Over 1,000 sit nation's first interprovincial long-term care exam

A total of 1,009 candidates participated in the country's first interprovincial qualification examination for long-term care practitioners on Sunday, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration.

The exam was conducted simultaneously across nine provincial-level regions: Tianjin, Chongqing, and the provinces of Hebei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, Guangdong and Gansu.

Long-term care workers are equipped with basic life support and nursing knowledge, as well as practical skills to provide daily care and related services in households, communities and care institutions.

This occupational category was officially established in 2022 in response to China's rapidly aging population and the growing demand for professional care services.

In February last year, the administration, along with Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, published the national occupational standard for long-term care practitioners.

Individuals aged 16 or above who are in good physical and mental health are eligible to receive training and take the certification exams.

The occupation currently comprises three skill levels.

The first certification examination was held in April in Nantong, Jiangsu province.