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Sector-specific rules

Higher-skilled workers for process sector

You can get the higher-skilled worker (R1) levy rate if your workers meet the new requirements.

The higher-skilled worker levy (R1) framework has been enhanced to ensure that workers in the process sector are equipped with relevant skills.

Process workers previously on the R1 levy tier who could not meet the new requirements by 31 December 2025 would have been automatically adjusted to basic-skilled levy (R2) from 1 January 2026.

Requirements 

To get the R1 levy rate, your workers must meet any of these criteria:

  • Skills qualifications and salary
  • Skills qualifications and experience
  • Skills qualifications and working in a company with Productivity Certification Framework (PCF) rating of at least Bronze

For more details on the PCF certification process, you can contact Singapore Chemical Industry Council Limited (SCIC).

Skills qualifications and salary
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Skills qualifications

Completed all the following:

  • 2 Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses
  • 1 Level 2 deep-skilling course
  • 1 safety course

Note:

  • To keep their R1 status, workers must complete the Proficiency Test & Refresher (PT&R) every 2 years for WSQ and Level 2 deep-skilling courses.
  • Safety course is only taken once and does not require a refresher.
  • Refer to full list of courses at the Association of Process Industry’s (ASPRI) website.
Minimum fixed monthly salary $1,200 

Skills qualifications and experience
Show

Skills qualifications

Completed all the following:

  • 2 Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses
  • 1 Level 2 deep-skilling course
  • 1 safety course

Note:

  • To keep their R1 status, workers must complete the Proficiency Test & Refresher (PT&R) every 2 years for WSQ and Level 2 deep-skilling courses.
  • Safety course is only taken once and does not require a refresher.
  • Refer to full list of courses at the Association of Process Industry’s (ASPRI) website.
Minimum period of employment in Singapore 4 years

Skills qualifications and working in a company with at least a ‘Bronze’ in PCF
Show

Skills or certification

Completed all the following:

  • 2 Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses
  • 1 Level 2 deep-skilling course
  • 1 safety course

Note:

  • To keep their R1 status, workers must complete the Proficiency Test & Refresher (PT&R) every 2 years for WSQ and Level 2 deep-skilling courses.
  • Safety course is only taken once and does not require a refresher.
  • Refer to full list of courses at the Association of Process Industry’s (ASPRI) website.
Company's PCF rating

At least a Bronze.

Note: Companies need to renew their PCF certification every 2 years. This is to ensure they continue improving their productivity and remain current with industry standards and practices.

How to upgrade your worker

We will automatically upgrade your worker to the R1 status once they meet the necessary requirements. You do not need to apply for the upgrade.

The new levy rate will start on the 1st of next month after your worker is on the R1 levy rate.

You may refer to the current levy rates in the Process sector. You can check your worker’s new skill status and levy rate in WP Online.

For queries on:

Information and Services

Ministry of Manpower

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