Interim Measures for Implementing the Certificate Examination for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talents, STEI (2024) No. 002
To promote market research and certificate examination publicity for the Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Project, advance emerging industry development, and develop new programs aligned with emerging market needs based on actual market conditions, the Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center of the Center (hereinafter referred to as the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center) hereby formulates these Measures.
Article 1 General Provisions
I. Serving the Overall Economic Transformation
China is in a critical period of strategic transformation of economic and social development and comprehensive national development over the next century, facing issues such as limitations of the existing development model, unreasonable economic structure, resource and environmental constraints, and shortages of scarce talents. The task of the Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Project Center is, under the new circumstances, to focus on the needs of economic transformation and development and serve the overall national economic transformation.
II. Serving Emerging Industry Development
At present, China still lacks sufficient talent in emerging industries, and the total number, structure, and quality of talent cannot yet meet rapid development requirements. To promote the development of industries such as cultural creativity, biopharmaceuticals, automobiles, environmental protection, health, software, information, and high-tech, strengthening talent cultivation for emerging industries is a core resource for their development. Therefore, exploring how talent training and examinations can serve emerging industry development gives new meaning to the Scarce Talent Training Project for the 21st century.
III. Building an Examination and Assessment Service Platform
The STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center shall strengthen cooperation with domestic and overseas partners, establish mechanisms for cultivating and examining emerging-industry talents, especially mid-level and high-end talents, composite talents, and highly skilled talents, focus on employer needs, and build an examination and assessment service platform for cultivating scarce talents, facilitating exchanges, and promoting interaction in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region.
Article 2 Significance of Establishing the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center
Under the new circumstances of global economic integration, closely aligning with national emerging industry development needs, the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center is established. Building on existing talent training and examination certification work, it leverages the strengths of the Shanghai talent training market and partnerships with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University, Xiamen University, Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, National University of Malaysia, Australian TAFE, and internationally renowned examination authorities, introduces professional course management mechanisms, and jointly builds a new examination and assessment service platform for the Scarce Talent Training Project for the 21st century.
In accordance with the international cooperation and vocational skills training policies of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, and relevant Shanghai municipal authorities, it is fully necessary and of far-reaching significance to transform the examination and assessment service platform of the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center into a market-oriented and internationally operated platform.
Article 3 Priorities for Developing Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Programs
I. Identifying Key Areas for Program Development
China is entering a new period of focusing on transforming the economic development model, actively adjusting the economic structure, and achieving coordinated economic and social development. The Shanghai Center shall focus on market demand, with new program development focused on filling gaps in the national Scarce Talent Training Project.
II. Avoiding Duplicate Names for Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation
Currently, duplicate names shall in principle be strictly prohibited for occupational qualification certificates already issued by human resources and social security departments, government-approved industry associations, and relevant commissions and offices within the same profession.
III. Operating Mechanism
Under the new circumstances, the Scarce Talent Training Project shall operate according to the mechanisms of market orientation, internationalization, specialization, and informatization:
1. Market Orientation
The effectiveness of examinations and assessments for the Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Certificate depends on closely aligning with market demand, maintaining clear professional positioning, and placing strong emphasis on teaching quality, textbook quality, faculty quality, and training quality.
2. Internationalization
Introduce the latest professional courses, training concepts, textbooks, courseware, and cases from developed countries, especially intermediate and advanced professional examination and assessment standards; jointly cultivate talent with Box Hill Institute, Yale University, and renowned industry associations; and introduce the international Registrated Professional Qualification Certificate training mechanism.
3. Professionalization
The focus of new project development includes management, economics, business, skills, green economy, psychology, and high-tech R&D. For highly specialized projects, emphasis shall be placed on cooperation with international industry associations for joint training.
4. Informatization
Leverage the advantages of online registration. All Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Certificates shall be registered and managed online.
Article 4 Implementation of the Expert Management System
I. Principles for Composition of the Expert Committee
1. Academic Institutions
The Expert Committee of the Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Project (abbreviated: Expert Committee) shall be established by the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. Based on training market demand, several project specialty groups shall be established under it. Directors of project specialty groups shall be recommended by new project development institutions or appointed by the Expert Committee, and shall be appointed by the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center and the Expert Committee.
2. Expert Recruitment Methods
Experts may be nominated through self-recommendation, employer recommendation, or industry association recommendation. Recommending organizations shall submit the 'Candidate Members of the Expert Committee for Scarce Talent in the 21st Century' and 'Personal Profile and Major Achievements' to the STEI Center for review, approval, and filing.
