Entry- and intermediate-level accounting titles are earned via a national unified exam; first check your education level and work experience to see if you qualify.

Many entry- and intermediate-level professional titles are awarded solely through exams; passing the test is enough, with no additional evaluation needed. Accounting falls under this category: an assistant accountant must have at least a high school diploma, while a full accountant requires a bachelor’s degree plus four years of accounting work experience, or an associate degree plus five years. Those who already hold certain professional certifications may also be recognized as meeting the corresponding title requirements.

Registration fees vary by province. Preparing for the exam requires several months of part-time study.

A 2016 reform directive states that for professional fields where entry- and intermediate-level titles rely on a national exam, no further evaluation or certification is required. In areas where professional titles and qualifications are closely linked, earning a qualification automatically grants the corresponding title and can serve as a prerequisite for advancing to a higher level. Accounting is a prime example: assistant accountants and accountants are selected via a nationwide exam. Senior accountants undergo both an exam and evaluation, while top-level titles are awarded solely through evaluation. Qualification criteria are as follows: Assistant accountants must have at least a high school diploma, including vocational, technical, or secondary specialized education. Accountants must hold a doctorate; or a master’s degree plus one year of accounting experience; or a second bachelor’s degree, graduate diploma, or equivalent plus two years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree plus four years of experience; or an associate degree plus five years of experience. Those with a master’s or doctorate in accounting may be exempt from the Financial Management exam portion when applying for accountant status.

To determine whether your professional series relies on exams, evaluations, or a mix of both, consult the relevant “Guiding Opinions on Deepening Reforms of [Series] Professional Title Systems.” These documents were issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and sector-specific authorities; they can be found in the policy archives on the Chinese Government website. Exact registration dates and exam subjects are listed in each year’s official exam announcements. Civil servants may take the accounting exam but are not eligible to apply for accounting title evaluations.

中共中央办公厅、国务院办公厅 (2016). 关于深化职称制度改革的意见. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2017/content_5163445.htm：「专业技术人才取得职业资格即可认定其具备相应系列和层级的职称，并可作为申报高一级职称的条件。初级、中级职称实行全国统一考试的专业不再进行相应的职称评审或认定。」；人力资源社会保障部、财政部 (2019). 关于深化会计人员职称制度改革的指导意见. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2019-09/27/content_5433803.htm：「助理会计师、会计师实行全国统一的会计专业技术资格考试」「高级会计师采取考试与评审相结合方式，正高级会计师一般采取评审方式」「公务员符合条件的可以参加会计专业技术资格考试，但不得参加会计人员职称评审」；财政部等 (2024). 关于做好会计专业学位与会计专业技术资格衔接有关工作的通知. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202405/content_6952602.htm