General
1. When must my cleaners be trained in the new training requirements?
All cleaners would need to be trained in 1 Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) module and 1 Core WSQ module from the endorsed modules by the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC) from 31 Dec 2022 onwards. The list of accepted WSH and Core modules can be found in Annex A (page 3-6) of TCC’s recommendation report.
2. Are all my cleaners required to be trained?
Yes, all cleaners doing general cleaning works who are employed for 3 months and more, regardless of nationality (Singaporeans, Singapore PRs, and foreigners), would need to be trained in 1 WSH and 1 Core module in accordance with the PWM Job Title of the cleaner.
3. Does the enhanced training requirement also apply to part-time or temporary cleaners?
Yes, all cleaners including full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary cleaners are required to be trained if they have been employed for 3 months and more.
4. Does the training requirement apply to my cleaners who are cleaning households?
Cleaners performing cleaning services only at domestic premises (but not including any common property of any condominium) are not covered under the NEA Cleaning Business Licence regime and would not be subjected to the training requirement. However, if your cleaners are cleaning both domestic premises and non-domestic premises, they would need to be trained in the 2 modules.
5. How do I sign up for training for my cleaners?
Please visit MySkillsFuture Portal to search for the training modules by course title. You may then directly contact the training providers to sign up or arrange for the training session.
Accepted Modules for Current Training Requirements
6. If my cleaner was trained in the modules required under Multi-skilled Cleaner but is currently employed as a Supervisor under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), do I still need to train the cleaner in modules required under the Supervisor role?
Yes, your cleaner will have to be trained in the respective list of endorsed modules according to their current job role as defined under the PWM. Please refer to the guidelines and definitions of cleaning job titles under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), appended in Annex C (page 11-16) of the Order by the Commissioner for Labour.
7. My cleaners are trained in the Demonstrate Understanding of the Local Cleaning Industry Environment (DULCIE) module. Is that an accepted Core module?
Based on the list of modules endorsed by the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC), the module mentioned above is not accepted under the enhanced training requirement with effect from 31 Dec 2022. Therefore, your cleaners will be required to attend one (1) other Core module in order to meet the Core module requirement.
8. My cleaners have completed the "Comply with Workplace Safety & Health Policies and Procedures" course, but the course code is reflected as ES-JS-101G-1. Is this still relevant? The course code is different from the list recommended by TCC.
The “ES-JS-101G-1 - Comply with Workplace Safety & Health Policies and Procedures” is equivalent to the mandatory WSH module, “EVS-WSH-1006-1.1 - Comply with Workplace Safety & Health Policies and Procedures”. If your cleaner requires EVS-WSH-1006-1.1 to meet the WSH module requirement, the attended ES-JS-101G-1 module would be sufficient for him/her to meet the WSH module requirement. You may check with your engaged training provider for more details to find out if the particular WSQ module attended by your cleaner is equivalent to the endorsed modules by TCC. Alternatively, please refer to this link for the list of accepted WSQ modules.
Baseline Core Modules
9. Which training providers offer BCM Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4?
The list of Registered Training Providers (“RTPs”) offering the respective BCM levels will be published on NEA’s Enhanced Training Requirement webpage. Cleaning businesses should refer to MySkillsFuture portal for details of the BCM courses. Course availability may vary by BCM level, training date, location and language.
10. How long does each BCM take?
BCM courses generally take about 1.5 to 2 days to complete, including assessment, depending on the BCM training course. Actual training schedules may vary between Registered Training Providers (RTPs).
11. If my cleaner changes employer after completing BCM, must the cleaner take BCM again?
No. The BCM competency attained by the cleaner is retained even if the cleaner changes employer. The new employer should obtain and keep the relevant training record for its own recordkeeping.
12. What proof will a cleaner receive after completing BCM?
Cleaners will receive a Statement of Attainment tagged with the respective BCM training course title (e.g. Baseline Core Module Level 1 (BCM Level 1) after successfully completing the course. Cleaners may also share their training attainment with employers through the Careers and Skills Passport (“CSP”).
13. Can I send a cleaner for a different or higher BCM level?
For the purpose of meeting the training requirement, cleaning businesses should send the cleaner for the BCM level applicable to the cleaner’s job role. After completing the applicable mandatory BCM, cleaners may attend other BCMs relevant to their work for further upskilling. If unsure of the applicable BCM level, cleaning businesses should check with NEA before registration.
14. Can my company conduct BCM training in-house?
NEA will work with cleaning businesses that have accredited in-house training capabilities to facilitate in-house BCM training. Businesses interested in conducting BCM training in-house may contact NEA for further information on the applicable arrangements
15. What if it is difficult to release cleaners for training because of operational needs?
Plan training in smaller batches and engage service buyers or work sites early on the proposed training schedule. The TCC has encouraged service buyers to support service providers in sending workers for training during working hours, provided service standards are not compromised.