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 on 30 October 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 Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) or SEC(K) trade test evaluates foreign workers' trade knowledge and craft-skills competencies. It ensures workers possess the foundational skills required for safe and effective construction work in Singapore's Built Environment sector. It is currently administered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) through appointed Overseas Testing Centres (OTCs).

On 1^st January 2027, to expedite the process of bringing in new workers, the mandatory pre-entry SEC(K) testing in source countries will cease for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Thailand before being extended to all source countries in January 2028.

· Between January 2027 and December 2027, firms can bring in new Construction WPHs directly from PRC and Thailand via Alternative Entry Pathways (AEP). For more information, please refer to the BCA Circulars (opens in new tab) and AEP page (opens in new tab).

· From January 2028 onwards, to be eligible for Work Permit renewals, new Construction WPHs must pass the SEC(K) in Singapore within one year from Work Permit issuance. Firms are to make a pre-entry application before bringing workers into Singapore. Firms will pay the prevailing R2 (Basic-skilled) levy rate for new Construction WPHs brought in without SEC(K) for the first six months. The WPHs will need to pass the SEC(K) conducted in Singapore within six months to maintain the levy rate. Otherwise, the firms will be liable for a higher levy rate after the six-month grace period.

· This enhancement will significantly reduce hiring timelines to bring new Construction WPHs into Singapore, while maintaining the quality of new workers. It will also provide greater flexibility for firms to conduct on-the-job training that best meets their projects’ needs. More information will be shared when ready.

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] (opens in new tab).

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 Foreign worker quota and levy requirements (opens in new tab)

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 (opens in new tab).

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.

Closure of BCA Counter for Construction Worker Identity Verification and IPA endorsement w.e.f. 4 May 2026

Please be informed that with effect from 4 May 2026, all newly arrived Construction Work Permit Holders (WPHs) need not have identity verification and their In-Principle Approval (IPA) endorsed by BCA for work pass issuance with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Following this, our verification service counter located at BCA Braddell Campus, Block C level 1, 200 Braddell Road, Singapore 579700, will be permanently closed from 4 May 2026.

Issuance of Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) or SEC(K) for Newly Arrived Workers

New workers arriving from 4 May 2026 onwards may request for their SEC(K) certificate by completing the following steps:

1. Access the online form: Go to FormSG @https://form.gov.sg/682c24da56d1d932efc14a63 (opens in new tab)

2. Authentication: Login via worker’s Singpass

3. Submit required information: Complete the form with the worker's details and contact information

Workers who do not have SingPass should submit their request at a later date after obtaining their SingPass credentials.

An e-certificate copy will be emailed within two weeks following successful completion of the FormSG submission.

You may refer to the attached Instruction Slip on the detail steps to obtain your certificate: (Instruction Slip [PDF, 104 KB] (opens in new tab))

Note: Only newly arrived Construction Work Permit Holders who have passed their SEC(K) test at BCA's Overseas Test Centres (OTCs) can request for the SEC(K) e-certificate via the QR code indicated above Returned workers and workers who were tested in Singapore with local Approved Training and Testing Centres (ATTCs) should approach the ATTCs for their certificates or for those who have lost their certificates, refer to the link below:

https://www1.bca.gov.sg/growth-and-transformation/manpower/built-environment-firms/workforce-development/bca-approved-training-and-testing-centres/ (opens in new tab)

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.