Scope of Enhanced Training Requirement
In June 2021, the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners (TCC) recommended enhancements to the training requirement for cleaners to deepen the technical skillsets of the cleaners so that they could deliver quality cleaning outcomes to service buyers. A set of Core WSQ training modules had been identified based on the Technical Skills and Competencies (TSC) in the Skills Framework for Environmental Service (SFw for ES).
The Government had jointly accepted the TCC’s recommended mandatory training requirement under the Skills Framework for Environmental Services. The enhanced training requirement would equip cleaners with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, as well as achieve higher productivity and better service delivery. From 31 December 2022 onwards, cleaning businesses must ensure that all cleaners attain:
(i) one Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) module, AND
(ii) one Core module,
Modules are selected from the list of modules endorsed by the TCC.
No. of Modules | - 2 modules *
- at least 1 WSH module
- at least 1 Core module *
* Cleaning businesses applying for Class 1 Licence will need to ensure their workforce have attained at least 3 modules, of which at least 2 are Core modules. |
Proportion of Cleaning Workforce | 100% of cleaners must be trained for new and renewed licence Note: This does not include cleaners who are employed for less than 3 months as at the date the licence application is submitted. |
Cleaners Included Under Training Requirement | ALL cleaners regardless of nationality (Singaporean, Singapore PR, and foreigner) and employment type (full-time, part-time, casual, and temporary cleaners) |
Accepted Modules | From list of endorsed modules selected and endorsed by TCC, module list varies according to the PWM Job Role/Title of the cleaner. Please refer to the latest report published by TCC and the list of accepted WSQ modules. |
Penalties for Non-compliance to Enhanced Training Requirement
Cleaning businesses failing to comply with the enhanced training requirement with effect from 31 December 2022 are liable to a maximum financial penalty of $5,000, and your cleaning business licence may be suspended or revoked.
If your cleaning business does not meet the training requirement during your licence renewal application, you would not be able to renew your licence.
Training your Cleaning Workforce
Step | Details |
[Step A] Identify cleaners for training | Cleaning businesses are required to monitor the training modules attained by their cleaners and ensure that the cleaners are trained with the required 1 WSH module and 1 Core module by 31 December 2022. Cleaning businesses may use this Excel template to assist in the monitoring. It will be helpful to know what training modules your cleaners have already attended to better identify the training modules required to meet the enhanced training requirement. Please see below for details on how your cleaning business and the cleaners can self-identify the training attended. - For Resident Cleaners (Singaporeans and Permanent Residents)
Cleaners can log in to the MySkillsFuture portal (https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/) using SingPass to download their WSQ e-Certs. A step-by-step user guide to support cleaners in downloading their WSQ e-Certs from MySkillsFuture portal can be found at: https:/www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/header/faqs/eCerts.html If the cleaners have forgotten their SingPass password, they may visit the SingPass website or SingPass counter to reset their password. The list of SingPass counters and their locations can be accessed here: https://www.singpass.gov.sg/home/ui/counter-locations.
- For Non-resident Cleaners
Cleaners who are foreigners without SingPass can approach their respective Training Providers to download their WSQ e-Certs. |
[Step B] Identify modules required for each cleaner | Identifying PWM job title of cleaners Cleaning businesses may 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. Identifying type of modules Cleaners who have already been trained in the accepted modules in the past may still be counted towards meeting the training requirement. That is: - if Cleaner A has been trained in an accepted WSH module, then cleaning business will need to identify a Core module to register and send for training.
- if Cleaner B has been trained in an accepted Core module, then cleaning business will need to identify a WSH module to register and send for training. For cleaning businesses aspiring for Class 1 Licence from 1 January 2024 onwards, the cleaner will need to be trained in at least 2 Core modules.
- if Cleaner C has met both WSH and Core module requirements, cleaning business need not send cleaner for further training.
Identifying accepted modules NEA has compiled the module codes that are considered for the enhanced training requirement, accessible in the document below. The document also shows the WSQ-equivalent course codes for accepted modules.Cleaning businesses may check the training records of cleaners obtained in [Step A] to verify the additional module needed.
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[Step C] Register for training with Training Providers | Choosing a training module 1. In the list of modules endorsed by the TCC, choose a required module suitable for your cleaner’s job title. You may refer to TCC’s recommendation report. Searching for course in MySkillsFuture website 2. You may search for the training modules using the link below: https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/training-exchange/course-landing.html Searching for course by keyword 3. Under the Search box, type the TSC Title of the course you wish to search. Please include inverted commas to the TSC title, e.g. “Perform Basic Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces” to have more relevant search results.
 Alternatively, cleaning businesses may refer to the list here for the course reference number and the Approved training Organisations for the modules endorsed by the TCC, provided by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
4. The screen will display all available courses that match the TSC Title. 5. To narrow the search, use the “Filter by” feature on the left column (see screenshot below) and select “Environmental Cleaning” under Area of Training or select any other filtering options. 6. Press “Search” to generate the available modules. 7. Click on the course titles in the search result. You will be brought to a new page with details of the selected course.
 Engaging course contact person to register for course 8. To sign up for course, please contact the Course Contact Person to register for the course. Your cleaning business may also enquire on course fee subsidies (if any), and the language of the course conducted, Details of the contact person is available on the right side of the page.
 List of Training Providers Cleaning business may also refer to the list of Training Providers* to enquire about the types of courses offered, language of conducted courses, and location of training class. Some Training Providers may conduct training at specific locations when requested by the cleaning business.
*The list is for reference only and is non-exhaustive. NEA neither endorses the companies, nor the views they express or the products/services they offer. Note: When signing up for modules with the Training Providers, please ensure that the modules are recognised under the enhanced training requirement. Attending courses outside of the accepted list of training modules will not be counted towards meeting the training requirement. |
[Step D] Ensure cleaner attends the training | Cleaning businesses should make necessary provisions to allow cleaners to attend their scheduled training. Service buyers are also encouraged to engage their cleaning service providers in open communication for mutually agreeable arrangements so that their cleaners can be attend training and be upskilled, and to prevent service downtime. |
[Step E] Keep records to monitor training attended by cleaner | Cleaning businesses are required to monitor and keep track of the training attended by their cleaning workforce, and may use this Excel template to assist in the monitoring efforts and records of the training of their cleaning workforce. |
FAQs on Enhanced Training Requirement
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.
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Accepted Modules
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.