TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Education administered a Taiwanese-language proficiency test overseas for the first time on Saturday.

Twenty-five teachers and students from the Washington, DC Taiwanese School took the computerized exam, which covered elementary proficiency levels, according to the MOE. All exam procedures were carried out in accordance with Taiwan’s domestic standards.

The ministry said the entire process went smoothly and the test system had no issues. Test-takers were excited to take the Taiwanese-language certification exam overseas. Those who pass will receive official certificates identical to those issued in Taiwan, which National Taiwan Normal University will mail to the Washington, DC Taiwanese School later this month.

The ministry said the results of this overseas pilot program will be included in its analysis as a key reference for future overseas test administration. It will continue to assess the feasibility of expanding the Taiwanese proficiency exam to other regions, giving more people the opportunity to learn about, study, and use Taiwanese.

This allows Taiwan’s linguistic and cultural heritage to shine globally, the ministry added.