Shanghai opens 3rd round of professional title recognition for holders of overseas qualifications
Shanghai's human resources authority has launched the third round of professional title evaluations for expats with certificates from the Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Occupational Qualifications (2.0). Applicants who meet the criteria can apply for junior, intermediate, or associate senior titles, depending on their overseas work experience, accomplishments, and contributions.
Who can apply?
Professionals with Category C certificates listed in the Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Occupational Qualifications (2.0), who are legally employed by local companies, social organizations, or individual businesses, can apply for recognition of their professional titles. Those who have already taken part in the first or second assessment rounds are not eligible for this round.
What do I need to qualify?
1. Education and experience
Applicants usually need at least one year of work experience in Shanghai in a field related to their overseas qualification. Those seeking engineering and technical titles must possess a degree in science or engineering. Work experience will be considered until Dec 31, 2025, and must be verified with official documentation.
Junior title:
- Master's degree or second bachelor's degree; or
- Bachelor's degree with at least one year of relevant work experience.
Intermediate title:
- Doctorate; or
- Master's or second bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant work experience; or
- Bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant work experience.
Associate senior title:
- Doctorate with at least two years of relevant work experience; or
- Master's or second bachelor's degree with at least seven years of relevant work experience; or
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
2. Professional skills and abilities
Applicants must meet the national and city standards for their profession and level, and should demonstrate the following capabilities:
Junior title:
- A strong understanding of fundamental theories and technical knowledge in their field.
- The ability to independently manage routine technical tasks and solve common problems.
- The ability to collaborate efficiently with colleagues on work-related tasks.
Intermediate title:
- Possess a strong understanding of core theories and technical knowledge in their field, be familiar with relevant standards and procedures, stay informed about current trends and developments, and have accomplished notable technical achievements.
- Be able to independently manage moderately complex projects and resolve challenging technical problems.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct technical research and develop well-supported reports or solutions for complex problems.
- Exhibit strong teamwork and coordination abilities.
- Show commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Associate senior title:
- Develop a comprehensive and thorough understanding of core theories and technical knowledge in their field, stay current with the latest industry trends, skillfully implement technical standards and procedures, and achieve notable professional accomplishments.
- Possess extensive professional experience with a proven record of leading major projects, tackling complex challenges, and delivering significant economic and social benefits.
- Demonstrate strong technical research skills, including producing high-quality reports or results that are recognized by peers and experts.
- Excel at coordinating teams, guiding colleagues, and leading large projects.
- Be capable of creatively solving critical and challenging technical problems, building a strong reputation and influence within the industry.
Assessment process
For junior titles, employers appoint candidates by completing the professional title appointment form. This document serves as proof of employment, provides a foundation for future higher title applications, and records performance.
For intermediate and associate senior titles, the process includes:
1. Certificate verification
Applicants need to complete certificate verification at https://zzjb.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zzjbdl/jsp/login.html. Only those who pass verification before Aug 31, 2025, will be eligible to apply.
2. Online application
Applicants should visit https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zcps/zcpssb/index, and log in by scanning the QR code through the Suishenban app, mini program, or by using their Government Online-Offline Shanghai platform account. After choosing the Shanghai Professional Title Assessment and Recognition Committee (Overseas Qualifications) — 上海市专业技术人才职称考核认定委员会(境外职业资格)— they can proceed with the online application. A personal professional work summary of at least 3,000 words must be submitted as a crucial reference for the evaluation.
3. Employer review
Applicants should generate and download the assessment and recognition form, produce three copies, and duly sign the personal commitment section. Their employer is required to thoroughly review the application documents and evaluate job performance, before providing verified comments on the form.
4. Public notice
Employers are required to publicly display the application materials within their organization for at least five workdays. Applicants must submit all necessary materials, including the signed personal commitment and the employer's verified comments with the official seal, between Sept 1 and Sept 19, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants should monitor system notifications closely and ensure they make any required updates on time.
5. Acceptance and review
The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, along with relevant industry authorities, will review applications to ensure they meet the specified requirements. Applications that satisfy the conditions and include complete materials will be accepted, with applicants notified via https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zcps/zcpssb/index and given a reference number.
If materials are incomplete or incorrectly formatted, applicants will be notified of the necessary corrections and must submit all updates in one response. Failure to do so on time will be regarded as a withdrawal.
Once approved, application details can only be viewed and cannot be edited. Applicants are required to submit paper copies of their materials within the designated timeframe, referencing the assigned number.
6. Interview
The recognition committee will review the applicant's certificate and submitted materials, conduct an interview, and evaluate their technical expertise, professional skills, work achievements, and contributions. Following this, the committee will vote on the final assessment outcome.
7. Result announcement
Approved applicants will be publicly listed on https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zcps/zcpssb/index.
8. Certificate issuance
Once the results are publicly confirmed without objections, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security will distribute electronic professional title certificates. Applicants can access and download these certificates through the Suishenban app or at https://www.rsj.sh.gov.cn/zcps/zcpssb/index.
Contact
During the assessment period, applicants may call the following numbers during working hours for inquiries:
021-3251-1209, 021-3251-1323, or 021-12333.
Source: The Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security