Three certification examinations held last weekend, the CPA (certified public accountant) examination, National Judicial Examination, and National Qualification Examination for Doctors, have been tarnished by leaks of exam answers. The government has launched an investigation to ascertain the origin of the leaks.  
All of the above are key professional certification examinations that attract a huge number of participants. They have invested a lot of time and money, but the leaks ruined their plans.
Leak scandals have repeatedly been exposed effecting various academic and professional exams. In fact, a huge commercial chain has developed surrounding these tests, from tutoring classes, to test preparation materials, and even sophisticated equipment that help students cheat during an exam. Every sector of a test can be an industry generating profit, legally or illegally.
Exam insiders, from superintendents on test sites to those who can access the test sheet in advance have both the incentives and conditions to leak the tests. There are penalties, but these are not enough to stop repeat offenders.
These reflect how various tests play a crucial role in everyone's life in China. Supposed to be a fair way of measuring talent and selecting the best candidates, these tests in reality decide one's fate, meaning that some participants will always go to any lengths to secure the answers.  
It is a sad reality of China that one's life is largely shaped by a series of tests. For centuries, the imperial examination system, as the only way to become a government official, was known for its rigidity and for suffocating real talents. It was abandoned after the establishment of the new China, but it seems we still cannot get rid of the burden of exams.
Despite all the deficiencies of selection through testing, it remains the fairest way for the majority to access better education and careers. The less privileged can use it move up the social ladder.
From college entrance exams to civil service examination, the number of participants of these life-deciding tests shows the importance of maintaining absolute fairness.
The investigations should expose the gray zone behind these tests, and punishment should ensue. But the strict measures may hardly be able to root the lawbreakers out, at least not in the short-term.


Global Times | September 22, 2011 02:19
By Global Times