PolyU has become Hong Kong’s first institute to host China’s official qualification test for translators and interpreters.

Last year, over 350,000 candidates took the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) – the only language test incorporated into China’s national vocational qualification system. 

Divided into translation and interpretation categories, candidates who pass the test will obtain a Qualification Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) and the China International Communications Group (CICG). CICG oversees the national organiser of CATTI tests.

Previously, candidates in Hong Kong wishing to obtain the professional certification were required to take the examination in Guangdong or elsewhere in the Mainland.

“With PolyU organising the CATTI test in Hong Kong, we will further improve the competence of Hong Kong’s translators and interpreters and drive their career advancement with nationally recognised qualifications,” said Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU.

The first Chinese-English translation and interpretation tests will be held in Hong Kong on 5 and 6 November. Interested candidates can register from 7 September to 10 October.

Ms Min Yi, Director of the CATTI Executive Office of CICG, said the partnership with PolyU “will help to nurture young translators and expand their global perspectives, while boosting the professional development of translation talents in Hong Kong.”