Circular No. 37/2025/TT-BKHCN stipulates the code number, standards for scientific and technological job titles; achievements and scientific and technological results and innovation for promotion to higher scientific and technological job titles regardless of years of service.

CIRCULAR

Prescribes code numbers and standards for scientific titles and technological titles;

achievements and results in science, technology, and innovation for considering appointment

to higher scientific and technological titles regardless of years of service.

year of service

Pursuant to the Civil Servant Law No. 58/2010/QH12; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Civil Servants Law and the Civil Servant Law No. 52/2019/QH14;

BASED ON THE LAW ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION NUMBER 93/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to Decree No. 55/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2025 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

Pursuant to Decree No. 263/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025, of the Government detailing and guiding certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding the self-management and responsibility mechanism of public scientific and technological organizations, human resources, talents, and awards in the field of science, technology, and innovation;

Pursuant to Decree No. 115/2020/NĐ-CP dated September 25, 2020, of the Government on recruitment, utilization, and management of civil servants; Decree No. 85/2023/NĐ-CP dated December 7, 2023, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 115/2020/NĐ-CP dated September 25, 2020, of the Government on recruitment, utilization, and management of civil servants;

Pursuant to Decree No. 101/2017/NĐ-CP dated September 1, 2017, of the Government on training and capacity building for cadres, civil servants, and civil servants; Decree No. 89/2021/NĐ-CP dated October 18, 2021, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 101/2017/NĐ-CP dated September 1, 2017, of the Government on training and capacity building for cadres, civil servants, and civil servants;

The phrase "or examination" is abolished pursuant to Clause 6, Article 8 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing certain articles of Circulars prescribing job codes, qualification standards, and salary grades for civil servants in the heritage culture, library, grassroots cultural activities, sports, fine arts, art performance, film, and cultural propaganda sectors, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

The Minister of Science and Technology issues this Circular prescribing code numbers, standards for scientific titles and technological titles; achievements and results in science, technology, and innovation for considering appointment to higher scientific and technological titles regardless of years of service.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Circular details Clause 3, Article 64 of Decree No. 115/2020/NĐ-CP dated September 25, 2020, of the Government on recruitment, utilization, and management of civil servants, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 85/2023/NĐ-CP dated December 7, 2023, of the Government; Articles 30 and 32 of Decree No. 263/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025, of the Government detailing and guiding certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding the self-management and responsibility mechanism of public scientific and technological organizations, human resources, talents, and awards in the field of science, technology, and innovation, specifically:

a) Prescribing code numbers and standards for scientific titles and technological titles;

b) Prescribing achievements and results in science, technology, and innovation for considering appointment to higher scientific and technological titles regardless of years of service.

Article 2. This Circular applies to civil servants holding scientific and technological titles working in public institutions and other related agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

1. International reputable journal is a scientific journal listed in the database of Web of Science or Scopus.

2. Domestic reputable scientific journal is a domestic scientific journal with an ISSN code, listed in the annual journal list of the National Council of Professors' Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Council.

3. Scientific article as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 3 of Circular No. 27/2025/TT-BKHCN dated October 31, 2025, of the Minister of Science and Technology on scientific articles and the evaluation and classification of Vietnamese scientific journals.

4. Scientific report at an international scientific conference is a full-text report published in the proceedings, with scientific peer review, with an ISBN code, and included in Web of Science/Scoups/Scimago Q4 or above.

5. Scientific report at an international scientific conference written in English is a full-text report published in the proceedings, with scientific peer review, with an ISBN code.

6. Scientific report at national scientific conferences is a full-text report published in the proceedings, with scientific peer review, with an ISBN code.

7. Monograph is a scientific work with an ISBN code, presenting in-depth and relatively comprehensive research results on a specialized scientific issue.

8. Textbook is teaching and learning material with an ISBN code, containing content suitable for the training program approved by the head of the higher education institution or approved by the Minister of Education and Training.

