Taiwan residents will be allowed to enroll for a mainland exam for registered architects from 2007, according to a circular issued here Thursday.

The circular, jointly issued by the Chinese Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Construction and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said 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, according to the circular.

Taiwan architects can apply to departments responsible for the exam in any province, autonomous region or municipality on the mainland.

They must present proof of professional experience, diplomas certified by mainland education authorities and Taiwan residents' exit and entry permits to mainland.

Taiwan architects with more than 20 years experience can apply for 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 Nov. 11, 1995.

Currently, China has two ranks for registered architects: first rank registered architects up to international standard; and second rank registered architects are up to domestic standard.

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

At present, the Chinese government grants credentials to professionals in 49 areas, including engineering, economics, public health and environment protection.

Source: Xinhua