Consolidated Document number 6979/VBHN-BVHTTDL stipulates the code number, occupational title standards, and salary grading for specialized art vocational staff.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for specialized art personnel

Circular No. 09/2022/TT-BVHTTDL dated October 28, 2022, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism stipulates code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for specialized art personnel, which took effect from December 15, 2022, and was amended and supplemented by:

Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to amend and supplement certain provisions of Circulars regulating code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for specialized cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, physical education and sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda personnel, which took effect from January 15, 2026.

Pursuant to the Civil Servant Law dated November 15, 2010;

Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Civil Servants and Public Officials Law and the Public Service Staff Law dated November 25, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004, of the Government on salary system for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and armed forces, and Decree No. 17/2013/NĐ-CP dated February 19, 2013, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004, of the Government on salary system for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and armed forces;

Pursuant to Government Decree No. 79/2017/NĐ-CP dated July 17, 2017, on functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;

Based on the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department;

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 Culture, Sports and Tourism issues this Circular stipulating code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for specialized art personnel.[1]

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Circular stipulates code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for specialized art personnel.

Article 2. This Circular applies to specialized art personnel working in public service units (including illustrators engaged in puppet figure creation; animation action film design; stage decoration design; stage and film costume makeup and attire design; restoration and renovation of art works; visual propaganda design; exhibition design and staging; graphic design) and related organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Code Numbers of Occupational Titles for Specialized Art Personnel

Occupational titles for specialized art personnel include:

1. Artist Grade I - Code Number: V.10.08.25

2. Artist Grade II - Code Number: V.10.08.26

3. Artist Grade III - Code Number: V.10.08.27

4. Artist Grade IV - Code Number: V.10.08.28

Article 3. Professional Ethics Standards for Specialized Art Personnel

1. Demonstrate responsibility towards assigned tasks, comply with legal regulations, and fulfill all duties as a civil servant in professional activities.

2. Devote oneself to the development of artistic activities in the field of fine arts; have a sense of preserving, protecting, and promoting the traditional artistic values of ethnic communities in Vietnam.

3. Actively participate in research and creative activities; be passionate about the profession, honest, objective, straightforward, with clear opinions; maintain humility and propriety when interacting with the public; combat wrongful and negative behaviors; practice thrift and oppose waste.

4. Foster unity, be proactive and actively cooperate with colleagues to accomplish assigned tasks.

5. Continuously study and improve moral qualities, competence, and capabilities.

Chapter II. OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS

Article 4. Artist Grade I - Code Number: V.10.08.25

1. Duties:

a) Lead and direct the creation and implementation of large-scale, complex fine art projects and works;

b) Promote new trends in fine art creation; summarize experiences, conduct research, and propose issues related to the creative process;

c) Lead scientific research activities, analyze domestic and international fine art creation trends; prepare materials and resources for creation and implementation of shaping solutions (sketches, completed sketches, work execution);

d) Monitor and evaluate the social impact of projects and works after their release to draw lessons and propose new creation trends.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant fine arts specialty. In cases where a bachelor's degree or higher in another specialty is held, the individual must have been awarded the title of "People's Artist" or "Outstanding Artist," or received the "Ho Chi Minh Prize" or "State Prize" in literature and arts;

b) Hold a certificate in occupational standards training for specialized art personnel.

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Be well-versed in the Party's policies and State laws regarding the fine arts sector;

b) Be knowledgeable in comprehensive fine arts types; characteristics and features of related arts; achievements in science and technology both domestically and internationally related to fine arts operations;

c) Be familiar with various forms, methods of creation, and related technical procedures;

d) Skillfully utilize materials; have experience in creating and executing projects and works;

e) Possess leadership and coordination skills with colleagues in organizing professional fine arts activities; have the ability to research and propose innovative solutions in the fine arts field.