9. Project, work, design within the technical specialty is a project, work, or design for developing, applying, or implementing technology or other tasks within the scope of the technical profession managed by the civil servant, classified according to the type and level (group) as stipulated by the specialized laws.

10. Principal author of a scientific, technological, and innovative work is the person who makes significant and direct contributions in terms of expertise, including the lead author or corresponding author of the work.

Article 3. The results of professional activities are converted into points.

1. The results of professional activities that are converted into points include:

a) The outcomes of scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities that have been evaluated at the end of the period and achieved the set goals and objectives;

b) The outcomes of protecting industrial property rights for inventions, or the outcomes of protecting rights for plant varieties;

c) Scientific articles, scientific reports at scientific conferences;

d) Monographs, textbooks;

đ) The outcomes of projects, works, designs within the technical specialty;

The method of converting results into points is specified in the Appendix attached to this Circular.

2. Each result of professional activities converted under Clause 1 of this Article must be consistent with the scientific and technological specialty of the civil servant's current activity, suitable to their job position and responsibilities.

3. Scientific articles, scientific reports at scientific conferences, monographs, textbooks that have been published and contain overlapping content of 30% or more with other works of the same author shall only be counted once for conversion into points.

4. If the outcome of professional activities converted has more than two authors, the main author receives one-third of the points, and the remaining points are distributed according to each participant's contribution. In cases where it is not possible to determine the specific contribution of each person, the remaining points will be equally divided among all participants. In cases with only two authors, the main author receives two-thirds of the total converted points, while the co-author receives one-third of the total converted points.

5. Points shall not be converted for professional activity results formed from scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities that have already been converted into points.

6. Each achievement, result of scientific and technological activities and innovation can only be used once to convert points when considering and implementing policies for civil servants holding scientific and technological titles.

Chapter II
CODE AND STANDARDS FOR SCIENTIFIC TITLES, TECHNOLOGICAL TITLES

TECHNICAL POSITION

Article 4. Code for scientific titles, technological titles

1. Group of scientific titles, including:

2. Group of technological titles, including:

Ensuring compliance with scientific integrity principles and professional ethics in scientific research and technological development as stipulated in Decree No. 262/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding information, statistics, evaluation, digital transformation, and general issues.

Article 6. Senior Researcher (Class I) - Code: V.05.01.01

a) Directly conducting research, proposing, and serving as the head of scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities, including: special scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities; scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities within the framework of national science, technology, and innovation programs; scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities within the framework of national science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees; proposing solutions and organizing guidance, monitoring, and evaluating the application of research results in practice;

1. Duties:

b) Conducting research, proposing, participating in building policies, directions, plans for the development and application of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation at the national, sectoral, and local levels. Participating in consulting scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities within the framework of national science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees;

c) Organizing and directing professional activities, guiding principal researchers, researchers, research assistants, and collaborating researchers in carrying out scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities;

d) Participating in teaching or mentoring scientific research for doctoral students, master's students, and undergraduate students at educational institutions;

đ) Leading or participating in organizing conferences, seminars; academic activities domestically and internationally; compiling reports on research results; editing materials to widely disseminate research results into practice.

a) Having a Doctorate degree appropriate to the field of research and the requirements of the job position;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

b) Holding a certificate for training in scientific research positions. In cases where the job position requires a professional license as prescribed by law, the civil servant with a professional license may substitute the certificate for training in scientific research positions.

a) Mastering the Party and State's policies for socio-economic development, strategic orientations for the development of science, technology, and innovation at the national, sectoral, and local levels. Understanding achievements and trends in the development of science, technology, and innovation, as well as domestic and international scientific and technological advancements related to the field of research;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

b) Possessing the ability to conduct deep research in specialized fields and interdisciplinary research in the field of expertise; proposing, advising, and resolving strategic issues at the central and local levels; the ability to summarize practical experiences, build, and present strategic scientific research reports in important scientific conferences; the ability to gather and organize capable individuals to carry out scientific and technological tasks and innovation activities; the ability to integrate scientific research with education and production.