3. Expert Qualification Review
After expert qualifications are reviewed and approved by the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center, expert information shall be registered in the database, and an Expert Appointment Certificate shall be issued. Management shall be conducted uniformly in accordance with the duties of the Expert Committee.
4. Personnel Changes in Expert Groups
If personnel changes occur in an expert group during project operation, the project developer shall promptly submit a written application for change to the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. After review and approval within 5 working days, the project developer and training provider may formally make the change.
II. Pilot Implementation of the Expert Responsibility System for Professional Training
The Expert Committee is the authoritative academic institution responsible for organizing and guiding the development of scarce talent evaluation projects, textbook compilation, syllabus and examination syllabus compilation, and quality monitoring of teaching and examinations. Examination question setting, marking and scoring, and teaching quality supervision for scarce talent training shall uniformly implement the expert responsibility system. The compilation of Examination Syllabi shall be organized uniformly; various course examinations offered at overseas test centers shall be
Organized by the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. Uniform question setting and uniform examinations shall be implemented.
Article 5 Basic Standards for Scarce Talent Professional Course Development
I. Organizational Principles
Institutions with sufficient enrollment and training qualifications may apply for pre-examination tutoring sites and independently organize training and teaching.
The STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center adopts the policy of 'open training and eight unified standards', namely: unified program setup, unified course content, unified examination paper standards, unified registration management, unified textbooks, unified faculty, unified examinations, and unified certificate issuance.
II. Classified Management
Examinations for each professional level certificate may be divided into junior, intermediate, and senior levels, with separate registration, qualification review, pre-examination tutoring, examination and certificate issuance, certificate verification, online registration inquiry services, and management.
III. Target Trainees, Registration Conditions, and Application Methods
1. Junior:
1) Students enrolled in associate degree programs or higher;
2) In-service personnel with secondary vocational school qualifications or above and at least two years of work experience.
2. Intermediate:
1) Students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs;
2) Associate degree holders with at least two years of work experience.
3. Advanced:
1) Bachelor's degree holders or above with at least four years of work experience in the relevant field;
2) Graduate degree holders with at least one year of work experience in the relevant field;
3) Doctoral graduates or current doctoral students.
IV. Application Methods
In line with the principle of simplifying application procedures, applicants may apply simultaneously for Junior and Intermediate levels, or for Intermediate and Advanced levels. Reviews will still be conducted according to Junior, Intermediate, and Advanced standards, taking into account applicants' job experience and educational qualifications.
V. Innovative and Practical Internationalized Courses
Adopt innovative, practical, and professionally advanced international authoritative courses. For each specialty, courses are established as follows: Junior: 2 courses; Intermediate: 3 courses; Advanced: 4 courses. Intermediate requires completion of a Professional Case Report of no fewer than 5,000 characters with professional value and industry innovation
; Advanced requires completion of a professional paper of no fewer than 10,000 characters with professional standards, practical and guiding industry value, innovation, and creative conception. Submit to the Shanghai Center Electronic Archive for filing; the Shanghai Center will open a Thesis Corner on the Hong Kong Business School official website for the Collection of Vocational Skills Cases/Papers of the 21st Century Scarce Talent Training Program.
VI. Training Materials
Courses shall be set according to the needs of training specialties; materials shall combine existing domestic resources, imported foreign resources, and expert-compiled materials.
VII. Training Faculty
The STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center shall take the lead in organizing domestic and overseas industry associations and renowned universities to develop faculty; gradually implement a requirement that all instructors must hold teaching qualifications.
VIII. Teaching Methods
In-service training, part-time classes, online reading, and pre-examination tutoring shall be used to guide students. A teaching model combining theory and practice, academic instruction and practical case studies shall be adopted. Qualified advanced students may be organized to take selected courses and conduct professional inspections at overseas industry associations or renowned universities such as Yale University.
IX. Credit Transfer
A credit system shall be adopted uniformly. In principle, each credit equals 10 class hours: Junior: 20 credits; Intermediate: 30 credits; Advanced: 40
credits. Based on adult training characteristics, generally face-to-face instruction and self-study each account for 50% of class hours; however, written filing with the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center is required. Credits approved through review may be exempted from courses, examinations, and tuition fees. Qualified students may apply for relevant degrees at partner universities that recognize credits.