4. Requirements for staff candidates[2] Criteria for Promotion to Artist Grade I Position:

a) Have held the Artist Grade II position or equivalent for at least six years. If the equivalent period is met, then the individual must have held the Artist Grade II position for at least one year (12 months) up to the date of the application deadline.[3] b) Meet one of the following requirements:

- During the period holding the occupational title of Grade II Artistic Director or equivalent, at least two works or programs directed were recognized for artistic quality by the Ministry-level or equivalent specialized Art Council, or at least two works or programs directed received awards at national-level professional contests, festivals, or performances.

- During the time holding the Artist Grade II position or equivalent, at least two works must have been recognized for quality by a Ministry-level or equivalent Art Council or won awards in national-level professional competitions, festivals, or exhibitions in literature and arts.

- Being awarded the title of "People's Artist" or receiving the "Ho Chi Minh Prize" in literature and art.

Article 5. Second-Class Painter - Code: V.10.08.26

1. Duties:

a) Lead the organization of creation and direct the implementation of medium-scale fine art works with moderate complexity;

b) Summarize, draw lessons, research, and propose issues related to the creative process of the arts;

c) Participate in scientific research topics, analyze trends in fine art creation both domestically and internationally;

d) Monitor and evaluate the social effectiveness of works and pieces after they are presented to the public to draw lessons and propose trends for new creations;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant fine arts specialty. In cases where a bachelor's degree or higher in another specialty is held, the individual must have been awarded the title of "People's Artist" or "Outstanding Artist," or received the "Ho Chi Minh Prize" or "State Prize" in literature and arts;

b) Hold a certificate in occupational standards training for specialized art personnel.

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Be well-versed in the Party's policies and State laws regarding the fine arts sector;

b) Possess comprehensive knowledge about various forms of fine arts; characteristics and features of related artistic disciplines; scientific and technological achievements both domestically and internationally relevant to fine arts operations;

c) Understand the forms, methods of creation, and related technical procedures;

d) Be proficient in utilizing materials and have experience in creative activities;

đ) Have the ability to conduct research and collaborate with colleagues in organizing specialized activities in fine arts;

4. Requirements for staff candidates[4] Criteria for promotion to the profession title of second-class painter:

a) Have held the profession title of third-class painter or equivalent for at least nine years (excluding probationary and trial periods). In cases of equivalent time, there must be at least one year (twelve months) holding the profession title of third-class painter up to the deadline for submitting registration applications;[5] b) Meet one of the following requirements:

- During the period holding the occupational title of Grade II Artistic Director or equivalent, at least two works or programs directed were recognized for artistic quality by the Ministry-level or equivalent specialized Art Council, or at least two works or programs directed received awards at national-level professional contests, festivals, or performances.

- During the period of holding the profession title of third-class painter or equivalent, there must be at least one work or piece recognized for artistic quality by a specialized Ministry-level Art Council or equivalent, or awarded prizes in professional contests, festivals, exhibitions on literature and arts nationwide (or at the national level).

- Received the title of "People's Artist" or "Meritorious Artist", or received the "Ho Chi Minh Award" or "State Award" in literature and art.

Article 6. Third-Class Painter - Code: V.10.08.27

1. Duties:

a) Implement medium and small-scale fine art works with moderate complexity; express paintings, sculptures, design... on one material or different materials ensuring content and form according to requirements;

b) Research topics, prepare materials and information; coordinate with relevant individuals to unify creative ideas, ensure the completion process of assigned works and pieces; implement shape solutions (complete sketches, express works);

c) Develop plans, propose measures to carry out works and pieces; estimate budgets, materials... for creative or expressive tasks;

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant fine arts specialty. In cases where a bachelor's degree or higher in another specialty is held, the individual must have been awarded the title of "People's Artist" or "Outstanding Artist," or received the "Ho Chi Minh Prize" or "State Prize" in literature and arts;

b) Hold a certificate in occupational standards training for specialized art personnel.

