On September 16, the provincial human resources department unveiled the Jiangsu Province Domestic and Overseas Professional Qualification Comparison Recognition and Two-Way Mutual Recognition Directory (2026 Edition), making Jiangsu the first region in the country to introduce a comprehensive framework covering more than 10 countries and regions, with 383 qualifications from authoritative institutions eligible for comparison recognition and mutual acceptance.
Going forward, overseas professional qualifications can be directly recognized for professional titles within Jiangsu, while domestic credentials can also "go global with certification" for cross-border practice. The directory is industry-driven, spanning traditional sectors such as construction, chemicals, and machinery, while also embracing emerging and future industries like next-generation information technology, embodied intelligence, and biomedicine.
Hu Zongjia, maintenance supervisor at Mubea Automotive Components (Taicang) Co., Ltd., is among the early beneficiaries of this comparison recognition scheme. "I hold a German AHK mechatronics technician certificate, which can now be directly matched to the domestic electrician technician Level 2, saving me from retaking exams and streamlining the entire process," Hu said.
The directory comprises four distinct lists. Among them, 315 overseas professional technical qualifications can be mapped to professional titles ranging from junior to senior levels. For instance, fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) can all correspond to the title of senior engineer.
Additionally, 32 overseas skill-based qualifications directly align with domestic skill grades, while 31 domestic professional qualifications gain access to the professional title track. Of these, 9 can apply for mutual recognition of overseas credentials, enabling talent to work abroad with their certifications. Furthermore, 5 well-known corporate certificates, such as Xiaomi's smart IoT digital home engineer, Siemens' smart manufacturing talent certification, and XCMG's global service engineer, can be recognized as equivalent to specific skill levels, facilitating a "one-exam-multiple-certificates" approach.
After the policy takes effect, overseas professional and technical talent who obtained qualifications included in the directory during their studies or work abroad, possess at least one year of overseas study or work experience, and are currently engaged in professional roles at enterprises or institutions in Jiangsu, can apply for corresponding professional title recognition. Workers holding overseas vocational skills certificates who are studying, employed, or starting businesses in Jiangsu can have their qualifications assessed at designated institutions according to the directory and be awarded the relevant skill levels.
For professionals who pass examinations for any of the 31 domestic qualifications listed, employers can appoint them to corresponding professional positions based on job requirements and available vacancies. Those meeting the criteria for a higher-level professional title can apply directly for promotion. "The comparison recognition system means our credentials are directly acknowledged in Jiangsu, significantly enhancing the international value of these certificates," said a German-based head of an overseas certification body. "We are eager to deepen standards alignment with Jiangsu and jointly cultivate more globally minded talent," he added.
Upon learning of the announcement, Paulo Lopes, Greater China director of the UK's Institution of Engineering and Technology, commented, "I will share this excellent news with more members and colleagues in the engineering community and invite them to Jiangsu to strengthen talent collaboration." Jiangsu plans to regularly update the directory in line with economic and social development needs and workforce demands, while streamlining application, review, and processing procedures and expanding consultation channels for eligible professionals.