X. Application for Joint Certificate Issuance Based on Project Needs
Based on project needs, applicants may apply to the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center, together with domestic and overseas industry associations or Chinese and foreign renowned universities, to issue Advanced Training Class Completion Certificates, Professional Training Certificates, and Registered Scarce Talent Professional Grade Position Certifications (position certification). Depending on the existing qualifications of applicants, certificates may be classified into Advanced, Intermediate, and Junior levels.
XI. Application to Establish Independent Test Centers
Institutions with stable student sources or market recruitment capabilities may apply to establish independent test centers. The first year shall be a trial operation, and they shall be incorporated into the unified management of the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center examination and certification system.
XII. Electronic Registration Management
The STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center shall be responsible for providing electronic registration and year-round official website inquiry management for Shanghai Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Certificates.
Article 6 Main Cooperation Partners for Projects
These Measures apply to all departments, business offices, and representative offices under the Shanghai Talent Training Market; continuing education institutions and talent training institutions of relevant government commissions and offices; industry associations and training centers of large state-owned enterprises; educational and scientific research institutions; development zones, the Lingang New Area, and economic and technical R&D institutions; foreign-related consulting service enterprises, education and technology enterprises, enterprise consulting companies, and other relevant institutions capable of developing new specialties and projects.
Article 7 Application Requirements for Scarce Talent Training
In accordance with relevant regulations of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Education on examination applications, institutions applying for the Registered Scarce Talent Professional Grade Occupational Certificate program shall meet the following basic requirements:
1. Various universities, talent training institutions, and education, training, and technology consulting companies with independent legal-person status;
2. Training and teaching premises appropriate to the scale of operation;
3. Teaching and practical training facilities and equipment sufficient to meet teaching and skills training needs;
4. A full-time principal (director) or project manager and teaching management team meeting qualification requirements;
5. A reasonably structured team of full-time and part-time teachers and experts appropriate to the scale and level of operation;
6. Teaching plans, syllabi, relevant textbooks, and corresponding professional Examination Syllabi approved by the Shanghai Center;
7. Sound management systems for talent training and examinations;
8. Required student sources, project start-up funds, and stable funding sources.
Article 8 Application Process for New Projects
Based on the Research Report for the new specialty project, and in accordance with prescribed procedures, applications may be submitted to the Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Certificate for project initiation, specialty development, expert evaluation, and project approval documents. New institutions may separately complete the New Project Series Form for application. See Appendix -1, Project Application Catalog for Scarce Talent Certificate Training, and Appendix -2, Application Report for New Project Initiation.
I. Written Application
Applicants shall complete the application form seriously, truthfully, and completely in accordance with the unified requirements of this Center, and submit all relevant materials required for the application.
II. Preliminary Review and Acceptance
The date on which the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center formally receives the written application materials shall be the acceptance date. After preliminary review, if materials are incomplete or non-compliant, acceptance staff shall provide on-site guidance to ensure that materials are complete and compliant.
III. Review by the Project Specialty Group
The Examination Affairs Department of the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center shall conduct preliminary review of application materials based on the basic principles of the Examination Syllabus.
Upon passing preliminary review, the Examination Affairs Department shall submit the materials to the Project Specialty Group (Expert Group) for review, issue written review opinions, and file them with the Supervision Office.
IV. Written Notification
The Examination Affairs Department shall, taking into account expert review opinions and the applicant's training development plan, make a written decision to approve or not approve within 10 working days after formal acceptance, and promptly notify the applicant in writing.
Article 9 Pilot Integrity Guarantee Fund System
I. Nature and Functions of the Integrity Guarantee Fund
To ensure the normal operation of the Registered Scarce Talent Professional Grade Occupational Certificate program, protect the legitimate interests of examinees, and prevent trainee rights complaints, an Integrity Guarantee Fund system is established.
Training institutions are required to organize programs rigorously. If they violate rules, breach trust, harm trainees' interests, and such facts are verified by a third party, the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competency Evaluation Center may unilaterally use the Integrity Guarantee Fund for compensation; training institutions shall actively cooperate.
II. Standards and Subscription Time of the Integrity Guarantee Fund
To minimize financial pressure on training institutions, the integrity guarantee fund standard shall, in its first-year pilot, require each certificate program to make a one-time deposit of no less than RMB 20,000. The payment time is uniformly specified: after completion of the examination for a certificate program and before certificate issuance, the deposit shall be paid in full to the designated account of the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent.
III. Compensation Principles for the Integrity Guarantee Fund
1. The integrity guarantee fund is dedicated to compensating trainees for rights-protection complaints confirmed through third-party adjudication. If compensation exceeds RMB 20,000, the cooperating institution shall promptly replenish the difference.