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the Party's policies and the State's laws regarding the field of fine arts;

b) Understand various forms and methods of creation;

c) Be proficient in utilizing one material in creation and expression of works and pieces;

d) Have the ability to collaborate with colleagues in specialized vocational activities in fine arts;

đ) Have the ability to apply scientific and technological advancements to enhance the effectiveness of fine arts activities;

4. Requirements for staff candidates[6] Criteria for promotion to the profession title of third-class painter:

Have held the profession title of fourth-class painter or equivalent for at least two years (excluding probationary and trial periods) for college level or at least three years (excluding probationary and trial periods) for secondary level. In cases of equivalent time, there must be at least one year (twelve months) holding the profession title of fourth-class painter up to the deadline for submitting registration applications.[7] for promotion.

Article 7. Category IV Painter - Code: V.10.08.28

1. Duties:

a) To express the author's works such as paintings, sculptures, artistic designs... on one material or different materials according to the required content and form.

b) To prepare relevant materials, documents, supplies related to the implementation of projects and works; to carry out shaping solutions ensuring the completion process of projects and works.

2. Qualifications regarding education and training:

a) To have a diploma from a college or higher degree suitable for the fine arts major.

b) Hold a certificate in occupational standards training for specialized art personnel.

3. Qualifications regarding professional expertise and skills:

a) Understand the Party's policies and the State's laws regarding the field of fine arts;

b) Understand basic scientific achievements related to professional duties;

c) Understand forms and methods of creation;

d) To be able to exploit and use one material in creation.

đ) To have the ability to cooperate with colleagues in professional activities related to fine arts.

Chapter III. SALARY GRADING FOR PROFESSIONAL TITLES OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN THE FIELD OF FINE ARTS

Article 8. Principles for salary grading for professional titles of state employees in the field of fine arts

1. The appointment and salary grading for professional titles of state employees in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular must be based on the job position, responsibilities, tasks, and the specialty and profession currently undertaken by the employee.

2. When appointing and grading salaries for professional titles of state employees in the field of fine arts corresponding to the positions, it shall not combine with increasing salary grades or upgrading professional title grades of state employees.

Article 9. Salary Grading Method

1. The professional titles of state employees in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular shall apply Table 3 (Table of Specialized and Vocational Salaries for State Employees in Public Service Units) issued together with Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004 of the Government on the salary system for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and armed forces personnel, specifically as follows:

a) The professional title of Category I Painter shall apply the salary grade of public official type A3, group 1 (A3.1), from coefficient 6.20 to coefficient 8.00;

b) The professional title of Category II Painter shall apply the salary grade of public official type A2, group 1 (A2.1), from coefficient 4.40 to coefficient 6.78;

c) The professional title of Category III Painter shall apply the salary grade of public official type A1, from coefficient 2.34 to coefficient 4.98;

d) The professional title of Category IV Painter shall apply the salary grade of public official type B, from coefficient 1.86 to coefficient 4.06.

2.[8] After completing the probationary period according to regulations, civil servants will be appointed and have their salary grade set as follows:

a) In the case of recruiting public officials with a bachelor's degree suitable for the recruited job position, who are appointed to the professional title of Category III Painter: grade 1, coefficient 2.34, public official type A1 grade;

b) In the case of recruiting public officials with a college degree suitable for the recruited job position, who are appointed to the professional title of Category IV Painter: grade 1, coefficient 1.86, public official type B grade.

c) In cases where civil servants are recruited with a higher level of education than required under points a and b of this clause, each higher level of education will be added one salary grade.

3. The transfer of salary grading for public officials from the current professional title to the professional titles in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular shall be implemented according to the guidelines in Section II of Circular No. 02/2007/TT-BNV dated May 25, 2007 of the Ministry of Home Affairs guiding salary grading when upgrading, transferring grades, and types of civil servants and public officials.

Chapter IV. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 10. Implementation Organization

1. This Circular serves as the basis for implementing the recruitment, utilization, and management of public officials in the field of fine arts working in public service units.

2. The heads of public service units directly managing and utilizing public officials shall be responsible for reviewing the job positions of their units; deciding or submitting to the competent authority for approval the appointment of professional titles of public officials in the field of fine arts within their delegated authority.

