China unveils national qualification system for elderly care professionals

China on Friday unveiled a national qualification system for elderly care service professionals as part of broader efforts to improve senior care amid the country's rapidly aging population.

The system is outlined in an interim regulation jointly issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. It applies to elderly care professionals working in home-based, community-based and institutional care settings.

The regulation classifies elderly care professionals into three vocational skill levels: junior, intermediate and senior.

The junior and intermediate levels will be subject to nationally unified examinations, while separate provisions for senior-level certification will be formulated.

According to the regulation, junior-level professionals are expected to provide a comprehensive range of services, including long-term care for older adults with disabilities, rehabilitation therapy, health management, dementia prevention, psychological support, hospice and palliative care, as well as the planning and design of age-friendly living environments.

Intermediate-level professionals are required to conduct comprehensive assessments of older adults' physical condition, care needs and living environments. They are also responsible for developing and implementing care plans, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and providing training and guidance to junior caregivers.

Eligibility for the junior-level certification is open to individuals engaged in elderly care services who hold a senior high school or secondary vocational school diploma.

Applicants for the intermediate-level examination must have several years of relevant work experience or hold higher academic qualifications.

The regulation takes effect immediately.

Official data show that China's population aged 60 and above reached about 323.4 million by the end of 2025, an increase of 13.07 million from a year earlier.