The Beijing Municipal Education Commission has loosened the restrictions on teacher qualifications, allowing social workers to become teachers.

The authentication of new staff will take place in spring and autumn, with the process starting in May.

Examinees who pass the qualification test can then apply for teaching jobs. Teachers in kindergartens, elementary, middle, and secondary vocational schools, along with trainee teachers in secondary vocational schools are entitled to take part in the test.

The new measure will help promote reform of the educational personnel system and develop the mechanisms of competition and encouragement. It will also attract a more diverse and talented group of people into the profession.

Another major impetus for the move is believed to be Beijing's need for nearly 1,000 new teachers.