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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 before working in Singapore
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

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.

Getting the certificate

With prior approval (only applicable for NTS workers employed using MYE, which is valid until 31 December 2024 or project completion date, whichever is earlier):

  • When your prior approval (PA) is approved, use the original PA and the attached Form T1 to register the NTS workers for the SEC(K) test. You should do this as soon as possible at the selected overseas BCA test centres.
  • Make sure the PA is valid for at least 2 months from the closing dates of the tests.

Without prior approval:

  • Obtain a Request for Approval (RA) from BCA.
  • For details on the test fees and registration, please refer to BCA's website.

Note: Upon the workers' arrival in Singapore, you will need to do the following:

  1. Make an appointment with BCA to verify their identities and endorse their in-principle letters (IPAs). Employers are reminded to bring in their workers within 4 months after the SEC(K) test is taken.
  2. When getting their Work Permits issued, upload the endorsed IPAs or BCA endorsement letter on WP Online.

For any queries, please contact BCA .

What's next

Higher-Skilled workers for construction sector