China is to launch an examination to assess the ability of Chinese professionals in using their mother tongue in daily work.

"The introduction of this examination is aimed to enthuse people in improving their Chinese while its promotion will increase the quality of workers and the efficiency of the society as a whole," said Prof. Lu Bisong, with the expert committee of the examination, who is also former chairman of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching.

The examination is the only and most authoritative examination of its kind in China. Those who pass it will get a certificate to prove their Chinese ability.

The first exam is due for Dec. 14 in prestigious Beijing University in the national capital and, starting next year, four exams will be held annually.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2003)