b) Possess the ability to conduct in-depth research in the specialized field and interdisciplinary research within the professional domain; propose, advise, and resolve strategic issues at both central and local levels; capability to summarize practical experiences, develop and present strategic scientific research reports in important conferences and academic seminars; ability to gather and organize capable individuals to carry out scientific, technological, and innovation tasks; capability to integrate scientific research with education and production;

c) Possess in-depth knowledge in the relevant field suitable for assigned tasks and have broad understanding of related fields; have research experience, independent thinking ability, creativity, the capability to combine theoretical research with practical application, and experience collaborating with scientists and international science and technology organizations in the specialized field;

d) Have the capacity to lead scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the national science, technology, and innovation program;

Achieve at least 05 converted points from professional activities results, including at least 03 converted points from implementing scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the national science, technology, and innovation program, organized by ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees; or publish articles in reputable international scientific journals; or obtain patents and transfer them for commercialization or apply them in practice; or obtain plant variety protection certificates and apply them in production and business;

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) A researcher promoted from Senior Researcher (Class II) to Senior Researcher (Class I) must have held the Senior Researcher (Class II) title or equivalent for at least 06 years. In cases where the equivalent time is met, they must have held the Senior Researcher (Class II) title for at least 01 year (cumulatively 12 months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion assessment;

Article 7. Senior Researcher (Class II) - Code: V.05.01.02

1. Duties:

a) Directly conduct research, propose, and lead scientific, technological, and innovation tasks, including: scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the ministry, ministerial-level agency, government agency, central-level agency, and provincial People's Committee programs, or participate in implementing scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the national science, technology, and innovation program;

b) Lead research groups and provide professional guidance to researchers, research assistants, and collaborators on scientific research and technology development content;

c) Be responsible for resolving major issues in assigned scientific, technological, and innovation tasks; write research result reports and application procedures; compile materials to widely disseminate and effectively apply research results to serve production and daily life; organize guidance, monitoring, and evaluation of the application of research results in practice;

d) Participate in formulating policies, plans, and measures to implement scientific, technological, and innovation activities of ministries, sectors, localities, and units; participate in organizing scientific conferences and academic activities in specialized fields; participate in consulting scientific, technological, and innovation tasks; participate in teaching and guiding scientific research for graduate students and university students at training institutions;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a master's degree or higher in a field relevant to the research area and job requirements;

a) Mastering the Party and State's policies for socio-economic development, strategic orientations for the development of science, technology, and innovation at the national, sectoral, and local levels. Understanding achievements and trends in the development of science, technology, and innovation, as well as domestic and international scientific and technological advancements related to the field of research;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the Party and State's policies on economic and social development, science, technology, and innovation; the general economic and social situation and practical demands for the research field; achievements and trends in science, technology, and innovation, important scientific and technological advancements domestically and internationally related to the research field; management content, research implementation methods, information processing, and evaluation of scientific, technological, and innovation research results;

b) Master and be proficient in applying scientific research theories and methods; possess in-depth knowledge in the relevant field suitable for assigned tasks and foundational knowledge in related fields;

c) Have the ability to propose and determine research directions on scientific and technological issues. Possess independent thinking, creativity, the ability to absorb, study, and apply research results to practice. Have the ability to gather research staff and organize the implementation of tasks and resolve issues arising from practice; the ability to summarize practice, build and present scientific research reports in sectoral and provincial scientific conferences; have the ability to organize domestic academic activities and participate in international academic activities;

d) Have the capacity to lead scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the ministry, ministerial-level agency, government agency, central-level agency, and provincial People's Committee programs and perform other scientific, technological, and innovation tasks;

Achieve at least 03 converted points from professional activity results, including at least 01 converted point from implementing scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the ministry, ministerial-level agency, government agency, central-level agency, and provincial People's Committee programs; or publish articles in reputable scientific journals; or obtain patents; or obtain plant variety protection certificates;

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) A researcher promoted from Researcher (Class III) to Senior Researcher (Class II) must have held the Researcher (Class III) title or equivalent for at least 09 years. In cases where the equivalent time is met, they must have held the Researcher (Class III) title for at least 01 year (cumulatively 12 months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion assessment.

