CMES is a professional society engaged in promoting the art and science of mechanical engineering throughout its host nation. In 2005, the Mechanical Design Institution (MDI) of CMES approached ANSYS China about using the software in developing a standard examination to certify mechanical engineers. "ANSYS is a world-renowned CAE tool, and we are enthusiastic about incorporating it into our qualification examination," said Wei Sun, the secretary-general of the CMES MDI. "We are grateful for the enormous support that ANSYS has provided to us. The company's professionalism and attention to detail have greatly impressed us. From the beginning of this project, a dedicated ANSYS China staff member worked with us on all aspects of the exam - contacting enterprises and universities for input on what should be included, developing exam content and compiling teaching materials. ANSYS China was active in promoting the qualification exam throughout the country. All of these things have contributed to the success of the MDE project." The Chinese government designated ANSYS technologies as the country's official software for CAE training. The first-ever MDE qualification examination was held in test centers located in eight Chinese provinces, with 619 students from more than 20 renowned universities participating. More than 400 passed the exam and have been awarded with the MDE qualification certificate. "MDE qualification is a significant and long-term achievement for China, and we are honored to be able to contribute to this project," said Zhang Guoming, president of ANSYS China. "ANSYS was chosen as the formal software for certification because of its proven ability to perform CAE-related tasks. As a whole, ANSYS China staff is excited about our selection since MDE certification will contribute to professionalism in engineering." The second qualification examination is scheduled for November 2006. CMES officials expect it to draw even more students than the first.