Photo: VCG

Managers of celebrities in China must take test to get a certification before working in the industry to develop the entertainment business in a healthy and ordered way, according to an official notice from Chinese authorities.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China on Friday amended the management notice that was first published on December 13. The notice will be effective from March 1, 2022.

The notice indicates that the certification of mangers of entertainers and shows should be carried out by the nation and anyone who wants to work in the profession in the Chinese territory must first pass the qualification examination and get the certification to be able to engage in show business. The rule is also applicable to residents of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions and the island of Taiwan who intend to work in the industry.

Before, the certification of entertainment managers was issued by the China Association Performing Arts, a social organization administrated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. After the announcement, the ministry has taken charge of the work of organizing tests and issuing the certifications.

Industry insiders told the Global Times on Sunday that this is a signal of strengthening the management of each segment of the entertainment industry.

Shi Wenxue, cultural critic based in Beijing, said that the rules are necessary as managers of celebrities not only take charge of  stars' activities, but also have connections with major fan clubs of entertainers, and they play a significant role in maintaining the order of the entertainment industry.

The test will be held once per year and the ministry will draft the exam syllabus, questions, organize the implementation of the test and determine the standards for passing it, notice said.

The notice also lists several prohibited behaviors that might disturb the order of the entertainment market, including false promotion of performances and providing conditions for entertainers to lip-synch and false play. The certification for managers will be revoked if it is lent or rent to others.

Candidates can get their certification 20 days after taking the exam if their score meets the standards.

The notice especially points out that residents of Hong Kong and Macao Special Administration Regions and the island of Taiwan also need to obey the management notice if they want to be engaged in show business.

"Noting Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan is important as it is easier to regulate the managers' behaviors uniformly and fairly," Shi said. 

"The managers for these stars are a key part of the industry. I support the certification of national qualifications to be issued by government departments. This is one of important steps to rectify the chaos in the entertainment industry," one Sina Weibo user commented representing many voices online.

The Chinese authorities have implemented in 2021 multiple measures to strengthen the regulation of the entertainment industry which has seen a series of scandals involving tax evasion and sexual assaults since the start of the year.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed the details of five cases of businesses in the live performance industry that broke the law as a warning to others , media reported a few weeks ago.