blog

1. Registered Architect (RA) Governing Body: Board of Architects (BOA) | Legislation: Architects Act 1991 The Architects Act prohibits the supply of architectural services without registration and a valid practising certificate. No person may draw or prepare any architectural plan, design, specification, or other document governing the construction, enlargement, or alteration of any building in Singapore unless they are a registered architect with a practising certificate in force. Requirements: Applicants must possess a recognised degree — such as the Master of Architecture from NUS or SUTD — or other qualifications approved by the Minister. At least 2 years of practical experience in architectural work, including a continuous 12-month period in Singapore, and must pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE); or at least 5 years of practical experience with 2 years of prescribed Singapore experience and pass an oral/written examination. Registered architects must also fulfill annual CPD point requirements set by the BOA to maintain their practising certificates, which are renewed annually. 2. Professional Engineer (PE) Governing Body: Professional Engineers Board (PEB) | Legislation: Professional Engineers Act Only a registered PE who holds a valid practising certificate is legally permitted to use the title "Professional Engineer," the abbreviation "Er." or "Engr.," or to supply professional engineering services to the public. The PE's signature and seal are not ceremonial. Requirements: A candidate must hold an approved engineering degree or qualification. After passing the Engineering Knowledge Examination, they must acquire at least 2½ years of practical experience before sitting for the Practice of Professional Engineering Examination. A practising certificate, issued by PEB and renewed annually, authorises a PE to engage in professional engineering work within their specific branch (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical). Branches include: Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Electronics, and more. 3. Qualified Person (QP) Governing Body: BCA | Legislation: Building Control Act The QP is not just a professional designation but a statutory role mandated by the Building Control Act. Before any building works can commence, plans must be submitted to BCA for approval, and this submission can only be made through a QP — making the QP the indispensable gatekeeper for virtually all construction activities. A QP is typically a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer. The law specifies which type is appropriate depending on the nature of work — for instance, plans for a retaining wall must be submitted by a PE. 4. Quantity Surveyor (QS) Governing Body: Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) / Singapore Institute of Quantity Surveyors (SIQSV) | Legislation: Surveyors Act The Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) is the professional body for quantity surveyors in Singapore. SISV Full Membership is the recognised professional credential, equivalent to chartered status (MRICS). Many government tenders and large private projects require the lead QS to hold SISV Full Membership. Requirements: SISV Full Membership and the Registered QS (RQS) designation both require a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience. Candidates sit a professional review comprising a written submission and a panel interview. The Accredited Professional Quantity Surveyor (APQS) designation is a SISV initiative supported by the Ministry of National Development. It sits within BCA's Accreditation Framework for Built Environment Professionals. 5. Green Mark Professionals (GMP) Governing Body: Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) | Administered with: BCA SGBC administers the Green Mark Professional (GMP) qualification scheme in collaboration with BCA to uplift green building professionals. There are three tiers: Green Mark Associate (GMA): A foundation-level accreditation for new entrants or non-technical professionals seeking to demonstrate competence in green building fundamentals in Singapore. Green Mark Accredited Professional (GMAP): The central accreditation for experienced technical professionals with 2–3 years' experience in Green Mark projects, requiring deep understanding of Singapore's environmental sustainability legislative framework. Green Mark Advanced Accredited Professional (GMAAP): The top-tier accreditation for professionals with more than 5 years of Green Mark project experience, with deep technical expertise in building performance analysis and simulation tools. GMP certifications are renewed annually upon fulfilment of CPD requirements. 6. Builder Licences (Firms) Governing Body: BCA | Legislation: Building Control Act (Builder's Licensing Scheme) BCA offers three types of Builder's Licences: Class 1 General Builder Licence (projects of any value), Class 2 General Builder Licence (projects up to S$6 million), and Specialist Builder Licence (for specific trades such as piling and structural steel). Key appointments required: An Approved Person (AP), responsible for management and technical oversight, must possess relevant professional qualifications. A Technical Controller (TC), who oversees execution and compliance, must have qualifications in civil or structural engineering. 7. Workplace Safety & Health (WSH) Officers Governing Body: WSH Council / MOM | Legislation: WSH Act In the construction industry, workers may be required to renew certifications such as the Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) qualifications or the Construction Safety Course for Supervisors (CSSS) every few years. Safety training courses must remain valid for professionals working in hazardous environments. Key certifications include: BizSAFE (Levels 1–5, issued by WSHC) — required for contractor registration at higher CRS tiers Workplace Safety and Health Officer (WSHO) Construction Safety Course for Supervisors (CSSS) 8. Land Surveyors Governing Body: Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (SISV) | Legislation: Land Surveyors Act Land surveyors in Singapore are registered under the Land Surveyors Act and are recognised as allied professionals under the Architects Act and Professional Engineers Act. Registration requires an accredited degree in surveying, practical experience, and passing a professional examination. Summary Table ProfessionGoverning BodyKey Licence/CertLegislationArchitectBOARegistered Architect + Practising CertificateArchitects ActProfessional EngineerPEBPE Registration + Practising CertificatePE ActQualified PersonBCADerived from RA/PE registrationBuilding Control ActQuantity SurveyorSISV / SIQSVSISV Membership / RQS / APQSSurveyors ActGreen Mark ProfessionalSGBC / BCAGMA / GMAP / GMAAP—Builder (firm)BCAGeneral/Specialist Builder LicenceBuilding Control ActWSH OfficerWSH Council / MOMWSHO / BizSAFEWSH ActLand SurveyorSISVRegistered Land SurveyorLand Surveyors Act

Singapore Built Environment Professions & Their Requirements

Semi-regulated Professions with quasi-mandatory certifications in Singapore

Professional Qualifications in Singapore

About Us

Courses

Others