What is WSQ?

The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national credentialing system. It trains, develops, assesses and recognises individuals for the key competencies that companies look for in potential employees.

WSQ is based on national standards developed by WDA in collaboration with various industries comprising industry sectoral frameworks which serve to:

• Professionalise the industry, particularly where recognition of Continuing Education and Training (CET) qualifications are lacking
• Improve labour mobility allowing companies in growing industries to easily recruit workers with the necessary skills whilst improving opportunities for workers to enter these industries.

The WSQ system is designed to be a practical, accessible and affordable launching pad for individuals to take charge of their own careers and advancement. It is also a powerful business tool for employers to access and maintain a skilled workforce as it enhances their competitive edge and advancing their businesses.

View our WSQ milestones here.

Key features

• An occupational and competency-based system, designed to build industry-specific capabilities 
• Both singular and flexible training modules, with the option to implement as-is, or build up to full qualifications
• Assessment and certification are based on ability to demonstrate the industry's required capabilities
• Accessible to all workers and professionals
• Recognises prior learning, such as work experience and credentials
• Qualifications and certifications are based on Industry-agreed standards
• WSQ qualifications are comparable to credentials issued by international and local awarding bodies

Benefits

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.

Qualification Levels

WDA believes in making WSQ practical and flexible to help Singapore's workforce grow and develop.

WSQ does this by allowing you to do bite-sized training modules at your own pace. Upon completion of each module, you will be awarded a Statement of Attainment (SOA). After obtaining the required number of SOAs you will then be awarded the WSQ qualification, which comes with a certificate, full transcript and the WSQ badge.

The different levels of WSQ qualifications are as follows:

What Are WSQ Frameworks?

There are 33 Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) frameworks, which are all recognised by the industries.

An Industry Skills and Training Council has been established for each framework to help drive the development and validation of skills standards, assessment strategies and training curriculum for the industry.

Each council, represented by key industry partners that include employers, industry associations, training organisations and unions, draws up:

WSQ frameworks develop skills in two different aspects: foundational and industry-specific.

a)Foundational Skills

Foundational skills comprise a range of skills, knowledge and attributes that help every individual improve his/her employability. These skills enable workers to better adapt to new job demands and a changing work environment. Foundational skills are portable across all industries.

Learn more about Foundational Skills

b)Industry & Occupational Skills

The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) industry frameworks cover skills that equip individuals with the know-how to perform specific jobs well.

Industry players, training institutions and unions work together in the Industry Skills and Training Councils (ISTC) to identify the skills required in the industry and to develop the industry-specific WSQ.

The ISTC also reviews the learning outcomes to ensure the framework remains current and relevant.

Select a WSQ framework to find out more.