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
Skills qualifications and salary
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 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: