China's top translation test sees more examinees

The number of examinees sitting China's top translation test as the biannual two-day exam kicked off on Saturday reached 24,996, 9.8 percent more than sat it in the second half of 2012.

The China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters is co-organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the China International Publishing Group.

Launched in 2003, the test is considered the most authoritative qualification in translation and interpretation proficiency, and has been taken by 295,000 people in total.

However, only 35,000 of those examinees have won certificates.

The test has four levels, from "level-one" translator and interpreter to "senior" translator and interpreter.

Russian, German and Spanish level-one tests have been introduced for the first time in the test that began on Saturday, with authorities believing the move can perfect China's system for evaluating translation talent.

People with this exacting qualification can find work much more easily in the competitive job market.