the exam.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training stated that when considering the issue of candidates lacking Citizen Identification Cards (CCCD) at the recent aptitude test of the Ho Chi Minh City National University, several factors must be taken into account: the university's regulations regarding the exam, and the Ministry of Public Security's regulations on the use of VNeID. In reality, current examination regulations, from primary school to university, and specifically for entrance and high school graduation exams, prohibit candidates from bringing mobile phones into the examination room. Therefore, VNeID cannot be used in this situation. However, the Ministry of Education and Training representative added that the 2024 High School Graduation Exam Regulations and the Ministry's exam guidelines stipulate that candidates are responsible for being present in the examination room at the time specified in their Examination Notice to complete the examination procedures. If a candidate does not have a CCCD or other necessary documents, they must immediately report it to the Head of the Examination Center for consideration and handling. When a candidate reports not having a CCCD (due to forgetting or losing it), the Head of the Examination Center will require the candidate to sign a declaration. The examination board will verify the following commitment, and the candidate will be allowed to take the exam as normal. During training on the high school graduation exam, the Ministry of Education and Training always requires examination boards to prioritize the rights of candidates. In reality, when candidates unfortunately forget to bring a required document, they become disheartened upon arriving at the examination site. The examination board's assistance in resolving administrative procedural shortcomings creates opportunities to ensure the rights of candidates, while simultaneously guaranteeing the transparency and security of the exams.

Observations show that during final exams at universities, some schools require the Training Department and Student Affairs Department to be on duty to verify student ID cards if students happen to forget them, helping candidates to take the exam on time. In such cases, students sign a commitment form, the relevant department takes a photo, and the student brings their student ID card for verification within 48 hours.

In the Hanoi University of Science and Technology's aptitude test, similar to the high school graduation exam, candidates without a citizen identification card must write a declaration and then bring the required documents for verification later.

VNeID application

Currently, the electronic identity verification application (VNeID) offers many features provided to citizens by the Ministry of Public Security, such as: When citizens use public services integrated on VNeID, they can automatically fill in information on registration forms without having to declare or fill in information multiple times, saving time and costs associated with various declaration forms and minimizing many procedural steps. In addition, citizens can provide and share their information with third parties through QR code scanning or other technical solutions when the third-party system is eligible to connect with the electronic identity verification and authentication system. Citizens can also replace physical identity cards and other documents integrated and displayed on the VNeID application, such as driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and health insurance cards. Furthermore, the application supports citizens in reporting temporary residence and denouncing crimes online.

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