Residents of Taiwan will be allowed to enroll for a mainland exam for registered architects from next year, according to a circular issued Thursday. The circular, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Construction and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, states the mainland is willing to examine senior Taiwan architects from next year.

The courses and requirements for the exam are the same for mainland and Taiwan residents, states the circular. Taiwan architects can apply to departments responsible for the exam in any province, autonomous region or municipality on the mainland.

They require to present proof of professional experience, diplomas certified by mainland education authorities and Taiwan residents' exit and entry permits for the mainland. Taiwan architects with more than 20 years experience can apply for the mainland's highest ranking as a registered architect after evaluation.

China issued a regulation in 1995 to standardize its administration of architects and held the first national exam for registered architects in November 1995.

China has two ranks for registered architects. The first is for registered architects up to international standard and second for those domestically approved. 

The new circular will facilitate exchanges and cooperation of architects across the Taiwan Strait, sources with Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said. The office would jointly work with other departments to enable Taiwan residents to acquire credentials in other occupations in the future.

Currently the Chinese government grants credentials to those in 49 professions including engineering, economics, public health and environment protection.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)