Taiwan Ministry of Labor Proposes 16% Hike in Skill Test Fees

Taiwan's Ministry of Labor is proposing an adjustment to the fees for national skill certification tests, citing the need to keep pace with economic changes. The planned revision will see the fee for academic tests increase from NT$190 to NT$220, while the fees for practical tests, which cover over 300 different occupational categories, will see an average increase of NT$248. Overall, the combined academic and practical test fees are expected to rise by an average of 16%.

The ministry explained that the current fee structure for academic tests has remained unchanged since 2019. In the interim, Taiwan has experienced significant increases in its minimum wage, which has risen by 30.7% between 2019 and 2026, and the consumer price index has also climbed by 11.3%. These economic shifts have led to escalating costs for venue rental, materials, and administrative operations associated with conducting the skill tests, impacting the willingness of organizing bodies to participate.

To mitigate the financial burden on individuals, the Ministry of Labor has allocated approximately NT$100 million from its budget to cover administrative expenses prior to the exams. However, direct costs incurred by participants, such as test fees, will be based on the principle of user pays. Despite the fee adjustments, the ministry affirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Thirteen specific categories of individuals, including single-parent families, the long-term unemployed, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households, will continue to receive full subsidies for academic, practical, qualification review, and certification fees.