An examination system that aims to help standardize the market for fashion models has been introduced in Guangdong's provincial capital.

Only models that have passed professional examinations, and have been granted two certificates, will be allowed to take to the catwalk.

The move follows complaints from local companies that some models they hire are unable to even walk down a catwalk properly, and many demand too much money.

In recent years, Guangzhou has had more models than anywhere else in the country.

The two certificates models will have to acquire are called the Professional Skill Qualification Certificate and the Qualification Certificate for Performance. Both are reviewed annually.

"Guangzhou has become the first Chinese city that requires models to obtain certificates before they can participate in commercial shows," according to an official from Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture.

The new examination system has been jointly introduced by the Guangzhou Municipal Culture Bureau, and the Municipal Bureau of Labor and Social Security following two years' preparation.

It will teach models how to walk properly. They will also have to take a test similar to the ones taken by local high school students.

"The new system will certainly help the sector develop in a healthier way," said the official, who did not want to be named.

"Everyone can obtain the two special certificates to perform on catwalks in the city if they pass the professional examinations," the official said.

He said his bureau has received many telephone inquiries from local companies and models about the new test.

Many local models have welcomed the introduction of the qualifications to help standardize their business.

Zhao Yifang, a local freelance model, said the new system would further protect models' legal interests.

She believed the new system would only adversely affect unprofessional models.

A healthier market will help attract even more models to Guangdong, a province that borders the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, Zhao told China Daily.

The 25-year-old, who comes from east China's Jiangsu Province, has been performing on the catwalk in Guangzhou for more than six years.

(China Daily June 14, 2005)