Article 8. Researcher (Class III) - Code: V.05.01.03

1. Duties:

a) Head scientific and technological tasks and innovation at the basic level or participate in other scientific and technological tasks and innovation;

b) Directly conduct research, participate in survey activities, investigation, serve research, and guide and inspect research assistants to perform assigned research and experimental contents; participate in specialized academic activities;

c) Lead or participate in writing summary reports on scientific and technological tasks and innovation, compile materials and information to widely disseminate and apply research results to practice.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a field relevant to the research area and job requirements;

a) Mastering the Party and State's policies for socio-economic development, strategic orientations for the development of science, technology, and innovation at the national, sectoral, and local levels. Understanding achievements and trends in the development of science, technology, and innovation, as well as domestic and international scientific and technological advancements related to the field of research;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the Party and State's policies on economic and social development, science, technology, and innovation; the general economic and social situation and practical demands for the research field; achievements and trends in science, technology, and innovation, important scientific and technological advancements domestically and internationally related to the research field; management content, research implementation methods, information processing, and evaluation of scientific, technological, and innovation research results;

b) Master the methods of using, operating, and maintaining equipment and materials used in research, and related labor safety and hygiene regulations;

c) Possess the ability to conduct research and implement research results in practice; organize and connect capable researchers to carry out specific scientific and technological tasks and innovation; build and present assigned scientific research reports; participate in conferences and seminars within the research field;

d) Have the capability to head basic scientific and technological tasks and innovation and participate in other scientific and technological tasks and innovation;

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) A staff member promoted from Research Assistant (Class IV) to Researcher (Class III) must have held the Research Assistant (Class IV) position or equivalent for at least three years. In cases with equivalent time, they must have held the Research Assistant (Class IV) position for at least one year (cumulative twelve months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion.

Article 9. Research Assistant (Class IV) - Code: V.05.01.04

1. Duties:

a) Carry out tasks supporting research, participate in surveys, or assist in processing and summarizing information and data within the assigned scope;

b) Perform support duties for higher-ranking research positions in implementing research activities.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold an associate degree or higher in a field relevant to the research area and job requirements;

a) Mastering the Party and State's policies for socio-economic development, strategic orientations for the development of science, technology, and innovation at the national, sectoral, and local levels. Understanding achievements and trends in the development of science, technology, and innovation, as well as domestic and international scientific and technological advancements related to the field of research;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the basic content of the direction, scientific and technological tasks, and innovation of the industry and unit;

b) Understand basic research methods, basic research tools, basic implementation procedures for research activities; the method of using, operating, and maintaining equipment and materials used in research;

c) Have foundational theoretical knowledge about the assigned research field;

d) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position.

Article 10. Senior Engineer (Class I) - Code: V.05.02.05

1. Duties:

a) Lead or participate in formulating strategies and plans for national, ministerial, and provincial applied research and technology development; technical solutions, economic and technical justifications for major national, ministerial, and provincial economic and technical projects;

b) Lead or participate in reviewing technical solutions and economic and technical justifications for projects within the engineering specialty. Lead or participate in evaluating initiatives and appraising technological outcomes from scientific and technological tasks and innovation; applying scientific and technological progress to production and daily life; carrying out scientific and technological tasks and innovation within the framework of national science, technology, and innovation programs, of ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees; lead or participate in summarizing experiences and proposing solutions, amendments, and supplements to management regulations for research and technology development activities in sectors, industries, and localities in accordance with relevant laws;

c) Participate in establishing goals, contents, programs, and plans for training and enhancing the qualifications of human resources in science, technology, and innovation in the industry. Compile and edit teaching materials and textbooks for training and enhancing human resources in science, technology, and innovation. Participate in teaching advanced courses for chief engineers, engineers, and technicians in their respective engineering specialties;

d) Organize and direct the implementation of plans to ensure that projects are completed on schedule, safely, with quality, and achieve practical socio-economic benefits;