2. If no compensation is incurred during the cooperation period, the full integrity guarantee fund may be refunded upon expiration of the cooperation period. If a training institution withdraws in breach of contract before expiration, a portion of the fund may be deducted as appropriate based on the term of the Bilateral Cooperation Agreement.
Article 10: Implementation of Ad Hoc Supervision System
I. Compliance with Management Measures
Comply with national laws, regulations, and the management measures of the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent; accept business supervision and inspections; and consciously uphold the reputation of the Center.
II. Review of Teaching Staff and Teaching Materials
1. Teaching staff: All proposed programs shall engage instructors meeting teaching requirements. Training institutions shall submit instructor qualifications and related materials in Attachment 2 of the Application Report for New Project Initiation to the Shanghai Center for review and approval before teaching begins.
2. Teaching materials: Textbooks and lecture notes shall be submitted to the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent for review and archiving 15-20 days in advance.
III. Organization of Trainee Enrollment
Training institutions shall introduce courses truthfully during enrollment, organize trainee intake according to entry standards for junior, intermediate, and senior professional grade certificate training, and shall not publish false information inconsistent with the actual conditions of the training programs.
IV. Establishment of Student Records
Training institutions shall strengthen management of instructors and trainees, maintain complete electronic and paper student records, and assist the Examination Affairs Department of the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent in student records and examination assessment work.
V. Establishment of Penalty System
If a training institution has any of the following circumstances, the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent may issue warnings, impose penalties, or revoke authorization as appropriate:
1. Seriously violating project business management procedures or teaching management procedures;
2. Engaging in false advertising or unfair competition that causes adverse social impact;
3. Underreporting trainee numbers or falsifying trainee results, causing adverse impact;
4. Seriously damaging the reputation of the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent.
Article 11: Relevant Provisions on Certificate Examinations
I. Examination Schedule
Examination dates shall be uniformly arranged by the Examination Affairs Department of the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent. Regular examinations are held twice each year in May and October. Additional examinations may be arranged as needed, subject to actual arrangements.
II. Examination Application Materials
1. In accordance with unified requirements, training institutions shall complete registration and related work for all trainees 20 days before the examination.
2. Complete the Trainee Registration Form in accordance with requirements (see Attachment 3) and submit accurate and complete information to the STEI Center for Vocational Competence Assessment of Scarce Talent.
3. Registration photos: two one-inch color bareheaded photos with blue background, plus one electronic copy.
4. If registration information is incomplete or incorrect, photos do not meet requirements, certificates contain erroneous or non-standard information, or online information cannot be queried, the training institution shall bear all related costs and responsibilities.
III. Requirements for Course Examination Catalog
Junior-level application: take 2 courses; intermediate-level application: take 3 courses plus a professional case report; senior-level application: take 4 courses plus a professional thesis. Simultaneous application for junior and intermediate levels: take 3 courses plus a professional case report; simultaneous application for intermediate and senior levels: take 4 courses plus a professional thesis. However, review shall still be conducted according to junior, intermediate, and senior standards. Holders of junior or intermediate certificates applying for the next higher-level certificate examination may be exempted from one corresponding course examination.
IV. Course Examination Results
The teaching and training institution shall provide each professional class with the annual professional course catalog and examination results registration form; for example, course results for Psychological Counselor (Intermediate).
V. Application for Training and Examination Programs
In accordance with examination requirements, complete training and examination application materials shall be submitted to the Examination Affairs Department of the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center 30 days before the examination. The examination may be formally organized only after comprehensive review and verification and written confirmation issued by the Examination Affairs Department to the partner institution.
VI. Examination Room Discipline
1. Candidates must enter with the three required documents: personal identification card, personal admission ticket, and trainee certificate;
2. Bags, mobile phones (turned off), textbooks, and related materials (except for open-book examinations) shall be placed in designated areas;
3. Candidates must arrive at the examination venue on time. Those arriving more than 30 minutes late shall be disqualified from the session;
4. Closed-book examination subjects must be completed independently. Any copying, peeking, or discussion shall result in a score of zero;
5. Keep the examination room quiet and avoid loud noises.
VII. Nationwide Unified Fee Standards
1. Fee standards for certificate program training and pre-examination coaching shall be unified according to market conditions. During the first-year trial operation, reasonable pricing may be set as appropriate in accordance with the principle of cultivating scarce-talent professionals, subject to filing with the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center.
