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Sector-specific rules

Basic-Skilled workers for construction sector

Migrant workers in the construction sector need to attain Basic-Skilled status to work in Singapore.

Migrant workers can qualify as Basic-Skilled construction workers through the Skills Evaluation Certificate (SEC) or Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). These are initiatives by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to raise skills, productivity and safety in the construction sector.

How do workers attain Basic-Skilled status

Depending on which country/region they are from, workers require the following certificates to attain Basic-Skilled status:

Source country/region Certificates required for Basic-Skilled status
Non-traditional source (NTS) and People's Republic of China (PRC)

One of the following:

  • SEC
  • SEC(K)
  • SEC(K) at higher-skill level
North Asian source (NAS)

One of the following:

  • SEC
  • SEC(K)
  • SEC(K) at higher-skill level
  • End-of-course validation of ALP
Malaysia One of the following:
  • SPM or equivalent
  • SEC
  • SEC(K)
  • SEC(K) at higher-skill level
  • End-of-course validation of ALP

Migrant workers whose Work Permits are approved or issued without the required certification will be charged a levy rate of $900, regardless of their source country/region. This levy will be categorised under ‘Unskilled’. 

BCA and MOM will recognise the end-of-course validation of the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) for Malaysian and NAS Construction workers. Employers can submit their application to BCA’s Approved Training and Testing Centres. Please refer to BCA’s website for more information. For enquiries, please contact BCA.
 

What's next

Higher-Skilled workers for construction sector

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Ministry of Manpower

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