đ) Detect, adjust, or propose suspension of technical activities and technology deployment contrary to current national technical standards and procedures;

e) Exploit and directly apply advanced imported technologies; quickly adopt modern technical achievements to create leaps in technology and production organizational structures. Cooperate with domestic and international partners to carry out scientific and technological tasks and innovation within the framework of national science, technology, and innovation programs, special scientific and technological tasks;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a master's degree or higher in engineering, technology fields, and be suitable for the job position;

b) Hold a certificate for training in the technology position. In cases where the job position requires a professional license according to the law, the staff member can use the professional license instead of the corresponding technology position training certificate;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Fully understand the Party and State's policies and guidelines for socio-economic development, the strategic orientation for science, technology, and innovation development in general, and the direction and tasks for science, technology, and innovation development in the industry in particular; understand the production situation, technological level generally, and the production situation, technological level of the industry; grasp and keep abreast of scientific and technological achievements and development trends, important scientific and technological advancements domestically and internationally related to the industry and unit.

b) Possessing in-depth knowledge in the technical field assigned and basic knowledge of related technical fields; having extensive understanding and experience in the development, application, and implementation of technology within the scope of the economic-technical sector assigned;

c) Having independent thinking ability, creativity, and methods to handle complex economic-technical issues related to the assigned field. Having the ability to gather individuals engaged in scientific, technological, and innovative activities with capability, organize and direct the execution of tasks, and summarize practical experiences; having the ability to connect organizations and individuals engaged in scientific, technological, and innovative activities with enterprises;

d) Having the capacity to be the head of scientific, technological, and innovative tasks within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program or level I projects, works, designs in the technical field and being the head, organizing the implementation of scientific, technological, and innovative tasks or projects, works, designs at various levels in the technical field;

Achieving at least 04 converted points from professional activity results, including at least 02 points converted from the results of implementing scientific, technological, and innovative tasks within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program, of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, other central agencies, and provincial People's Committees; or serving as project manager, leading projects, works, designs at level II or higher in the technical field; or publishing articles in reputable international scientific journals; or inventions granted patents and applied in practice; or plant varieties granted protection certificates and applied in production and business;

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) For staff promoted from Senior Engineer (Class II) to Senior Engineer (Class I), they must have held the position of Senior Engineer (Class II) or equivalent for at least 06 years. In cases with equivalent time, they must have held the position of Senior Engineer (Class II) for at least 01 year (cumulatively 12 months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion;

Article 11. Senior Engineer (Class II) - Code: V.05.02.06

1. Duties:

a) Building and directing the implementation of assigned technical tasks to ensure the continuous operation of the process of technology development, application, and implementation; scientific, technological, and innovative tasks affecting the technological development of the unit and the industry;

b) Proposing technological solutions, improving production structures, directly applying advanced domestic and imported technologies;

c) Being the head of scientific, technological, and innovative tasks related to technological innovation, production process innovation, managing the operation of the main technological lines of the unit; leading the development of training programs, enhancing the professional skills and expertise of the technical staff of the unit and the industry;

d) Implementing or directing the management of technology within the assigned scope (directing and inspecting design work, developing technological solutions, procedures, technical regulations, technical standards, labor safety, product quality...). Participating in compiling and researching to complete the system of technical standards and regulations. Participating in writing lectures, editing materials, and teaching courses on enhancing professional skills in the assigned technical field;

