Skill certification academic tests to include foreign language assistance, adding 5 more job categories in 2026

The Ministry of Labor is promoting the addition of foreign language assistance to national skill certification exams to help new immigrants, overseas students, and migrant workers participate. Starting in 2026, in addition to the original 39 categories, 5 new categories will be added, including women's hairdressing, cosmetology, and hotel housekeeping. New immigrants, overseas students, and migrant workers may struggle with the written skill certification exams due to Chinese reading proficiency. Since 2019, the Ministry of Labor has been adding foreign language assistance to these exams, which currently applies to 39 categories. The Workforce Development Agency stated that to help more foreign nationals obtain the technical certificates needed for employment, starting next year, the national skill certification will add foreign language assistance for the Grade C exams in 5 categories: women's hairdressing, cosmetology, baking (pastry and bread), mechatronics, and hotel housekeeping. The Agency noted that among these 5 categories, women's hairdressing, cosmetology, and baking have seen a significant number of foreign spouses and foreign nationals registering over the past 5 years. Mechatronics and hotel housekeeping were added to support labor needs in line with foreign technical manpower policies. The Agency stated that in addition to adding Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, and English to these 5 categories, all 44 categories will also include Tagalog (Filipino) starting next year. Foreign nationals who hold an Alien Resident Certificate and meet the eligibility requirements for the respective skill certification levels can apply during registration.