In view of the COVID-19 situation, there is no need to visit MOM Services Centre for advisory and transaction services. If you have made an appointment with us, we will contact you instead. Our eServices, web chat and hotline remain available. We encourage customers to visit our website for the latest updates, including changes to our work pass services from 7 April to 4 May.
Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website
Search

Higher-skilled workers for process sector

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

Requirements

Your workers can qualify for higher-skilled levy rate through 2 pathways:

  • Skills / academics and salary
  • Experience and salary

Skills / academics and salaryShow

You can apply for higher-skilled worker levy rate if your worker meet the following requirements:

Minimum years of experience No minimum
Minimum fixed monthly salary $1,200
Skills or certification

Academic qualification:

  • Malaysia – Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). For diploma or higher qualifications, upload a transcript or letter from the institution stating the course duration.
  • North Asian sources (NAS) – High school certificates.
  • People’s Republic of China (PRC) – Diploma.

OR

Skills Evaluation Test (SET) conducted by ITE:

Trade test endorsed by these institutions:

  • 3G and above in welding

OR

Any of these WSQ courses:

  • Composite Assessment for Generic Manufacturing (Process)
  • Perform Blasting and Painting Work
  • Perform Electrical Fitting Work
  • Perform Fitting Works in Workshop
  • Perform Instrumentation Fitting Work
  • Perform Metal Scaffolding Work
  • Perform Plant Civil Work
  • Perform Plant Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Process Pipe Fitting Work
  • Perform Refractory Work
  • Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks
  • Perform Rotating Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Thermal Insulation Work
  • Perform Welding
Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) can conduct in-house training for their employees. The training must be assessed by a recognised independent third party, such as ASPRI.

How to upgrade your worker

You need to apply to convert your worker to higher-skilled levy, and upload a copy of the worker’s educational certificates.

For diploma or higher qualifications, you need to upload these additional documents:

If worker has Need additional documents
Diploma or higher qualifications from China

Certificate of graduation and verification proof from any of these sources:

Note: We do not accept education certificates certified by a notary public as a form of verification proof.
Diploma or higher qualifications from other countries Transcript or letter from the institution stating the course duration.

For non-English documents, you must submit a copy of the original document and an English translation. The translation can be done by a translation service provider.

Experience and salaryShow

Your workers will automatically qualify for higher-skilled levy rate if they meet the following requirements:

Minimum years of experience 2 years in any sector
Minimum fixed monthly salary $1,200
Skills or certification Not required

When will it start

If eligible, the new levy rate will take effect on the 1st of next month. You will see your worker’s new skill status and levy rate in WP Online.

Changes from 1 July 2020

From 1 July 2020, workers will need to meet the new requirements to:

  • Upgrade to higher-skilled status.
  • Maintain their higher-skilled status during Work Permit renewals.

This will apply to Work Permit applications and renewals submitted from 1 July 2020.

To qualify, your workers must meet any of these criteria:

  • Skills / academics and salary
  • Experience and salary
  • Skills / academics and experience

Skills / academics and salaryShow

Minimum years of experience No minimum
Minimum fixed monthly salary $1,200
Skills or certification

Academic qualification:

  • Malaysia – Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). For diploma or higher qualifications, upload a transcript or letter from the institution stating the course duration.
  • North Asian sources (NAS) – High school certificates.
  • People’s Republic of China (PRC) – Diploma.

OR

Completed:

  • Composite Assessment for Generic Manufacturing (Process)

OR

Any 2 of these WSQ courses:

  • Perform Blasting and Painting Work
  • Perform Electrical Fitting Work
  • Perform Fitting Works in Workshop
  • Perform Instrumentation Fitting Work
  • Perform Metal Scaffolding Work
  • Perform Plant Civil Work
  • Perform Plant Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Process Pipe Fitting Work
  • Perform Refractory Work
  • Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks
  • Perform Rotating Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Thermal Insulation Work
  • Perform Welding

Experience and salaryShow

Minimum years of experience 3
Minimum fixed monthly salary $1,200
Skills or certification Not required

Skills / academics and experienceShow

Minimum years of experience 3
Minimum fixed monthly salary No minimum
Skills or certification

Academic qualification:

  • Malaysia – Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). For diploma or higher qualifications, upload a transcript or letter from the institution stating the course duration.
  • North Asian sources (NAS) – High school certificates.
  • People’s Republic of China (PRC) – Diploma.

OR

Completed:

  • Composite Assessment for Generic Manufacturing (Process)

OR

Any 2 of these WSQ courses:

  • Perform Blasting and Painting Work
  • Perform Electrical Fitting Work
  • Perform Fitting Works in Workshop
  • Perform Instrumentation Fitting Work
  • Perform Metal Scaffolding Work
  • Perform Plant Civil Work
  • Perform Plant Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Process Pipe Fitting Work
  • Perform Refractory Work
  • Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks
  • Perform Rotating Equipment Fitting Work
  • Perform Thermal Insulation Work
  • Perform Welding
For more info, read the factsheet on measures to raise quality and facilitate more optimal deployment of the foreign workforce.