đ) Summarizing, analyzing, evaluating the degree of completion and effectiveness of technological solutions within the assigned scope, proposing supplementary measures to improve and adapt them appropriately; identifying and recommending adjustments or cessation of technical activities that violate current technical procedures and regulations;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Holding a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of engineering, technology, and job requirements;

b) Hold a certificate for training in the technology position. In cases where the job position requires a professional license according to the law, the staff member can use the professional license instead of the corresponding technology position training certificate;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Mastering the Party and State's policies on socio-economic development, directions, and tasks for the development of science, technology, and innovation in the industry and unit; achievements and trends in the development of science, technology, and innovation, important scientific and technological advancements domestically and internationally related to the industry and unit;

b) Possessing in-depth knowledge in the technical field suitable for assigned tasks and foundational knowledge in a related field; understanding the general socio-economic situation and the production status, technological level of the industry and unit; having knowledge about economics, deep understanding of the professional development, application, and implementation of specialized technology; mastering methods of organizing and directing the implementation of assigned technical tasks and labor safety regulations;

c) Having the ability to work independently, creative thinking, and gathering resources to execute tasks and summarize practical experiences; having the ability to connect organizations and individuals engaged in scientific, technological, and innovative activities with enterprises;

d) Having the capacity to be the head of scientific, technological, and innovative tasks within the framework of the science, technology, and innovation program of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, other central agencies, and provincial People's Committees or level II projects in the technical field and leading or participating in the implementation of scientific, technological, and innovative tasks or projects, works, designs in the technical field at various levels.

Achieve at least two converted points for professional activities results, including at least one point converted from leading or participating in scientific and technological tasks and innovation programs within the framework of science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level agencies, provincial People's Committees, grassroots scientific and technological tasks or projects, works, designs at level III or higher in the technical field; or publishing articles in reputable scientific journals; or patents granted with a Patent Certificate or Utility Model Certificate; or plant varieties granted with a Protection Certificate.

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) For staff to be promoted from Engineer (Class III) to Senior Engineer (Class II), they must have held the Engineer (Class III) title or equivalent for at least nine years. In cases where the equivalent period is met, they must have held the Engineer (Class III) title for at least one year (cumulatively twelve months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion assessment.

Article 12. Engineer (Class III) - Code: V.05.02.07

1. Duties:

a) Develop and direct the implementation of assigned technical tasks to ensure the regular activities of the development, application, and deployment of technology processes.

b) Participate in implementing scientific and technological tasks and innovation programs within their specialized field.

c) Implement or direct the management of technology within the assigned scope, participate in compiling and researching to complete the system of norms, technical standards of the technology field they are responsible for.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Holding a bachelor's degree or higher in the field of engineering, technology, and job requirements;

b) Hold a certificate for training in the technology position. In cases where the job position requires a professional license according to the law, the staff member can use the professional license instead of the corresponding technology position training certificate;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the Party and State's economic and social development policies, the direction and tasks of scientific and technological development and innovation in the industry and unit; general economic and social conditions, achievements, trends in scientific and technological development and innovation, important scientific and technological advancements domestically and internationally related to the industry and unit.

b) Be thoroughly familiar with the content, management procedures, and methods of organizing and implementing scientific and technological tasks and innovation programs at the unit. Be thoroughly familiar with the subjects affected by science and technology within the scope of operation, labor safety regulations, and hygiene.

d) Have the ability to lead and organize the implementation of grassroots scientific and technological tasks or projects, works, designs at level III in the technical field.

đ) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position;

e) For staff to be promoted from Technician (Class IV) to Engineer (Class III), they must have held the Technician (Class IV) title or equivalent for at least three years. In cases where the equivalent period is met, they must have held the Technician (Class IV) title for at least one year (cumulatively twelve months) up to the deadline for submitting registration applications for promotion assessment.

