Post by : Shakul
Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a clarification regarding the existing language prerequisites for international tour guide licenses, particularly for those using Chinese. This statement comes in light of rising apprehensions about alterations to the Chinese HSK language examination system and their potential impact on licensing requirements for tour guides in Vietnam.
The inquiry was brought forth by Mr. Nguyen Nhat Giau, a domestic tour guide aspiring to transition into an international license with a focus on Chinese language tourism services. He inquired whether the current language requirements would still hold once the HSK examination evolves from version 2.0 to 3.0.
As it stands, individuals wishing to obtain an international tour guide license in Chinese must comply with the language qualifications stated in Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BVHTTDL issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Currently, candidates are required to possess Chinese language certificates equivalent to HSK Level 4 and Intermediate HSK as per the existing HSK 2.0 framework.
Concerns arose due to expected substantial revisions in the HSK examination system, which will expand the number of proficiency levels from six to nine in the updated HSK 3.0 version. Many professionals in tourism have raised questions about the implications this new structure might have on the licensing criteria for international tour guides in Vietnam.
In their response, the Ministry confirmed that the current regulations would remain effective and unchanged for the time being. Officials clarified that the new HSK 3.0 examination system has yet to be officially enacted in Vietnam. Consequently, all applicants for new international tour guide licenses or renewals must adhere to the requirements specified in Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BVHTTDL until any formal modifications are communicated by the authorities.
The ministry also pointed out that the existing regulations stem from amendments to Circular No. 06/2017/TT-BVHTTDL and Circular No. 13/2019/TT-BVHTTDL, which provide comprehensive guidance on various articles within Vietnam's Tourism Law. These rules are established to guarantee that international tour guides have adequate foreign language capabilities to engage effectively with international visitors and deliver professional tourism services.
Experts in the tourism sector believe that maintaining transparent language qualification standards is critical for the enhancement of Vietnam's tourism industry, particularly as the nation continues welcoming increasing numbers of international guests from China and other nations. Chinese visitors form one of the largest segments of international tourists in Vietnam, highlighting the significance of Chinese-speaking tour guides in the industry.
Officials also stressed that any forthcoming adjustments concerning the HSK 3.0 system and tour guide licensing requisites will be officially communicated through government channels once finalized. Until then, tourism professionals are encouraged to continue adhering to the established standards and requirements recognized by Vietnamese authorities.
The reassurance from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to provide comfort to the thousands of tourism professionals and guides preparing for international tour guide certification exams. The government reiterated its dedication to ensuring transparency and consistency in tourism licensing policies while fostering the professional advancement of Vietnam's tourism workforce in line with global standards.
English
