Computer workers will sit for standardized China-wide examinations from 2004, regardless of their qualifications, professional titles and work experience, the Ministry of Information Industry announced Tuesday.

The examinations, to be divided into elementary, medium and advanced levels, are aimed at computer professionals in application technology, software, networks, information systems and information services.

Officials said China would end the professional title assessment system with the launch of the new examinations.

Elementary-level certificate holders will be qualified to apply for posts as technicians, or assistant engineers, medium-level certificate holders will qualify as engineers while advanced-level certificate holders qualify as senior engineers.

The national examination will be organized by the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Information Industry twice a year. The certificate will need renewing every three years.

China has only 400,000 skilled computer personnel, meeting just half the demand.

(People's Daily December 31, 2003)