A total of 2,790 blind and visually-impaired people across China are to take the first national certificate test for blind masseurs this weekend.

The test, organized by the ministries of health and human resources and social security, along with the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and China Disabled Persons Federation (CDPF), would take place on Saturday and Sunday, said a statement from the CDPF Wednesday.

The test is a national health care test designed for blind and visually-impaired people. The candidates are from 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Those who passed would get an elementary-level professional certificate, qualifying them to provide therapeutic massage in health agencies or to open their own clinics, the statement said.

The exam would be divided into two parts to test medical knowledge and practice skills.

The test organizers had arranged more than 300 special staff to help the candidates, and LED lamps and aids such as magnifying glasses would be provided, the statement said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2010)