Article 13. Technician (Class IV) - Code: V.05.02.08

1. Duties:

a) Perform regular technical and technological tasks according to a specific process.

b) Manage the technological process within the assigned scope under the guidance of a higher-level technology position.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a college degree or higher in the field of engineering and technology, and meet the requirements of the job position.

b) Hold a certificate for training in the technology position. In cases where the job position requires a professional license according to the law, the staff member can use the professional license instead of the corresponding technology position training certificate;

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the basic contents of the direction and tasks of production development and technological innovation in the industry and unit.

b) Possess theoretical knowledge in a specific engineering field, capable of skillfully performing routine technical tasks assigned.

c) Understand technical processes, technical regulations, technical standards, norms, safety techniques, and labor protection.

d) Be able to use foreign languages or ethnic minority languages as required by the job position.

Chapter III
ACHIEVEMENTS, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESULTS, AND INNOVATION CREATIONS FOR PROMOTION TO THE SCIENTIFIC POSITION,

 AND HIGHER TECHNOLOGY POSITION ARE NOT DEPENDENT ON

 YEARS OF SERVICE

 

Article 14. Consideration for appointment to the Researcher (Class III) or Engineer (Class III) position

A civil servant holding the Assistant Researcher (Class IV) or Technical Officer (Class IV) position who meets the criteria for the Researcher (Class III) or Engineer (Class III) position as stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular shall be considered for appointment to the Researcher (Class III) or Engineer (Class III) position without regard to years of service if they achieve one of the following scientific, technological, and innovation achievements during their current position tenure:

1. Is the author or a member of the author group of a scientific research work that has won one of the following awards: Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award for Science and Technology Innovation, award from a ministry, sector, locality for science and technology innovation, Vietnam Creativity in Science and Technology Award, Kovalevskaia Award, international award, other reputable domestic award in the field of science, technology, and innovation.

2. Participates in implementing scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within national science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees or projects, works, designs at Level III or higher in the technical field.

3. Has a scientific article published in a reputable domestic journal or is part of the author group of a monograph or textbook that has been published.

4. Is the inventor of a patent or protected plant variety.

Article 15. Consideration for appointment to the Senior Researcher (Class II) or Senior Engineer (Class II) position

A civil servant holding the Researcher (Class III) or Engineer (Class III) position who meets the criteria for the Senior Researcher (Class II) or Senior Engineer (Class II) position as stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular shall be considered for appointment to the Senior Researcher (Class II) or Senior Engineer (Class II) position without regard to years of service if they achieve one of the following scientific, technological, and innovation achievements during their current position tenure:

1. Achieves one of the scientific, technological, and innovation achievements specified in Clause 1 and Clause 4 of Article 14 of this Circular.

2. Holds a Doctorate or Doctor of Science degree.

3. Leads a scientific, technological, and innovation task within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program or two scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees which have been evaluated at the end of the period as achieving the set results and goals.

4. Has two scientific articles published in reputable international journals or is the editor of a monograph or textbook that has been published.

5. Is the director managing, leading a project, work, design at Level II or higher in the technical field.

Article 16. Consideration for Appointment to the Title of Senior Researcher (Class I) or Senior Engineer (Class I)

1. Civil servants holding scientific or technological titles who have been appointed the title of Professor or Associate Professor and meet the criteria for the title of Senior Researcher (Class I) or Senior Engineer (Class I) as stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular shall be considered for appointment to the title of Senior Researcher (Class I) or Senior Engineer (Class I) without regard to the current research scientist or technological title held and irrespective of years of service.

2. Civil servants holding the title of Principal Researcher (Class II) who meet the criteria for the title of Senior Researcher (Class I) as stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular shall be considered for appointment to the title of Senior Researcher (Class I) irrespective of years of service if during their current tenure they achieve one of the following accomplishments, results of scientific, technological, and innovation activities:

a) A work that wins one of the following awards: Ho Chi Minh Award, State Award for Science and Technology, Ta Quang Buu Award, Tran Dai Nghia Award, Kovalevskaia Award, or a reputable international award in science, technology, and innovation;

b) The principal investigator of a special scientific, technological, and innovation task; or the principal investigator of two scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program; or the principal investigator of one scientific, technological, and innovation task within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program and the principal investigator of at least two scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the science, technology, and innovation program of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees which have been evaluated at the end of the period and achieved the set goals and targets;

c) The main author or editor-in-chief of at least one monograph presenting in-depth research results, solving scientific issues related to multiple fields (or two monographs presenting in-depth research results, solving scientific issues within a specific field) and the main author of at least four scientific articles published in reputable international journals, including two articles published in reputable ISI journals.

