"With the new certification programmes, we hope to encourage life-long learning and provide quality support development [for young IT professionals], and in turn let the local IT industry penetrate the mainland Chinese market," Lee said.

The HKITPC, founded in 2007, is a non-profit institute that pioneered the first IT professional certification scheme in Hong Kong, which synchronises with the Hong Kong Education Bureau's Qualifications Framework established in May 2008.

The Hong Kong's Qualifications Framework defines the standards of different qualifications to ensure their quality and indicate the progression paths of different professions.

Exam and work experience required

Candidates applying for the new titles are required to sit for an examination organised by the HKITPC, said Agnes Mak, director of HKITPC. Examination fee per certification title is HK$2,500 (US$322). The soonest examination will be in mid-May, and the next in mid-November.