3. Non-public organizations, institutions, and public service units may apply the provisions of this Circular to recruit, utilize, and manage staff in the field of fine arts.

Article 11. Transitional Provisions

1. Public officials who have been appointed to professional titles in the field of fine arts according to the law before the effective date of this Circular shall be considered as meeting the requirements regarding educational qualifications, training, and professional standards of the professional titles of public officials in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular corresponding to the professional titles they have been appointed to.

2. Public officials who have obtained certificates of training for professional title standards of various categories of public officials in the field of fine arts before June 30, 2022, as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 2 of Decree No. 89/2021/NĐ-CP dated October 18, 2021 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 101/2017/NĐ-CP dated September 1, 2017 of the Government on training and retraining of cadres, civil servants, and public officials shall be considered as meeting the requirements for certificates of training according to the category professional title standards of public officials in the field of fine arts for consideration of professional title transfer, participation in the examination for promotion of professional titles, and shall not need to study the training program for professional title standards of public officials in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular.[9] to participate in the examination for promotion of professional titles and shall not need to study the training program for professional title standards of public officials in the field of fine arts as prescribed in this Circular.

Article 12. Amend and supplement some articles of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-BVHTTDL dated December 22, 2021 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage professionals.

Amend Clause 2 of Article 11 as follows:

“2. Civil servants who have obtained the certificate for job title standards of cultural heritage professional categories before June 30, 2022, as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 2 of 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 public officials shall be recognized as meeting the requirements for the capacity-building certificate according to the job title standard of cultural heritage professional categories for consideration in transferring job titles, participating in the examination period for promotion of job titles, and are not required to study the capacity-building program for job title standards of cultural heritage professionals as prescribed in this Circular.”[10] Article 13. Effectiveness of Implementation

2. Repeal Circular Joint Circular No. 07/2016/TTLT-BVHTTDL-BNV dated June 30, 2016 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Minister of Home Affairs on code numbers and job title standards for art professionals.

1. This Circular takes effect from December 15, 2022.

Article 14. Responsibility for Implementation

3. In cases where the referenced documents in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, implementation shall be carried out according to the new documents.

1. The Minister, Heads of Ministries equivalent to ministries, Heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial People's Committees under the central government, and related agencies, units, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

Number: 6979/VBHN-BVHTTDL

2. During the implementation process, if any difficulties arise, agencies, units, and individuals are requested to promptly report to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for research and appropriate amendments and supplements.

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

"Pursuant to the Law on Civil Servants dated November 15, 2010;

Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Civil Servants and Public Officials Law and the Public Service Staff Law dated November 25, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004, of the Government on salary system for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and armed forces, and Decree No. 17/2013/NĐ-CP dated February 19, 2013, of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004, of the Government on salary system for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and armed forces;

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

Based on the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department;

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism promulgates this Circular amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals.”

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 phrase "take the test or" is abolished as provided in Clause 5 of Article 8 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[2] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[3] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[4] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[5] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[6] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[7] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[8] This Clause has been amended and supplemented according to Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing certain Articles of Circulars stipulating code numbers, standards for occupational titles, and salary grading for specialized civil servants in the fields of cultural heritage, libraries, grassroots culture, physical culture and sports, fine arts, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda officers, which shall take effect from January 15, 2026.

[9] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[10] This clause is amended and supplemented as provided in Article 5 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025 of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending and supplementing some articles of Circulars on code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for cultural heritage, library, grassroots culture, sports, art, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda professionals, which takes effect from January 15, 2026.

[11] Article 9 of Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BVHTTDL dated November 25, 2025, issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to amend and supplement certain articles of Circulars stipulating code numbers, job title standards, and salary grading for specialized civil servants in the fields of cultural heritage, libraries, grassroots culture, physical education and sports, fine arts, performing arts, cinema, and cultural propaganda, shall take effect from January 15, 2026, and is specified as follows:

“Article 9. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from January 15, 2026.

2. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, it is requested that agencies, units, and individuals promptly report them to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for study and appropriate amendments and supplements."