Displayed are more than 50 common certificates and credentials issued in China, including a hukou (household registry), ID, marriage license, student ID, diploma, employment ID, unemployment book and senior citizen certificate. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

Cao Zhiwei, a member of the Guangzhou Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), pointed out on February 19 that the average Chinese citizen needs to apply for 103 different certificates throughout their lifetime, as part of his recent campaign for a consolidated national ID database.

 

Birth permit: Married couples who have plan to have a child need to apply for a birth permit, which guarantees medical insurance and hospital treatment during pregnancy, and is required to register the child's hukou, or household registration. Photo: sohu.com

 

Birth certificate
Birth certificates are necessary when applying for a hukou, or household registration. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Identification card
All Chinese mainland citizens have an ID. The latest generation, updated on March 29, 2004, includes a built-in intelligent chip to record detailed personal information. Identity cards are required for booking travel tickets, checking into hotels and registering for other forms of information. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Passport
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Residence permit
Residence permits are issued to Chinese migrants to some major cities as a measure to strengthen migrant population management and attract talents. Those qualified are given access to the same privileges and municipal services as permanent residents, such as better medical care, education, housing and employment opportunities. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

One-child certificate
As part of the family planning policy in 1982, the one-child certificate (which is euphemistically named the "honorable license") is issued to married couples after their first child who promise not to have any more children. This document was often used when registering a child for school. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

Immunization Record
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Student ID
Students from elementary school to university are eligible for discounts on public transportation or tickets at scenic spots. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Military ID
Servicemen and women are eligible for discounts on public transport and tickets to parks, as well as preferential treatment at hospitals. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

China's Communist Youth League membership
The certificate is issued to members of the Communist Youth League of China at the ages between 14 and 28. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

CET certificate
The College English Test (CET), offered in two levels (CET-4 and CET-6), certifies English proficiency of non-English majors. Though not a requirement for graduation, CET certification helps new grads better compete in the job market. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Putonghua certificate
As many Chinese do not natively speak Putonghua, examinations that test pronunciation and vocabulary are required for some occupations, such as teachers, broadcast journalists and civil servants. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 



 

College graduation certificate
College graduates in the Chinese mainland earn two separate documents - a graduation certificate and diploma. A graduation certificate is given to students that finish all required courses and credits, while diplomas are granted based on requirements determined by the school, which may include thesis defense, English proficiency or disciplinary records. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Employment registration certificate
Issued by China's Ministry of Education, this certificate proves employment after graduation, and is required in the transfer of an individual's personal files and paperwork from the school to their place of employment. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Blood donor certificate
This certificate contains medical details of the blood donor, and also guarantees free blood to the donor and family members when needed. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Driver license
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Handicapped certificate
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Unemployment certificate
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Journalist qualification
In addition to journalism school, reporters in China must pass official exam in order to be qualified to work in media outlets. This is separate from a press pass, which grants reporters access to official press events, conferences and interviews with government officials. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Professional certificate of specialty and technology
Professionals need to pass proficiency exams to work in their chosen field. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Exit-Entry Permit for Traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao
Chinese mainland residents are required to apply for a special passport to enter Hong Kong and Macao. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Single status certificate
A document issued by local civil affairs departments to prove one is not legally married at the time of issue. These certificates are required when purchasing property under certain housing policies, travel abroad and household relocation. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Marriage certificate
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Divorce certificate
Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Health certificate
Those employed in public service industries, such as food, catering and medical, are required to pass a health examination. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 

Senior citizen certificate
Chinese citizens aged 60 (65 in some cities) and above that register as a senior citizen are eligible to receive preferential medical treatment and public transport, as well as free entry to museums and parks. Photo: Chinese Business Morning News/sohu.com

 




Web Editor: liyingxa@globaltimes.com.cn