A Quick Guide On Navigating CoreTrade Registration Renewal

Skilled and experienced construction personnel across Singapore stand to benefit significantly from participating in the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Construction Registration of Tradesmen (CoreTrade) scheme. Designed to establish a core team of competent workers, the scheme aims to uplift the sector’s quality and productivity through career recognition and structured progression. 

With 17 trade categories encompassing over 60 individual trades, including electrical, plumbing, formwork, and mechanical & electrical (M&E) works, the CoreTrade scheme provides a robust framework for technical validation and workforce enhancement. Many workers also supplement their qualifications with relevant credentials, such as forklift certification in Singapore, which adds versatility and boosts employability across job sites.

However, becoming CoreTrade-certified isn’t a one-time deal, and maintaining that status requires upkeep through timely renewals and periodic training. Here’s what you need to know.

 

CoreTrade validity and renewal cycle 

A successful CoreTrade registration is valid for exactly two years from the date of issue, and renewal applications may be submitted online up to three months before expiration. Crucially, early application is advisable: ATTC schedules and approval processing can delay renewal, potentially affecting foreign-worker levy classifications. As such, it’s advisable to avoid crossing the 1.5-year mark without initiating renewal.

 

How to check your expiry date

Verifying your CoreTrade registration status is simple: 

1. Visit the BCA CoreTrade portal.

2. Use the “Check Expiry Date” or “Check Registration Status” feature.

3. Enter your FIN/NRIC, registration number, and captcha.

4. View a summary table showing your name, personnel type, trade category, registration number, and expiry date.

Staying informed ensures there are no surprises when the renewal deadline approaches.

 

Step-by-step renewal process 

• Submit online renewal: Apply via the CoreTrade e-Services portal within three months prior to expiry. Choose either “Company” (via employer) or “Individual.” If applying through a company, use the employer's One?Stop login; if individual, register your own.
• Pay the fee: A $15 non-refundable fee applies, inclusive of 9% GST on every application, whether new or renewal.
• Attend CET courses: Upon approval, an Acknowledgement Notice allows you to enrol in the Continuing Education & Training (CET) course at BCA-approved Training and Testing Centres (ATTCs) or the BCA Academy. The courses typically run half a day (4 hours), and for supervisors, may last a full day with an online assessment. Common topics include the latest codes, regulations, good practices, and new methods and materials. Taking these courses also presents a good opportunity to cover any training gaps that one may have been looking to cover recently.
• Complete the online assessment: Some courses include a short MCQ or assignment, usually completed within two days of the course at an online portal.
• Receive your certificate and updated status: Once the system receives confirmation of attendance and successful assessment, your CoreTrade status is renewed. Your new expiry date will reflect two years from the original expiry. Foreign-worker levy upgrades take effect the following month, per MOM coordination.

 

Different submission routes: Company vs individual

• Company: Employers or agents submitting on behalf of staff must use the company One?Stop account for both registration and scheduling of SA (Skills Assessment) and CET.
• Individual: Self-employed applicants need their own One?Stop account and can self-manage SA and CET enrollment.

This ensures credentials are correctly logged and invoice processes are linked to the appropriate entity.

 

If you miss the deadline

You can still renew during a grace period:

• Within 3rd – 4th year: You remain eligible to attend a CET Renewal course and restore your status, but lose many scheme benefits, such as levy rebates, while lapsed.
• After 4 years: Registration lapses permanently; you'll need to reapply as new and undergo the skills assessment again to regain CoreTrade certification.

Act quickly if renewal has slipped, as your levy tier and recognition depend on it.

 

Expanding your credentials

To further increase your employability, consider complementary certifications. For example, undertaking a food safety course may be required by firms working in commercial kitchens and other food and beverage establishments. Integrating such credentials with your CoreTrade registration enhances both skill breadth and marketability.

 

Benefits of staying registered 

Maintaining a valid CoreTrade registration ensures:

• Continued recognition as a Higher Skilled (R1) worker and eligibility for reduced foreign-worker levy.
• Employer access to grants and tax benefits tied to WSQ funding and skills enhancement.
• Career progression: Trade Foreman ? Supervisor ? Higher Skilled Worker.

Lapses result in reversion to Basic-Skilled level and loss of levy tiers. With construction demand in 2025 and beyond expected to remain strong, it pays to stay on top of one’s Higher Skilled status and secure better opportunities when working on the latest large-scale developments.

 

Final tips for timely renewal

• Set reminders: Use your phone or calendar to track expiry, with alerts at 6, 3, and 1 months before. 
• Book early: CET slots at popular ATTCs fill fast, so secure your spot early.
• Check funding: Employers using company submission may apply for WTU subsidies via AMS. 
• Monitor your status: Loan slots fill during peak renewal seasons; therefore, track your approval via One?Stop portal.

 

Conclusion 

Maintaining your CoreTrade certification represents an ongoing commitment to professional growth, industry credentials, and workforce excellence. With attentive monitoring, timely CET completion, and a proactive approach, you safeguard your status, support your organisation, and sustain your development as a recognised construction trades professional. Hopefully, the contents discussed prove useful in helping ensure your career resilience and elevate your contributions to Singapore’s built environment.

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