China will hold its first national qualification test for translators and interpreters of Russian, German, Spanish and Arabic next year, according to the Ministry of Pensonnel.

The same kind of test on English, French and Japanese have been carried out in some cities.

Launched jointly by the Ministry of Personnel and the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) in July 2003, the China Aptitude Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) is regarded as the most authoritative test of its kind in the country.

As an experimental step, the test on the four languages will only be carried out in some large cities and more cities will be authorized to host the test in the future, said Guo Xiaoyong, deputy director of the CIPG and also head of the work team in charge of organizing the test on Thursday.

China has seen rapid development in the field of language sincethe country started its reform and opening-up drive at the end of the 1970s. Currently, China has over 40,000 professional translators and interpreters.

The country's successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games and its accession to the World Trade Organization also helped boost demand for professional translators and interpreters.

The launching of the test was necessary to regulate the expanding sector and will raise the professional level of the translators and interpreters, said Liu Baoying, director of professionals administration under the Ministry of Personnel.

"An effective management system becomes very crucial when the translating and interpreting industry enjoys great momentum in development," Liu said.

There were no nationally accepted qualification certificates for the translating and interpreting industry before CATTI was launched, though there are a number of tests organized by different regions and departments.

The launch of CATTI is expected to end the confusion caused by different testing systems, which will be stopped after CATTI is introduced.

More than 10,000 people have taken part in the test since the it was launched in 2003, said Guo.

CATTI certificates fall into four grades. The test is open to anyone, without limitations on age, educational background and work experience. People from overseas can also take the test as long as they are legally employed in China, said Guo.

Application information is available at www.catti.net.cn.

Editor: Wing