Pingtan promulgates opinions on the adoption and recognition of vocational qualifications in Taiwan, containing 134 national vocational qualifications

A few days ago, the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone issued the Opinions on the Adoption and Recognition of Vocational Qualification in Taiwan in order to further promote cross-strait human resources exchange and talent integration.

The Opinions clarify the scope of Pingtan’s adoption and recognitionof vocational qualifications in Taiwan, covering 134 national vocational qualifications said under the Notice of Announcement of the National Vocational Qualification Catalogue issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, except for registered fire engineers, notary public authorized by China (Hong Kong, Macau), radio and television broadcasters (presenters), registered surveyors, aviation personnel qualifications, and accountants qualifications. The Catalogue covers 53 vocational qualifications for professional technician and 81 vocational qualifications for skilled personnel.

According to the Opinions, the adoption methods and procedures will be implemented in three stages. The first stage is to determine the comparison criteria, and Pingtan shall organize professionals to develop and propose comparison standards as the basis for adoption. The second stage is to implement adoption procedures. Taiwan's vocational qualification certificates are identified, and then compared for the adoption; if accepted, the holder will be granted an adoption certification, under which the holder will be acceptable in the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone and may be entitled to the same benefits as the mainland holders. Finally, Pingtan will be responsible for tracking and administrating issued certifications.

Then how to define the comparison criteria? The Opinions specify admittance vocational qualifications, level evaluation vocational qualifications, and other categories. For example, in terms of admittance vocational qualifications, the Taiwanese architect certificate may be recognized as a registered architect in the mainland, and the holder is allowed to participate in architectural design and technical consulting, architectural design and other services in the Experimental Area. For the purpose of level evaluation vocational qualifications, a Class A Professional Engineer Certificate issued in Taiwan may be converted as a National Vocational Qualification Technician (Class 1 or Class 2), PRC; and a Class B Professional Engineer Certificate issued in Taiwan may be converted as a National Vocational Qualification Technician (Class 3).

The working plan for the adoption of vocational qualifications in Taiwan will be initialized in July this year and be fully implemented in August. Before this, Pingtan explored and implemented two criteria for Taiwanese holders, and took the lead in identifying qualifications for Taiwanese holders from construction, planning, tourism, medical, and education sectors. The Opinions will provide Taiwan compatriots with more convenience in their employment and business activities within the Mainland, and allow Taiwan compatriots to share opportunities from Pingtan’s economic development.