Overseas Trade Testing

All new construction work permit holders must demonstrate their competency through the Skills Evaluation Certificate (SEC[K]) before beginning work in Singapore. This mandatory certification validates that foreign workers have the essential trade knowledge and practical skills required for safe, quality construction work. Ready to register your workers for overseas testing? Learn about the registration process and requirements here.

Last updated 6 April 2026

Foreign construction workers must demonstrate their trade competency through the Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) or SEC(K) trade test before they can work in Singapore. This mandatory assessment ensures workers possess the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed for safe and effective construction work in Singapore's built environment sector.

What is the SEC(K) Trade Test?

The SEC(K) trade test evaluates foreign workers' trade knowledge and craft-skills competency. It is administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) through appointed Overseas Testing Centres (OTCs). All foreign workers seeking to work as Construction Work Permit Holders (WPHs) in Singapore must pass this comprehensive assessment.

The test has two essential components that workers must pass:

Written Test Component

Duration: 1 hour
Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English with translations in Chinese, Tamil and Thai
Content: Essential trade knowledge including materials, tools and equipment used in the trade, work sequence, good practices and safety requirements

Practical Test Component

Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Format: Hands-on evaluation of practical craft-skills competency
Requirements: Timely completion of a practical test project based on the expected skills of a skilled tradesman. Workers must demonstrate ability to meet quality standards for their specific trade.

Registration process for Overseas Trade Testing

Employers wishing to hire new or experienced foreign workers can register workers for testing through BCA-appointed OTCs [PDF, 169 KB].

Registration eligibility

Only firms registered with BCA's Contractors Registration System (CRS) can register workers for tests using the RA system.

Worker Capacity Guidelines

Employers should register workers based on the number of work pass holders they can hire under their Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC). Please visit the Ministry of Manpower’s Services sector: Work Permit requirements page for the latest guidelines.

Test results and certification

The OTC will inform candidates of their test results directly. Only workers who pass both written and practical components will be awarded the SEC(K) certificate. This certificate is essential for work permit processing and must be verified before employment can begin.

Workers seeking additional information about the SEC(K) trade test can purchase the Trade Syllabus from BCA's Manpower Development Department at S$21 (inclusive of 9% GST) per trade through the Purchase of Trade Syllabus form.

Test fees and payment

The total fees for Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) testing are capped at S$925 (before GST) per candidate across all test areas. Payment is the responsibility of the sponsoring employer and must be made to the OTC office in Singapore at the point of test enrolment. The respective OTC will issue a receipt to the employer upon payment.

Employment and identity verification process

Identity verification service

From 1 June 2025, identity verification is available on a walk-in basis at BCA Braddell Campus. No prior booking through the Overseas Testing Management System (OTMS) is required.

Operating hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Closed on weekends, public holidays and specified maintenance dates [PDF, 23 KB].

Service location:

BCA Braddell Campus
200 Braddell Road, Block C, Level 1
Singapore 579700

Required documentation for verification

Workers must bring:

Original passport
Original copy of In-Principle Approval (IPA) - Page 1

All workers must be accompanied by their employer or an English-proficient company representative during the verification process.

Certificate collection process

After identity verification, workers receive an endorsement stamp on their original IPA and must complete certificate collection through the following steps:

Scan the FormSG QR Code provided at the verification counter.
Login using worker's Singpass.
Submit required worker details and contact information.

Certificates will be emailed within two weeks of FormSG completion. Workers without Singpass during verification can submit their request later.

Integrated Formwork Trade Training

Since 1 January 2016, all formwork trade training and testing at ATTCs and OTCs follows integrated syllabi enhanced with formwork safety components. Workers who complete training and pass tests based on these integrated syllabi receive additional benefits:

Exemption from the Formwork Safety Course for Workers (FSCW) conducted by MOM's Accredited Training Providers
Enhanced certification with "Enhanced" added to trade names (e.g., Enhanced Aluminium Formwork, Enhanced System Formwork, Enhanced Timber Formwork)

Pathways for Higher-Skilled Worker Status

BCA offers several pathways for foreign workers to achieve Higher Skilled Worker (R1) status, which provides additional benefits and career advancement opportunities:

The CoreTrade Scheme
Direct R1 Pathway
Multi-Skilling Scheme
Market-Based Skills Recognition Framework

For more information on these programs, visit the WorkForce Development page.

Important Compliance Notes

BCA reserves the right to withhold identity verification services for employers who fail to meet compliance requirements.
Check counter operating hours before visiting, as services may be temporarily suspended for maintenance or special events.
Lost or misplaced stamped IPAs require workers to complete a new verification process with no exceptions.

Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.