The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security ("MOHRSS") has recently issued the Administrative Provisions for the Review of Professional Titles (Draft for Comment) (the "Draft for Comment") to seek public opinions by September 10, 2018.
The Draft for Comment, comprising 46 articles in nine chapters, expounds on improving relevant systems for the review committee, establishing fast-track channels, delegating the power to award professional titles, strengthening supervision of the review, and taking seriously the review discipline. Further, the Draft for Comment provides that, professionals who have made breakthroughs in significant basic studies and cutting-edge technologies, have resolved major engineering technical problems, or have made great contributions to different aspects of the economic and social development, are allowed to directly apply for senior professional titles; for high-level talents introduced from overseas and talents urgently needed, requirements regarding the credentials and the number of years may be relaxed to a proper extent. Moreover, the Draft for Comment expressly states that, the power to award senior professional titles will be delegated step by step to cities or social groups where relevant conditions are met, and institutions of higher education, hospitals, scientific research institutes and large-size enterprises will be pushed forward to conduct the review on their own within their management authority.