BEIJING — The press card for journalists of Chinese news outlets across the nation is set for updates from Dec 2, 2019 to March 31, 2020, according to a circular issued by China's National Press and Publication Administration.

The prevailing version is valid until March 31, 2020, when the updating is completed, the circular said.

The circular asked eligible media outlets to apply for an updated version for journalists who were granted a press card and passed a qualification test, as well as those with senior professional titles of journalism, broadcasting and anchoring, during the period.

Newly-recruited reporters will start applications after the updating, it added.

Among those excluded are individuals holding posts other than news reporting and editing, working as part-time correspondents or recording wrongdoings as a reporter, as well as outlets failing to issue publications on time for a long period, the circular said.