3. Civil servants holding the title of Principal Engineer (Class II) who meet the criteria for the title of Senior Engineer (Class I) as stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular shall be considered for appointment to the title of Senior Engineer (Class I) irrespective of years of service if during their current tenure they achieve one of the following accomplishments, results of scientific, technological, and innovation activities:

a) One of the scientific, technological, and innovation achievements as specified in point a, Clause 2 of this Article;

b) The civil servant has been awarded a Doctorate or Doctor of Science degree and achieves the following results of scientific, technological, and innovation activities: Participating in at least two scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program; or participating in at least one scientific, technological, and innovation task within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program and being the principal investigator of at least one scientific, technological, and innovation task within the framework of the science, technology, and innovation program of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees which have been evaluated at the end of the period and achieved the set goals and targets; or being the author of at least two patents granted with Patent Certificates/Patent Certificates for Utility Solutions; or being the director, manager, or principal investigator of at least two Class I projects or works or designs in the technical field and being the director, manager, or principal investigator of at least four Class II projects or works or designs in the technical field which have been completed, put into use, and demonstrated effectiveness; or being the principal investigator or designer of at least two Class I projects or works and being the principal investigator or designer of at least two Class II projects or works approved by the competent authority.

Chapter IV
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 17. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from November 28, 2025.

2. The following regulations are abolished:

a) Circular No. 05/2023/TT-BKHCN dated May 22, 2023 of the Minister of Science and Technology detailing certain contents on attracting, utilizing, and valuing individuals engaged in science and technology activities;

b) Article 2, Article 3, Chapter II, and Article 19 of Circular No. 11/2024/TT-BKHCN dated December 30, 2024 of the Minister of Science and Technology stipulating code numbers and criteria for the title of profession of science and technology civil servants; criteria and conditions for promotion to higher ranks of the profession of science and technology civil servants.

Article 18. Transitional Provisions

1. Civil servants who have been appointed to the title of profession of science and technology civil servants according to the provisions of the law before the date this Circular takes effect shall be deemed to meet the requirements regarding the professional competence criteria of the scientific and technological titles stipulated in this Circular, corresponding to the title of profession already appointed.

2. Civil servants holding the title of profession in the science and technology field who have certificates of completion of training programs as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 17 of Decree No. 101/2017/NĐ-CP dated September 1, 2017 of the Government on training and upgrading cadres, civil servants, and civil servants, or who were appointed to the title of profession of science and technology civil servants before June 30, 2022, shall not need to participate in training programs according to the corresponding professional title criteria as stipulated in this Circular.

3. For scientific and technological tasks that have been accepted in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Science and Technology and detailed regulations guiding the implementation of the Law on Science and Technology, they shall be converted equivalently to scientific, technological, and innovation tasks that have been evaluated at the end of the period and achieved results and goals as prescribed by the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation as follows:

a) Special scientific and technological tasks or particularly important national scientific and technological tasks are equivalent to special scientific, technological, and innovation tasks;

b) National scientific and technological tasks are equivalent to scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the national science, technology, and innovation program;

c) Scientific and technological tasks at the ministry level, provincial level are equivalent to scientific, technological, and innovation tasks within the framework of the science, technology, and innovation programs of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, central-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees;

d) Basic scientific and technological tasks are equivalent to basic scientific, technological, and innovation tasks.

Article 19. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Minister, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial People's Committees under the Central Government; Heads of public service units and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. In case of difficulties during the implementation process, please report to the Ministry of Science and Technology for guidance or consideration and resolution.