2. Certificate issuance service fee: shall be strictly implemented in accordance with relevant examination and certificate issuance fee standards of the Shanghai Center. Junior level: 800 yuan/person; intermediate level: 1000 yuan/person; senior level: 1500 yuan/person. Training institutions shall collect the fees together with registration fees. The fees shall be remitted to the Shanghai Center 30 days before the examination.
3. Annual certificate evaluation registration fee: 10000 yuan per program per year (first year free).
VIII. Make-up Examination Rules
Trainees' scores are valid for two years after the first examination. For failed subjects, trainees may apply for self-funded make-up examinations.
Article 12 Issuance of Certificates
I. STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center Certificate
1. Certificate Name and Levels
Name of the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Certificate: Shanghai Municipal Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Certificate. Three levels - junior, intermediate, and senior - are established according to position requirements and applicant qualifications.
2. Nature of the Certificate
The STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center certificate is positioned as a market-oriented and internationally aligned registered professional-level occupational certificate for scarce talents, gradually aligning with international vocational qualification certificates. It serves as proof of the holder's professional competence and level, one of the credentials for professional-level vocational skills (qualifications), and also serves as one basis for employers to assess and promote certificate holders.
3. Certificate Registration and Inquiry Management
The Registered Scarce Talent Professional-Level Occupational Certificate shall be uniformly produced, registered, issued, and managed by the STEI Scarce Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. The Examination Affairs Department shall promptly complete online registration to facilitate online inquiries by trainees.
4. Certificate Application
Within 30 working days after the examination ends, the Examination Affairs Department shall publish results and issue certificates, and simultaneously enable online registration and inquiry management.
5. Loss of Certificate
If a certificate is lost, trainees may apply for a replacement certificate and shall pay the replacement fee.
Article 13 Implementation of the Annual Inspection and Evaluation System
I. Basic Procedures for Annual Inspection
From year-end to the end of March of the following year, each project training institution shall conduct an annual self-inspection of its work for the year and submit electronic materials online to the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center for annual inspection, including enrollment plans, financial statements, teaching plans, enrollment brochures, the Registered Shortage Talent Professional Grade Occupational Certificate Training Student Registration Roster (see Annex -4), and advertising samples.
II. Basic Procedures for Evaluation
The STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center shall review submitted materials and conduct quality evaluations of training institutions. The basic procedures for evaluation are:
1. Training institutions shall conduct inspection and self-evaluation, determine grades against the evaluation standards, etc.
2. The approving department shall organize a professional evaluation team to conduct evaluation and acceptance inspections of training institutions. 3. Institutions that pass the annual inspection evaluation shall continue their contracts; those that fail shall have the corresponding professional cooperation qualifications revoked.
4. The Shanghai Center is entitled to supervise the training process, and training institutions shall actively cooperate in relevant work.
Article 14 Principles for Project Development Rewards
I. Standards for Project Development Fees
A 3% share of the total training fees disclosed in the Enrollment Brochure for the specialty shall be set aside separately as project development fees for project development and intellectual property rewards.
II. Allocation of Project Development Fees
1. The institution that organizes the application and achieves successful project development, together with the professional group for the project, shall have the right to allocate project development fees.
2. During the normal operation of the project, expert group members who actually participate shall continue to receive development reward fees.
3. The project development institution shall allocate fees reasonably based on the contributions of professional group members and file the allocation in writing with the Shanghai Center.
III. Revenue from Teaching Materials and Ancillary Products
The right to allocate revenue from textbook publishing, audio-visual materials, and related ancillary products for the certificate project shall be jointly held by the project professional group and the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. Based on project contributions, the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center may award incentives to institutions that successfully develop projects.
Article 15 Supplementary Provisions
I. These Measures shall take effect upon promulgation.
II. These Measures shall be piloted from early 2024. After one year, the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center may appropriately adjust relevant policy provisions based on actual operations.
III. Those who disagree with these Measures may raise inquiries with the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center. If the inquiry is not upheld, the person raising it may directly report the facts to the Shanghai Talent Training Market Supervision Office.
IV. Requirement: To ensure the orderly operation of training teaching and certificate examinations under the Registered Shortage Talent Training Project, teaching units shall sign a Training and Examination Commitment Letter with each trainee personally. See Annex -9.
V. The right to interpret these Measures belongs to the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center.
Provided by the STEI Shortage Talent Vocational Competence Evaluation Center, newly revised version dated 2024-1-1