Enhancing the capabilities, productivity, and growth of both individuals and employers
The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national credential system that trains, develops, assesses and certifies skills and competencies for the workforce. As a continuing education and training (CET) system, WSQ supports the SkillsFuture movement to:
Training programmes developed under the WSQ system are based on skills and competencies validated by employers, unions and professional bodies. This process ensures existing and emerging skills and competencies that are in demand are used to inform training and development under WSQ. With the roll out of the Skills Frameworks* in 2016, the WSQ adopts the skills and competencies covered in the Skills Frameworks. The WSQ programmes are funded and quality-assured by SkillsFuture Singapore, which awards the WSQ certifications.
Key features
Individuals | Employers | Training Provider |
Plan career and acquire new skills to enter a new sector or job role Upgrade skills and advance career |
Provide quality assured and industry-relevant training choices Guide training and development planning |
Articulate clear training outcomes Develop and deliver training programmes that meet industry needs |
Achieve qualifications and certifications that demonstrate skills sets to employers | Guide performance management | Obtain mark of recognition as an approved training provider of WSQ |
Obtain portable credentials to improve employability and mobility | Strengthen in-house training capabilities | |
Assess and certify skills and competencies against industry established work standards | Facilitate recruitment of competent staff who are certified and equipped with the required skills and competencies |
Quality Assurance
WSQ is underpinned by a strong quality assurance framework. From developing competency standards, to accrediting training providers to awarding WSQ qualifications, stringent criteria are applied to ensure best standards and delivery. A structured and efficient system has been established to help build a strong training infrastructure that supports Singapore's workforce development.
SkillsFuture Singapore believes in making WSQ practical and flexible to help Singapore's workforce adapt, grow and develop. WSQ does this by offering bite-sized training modules to enable learning at the individual’s own pace. Upon completion of each module, a Statement of Attainment (SOA) will be awarded. Relevant SOAs can be accumulated to achieve full WSQ Qualification.
The different levels of WSQ qualifications are as follows:
From November 2014, electronic certificates (e-Certs) are issued for SOAs and WSQ Qualifications.
For more information, please go to WSQ Electronic Certificates (e-Certs) page.
WSQ develops skills and competencies in two aspects: Technical and Generic. Technical skills and competencies comprise occupation, job-specific skills and competencies that an individual needs to perform various job tasks. Generic skills and competencies refer to employability and transferable skills, and competencies that are applicable across job roles. They help every individual adapt to new job demands and bring relevant skills across different jobs.