Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification
YOUR S$100 BOOST TO IHRP CERTIFICATION
From 1st October 2025, eligible HR professionals can enjoy a S$100 flat-rate subsidy on IHRP certifications – part of a national initiative to help employers better manage and support their workforce amid the volatile environment.
This initiative is part of broader support measures by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) to help businesses strengthen HR capabilities to navigate the volatile environment.
By making certification more accessible, this initiative enables practitioners to invest in their professional development and businesses to invest in their HR professionals.
We encourage all HR professionals to take ownership of their professional development, and step up to support our businesses and our workers to surmount the challenges ahead . Please refer to the FAQs below for more details.
1. What is Enhanced Certification Subsidy for HR certification?
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) are providing an additional S$100 flat-rate subsidy for eligible IHRP certifications to help employers better manage and support their workforce amid the volatile environment. This subsidy is available only to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
2. Why is this Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification being introduced?
This initiative is part of broader support measures by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) to help businesses strengthen HR capabilities to navigate the volatile environment. Businesses and their workforce will need to be agile and responsive to rapid changes in economic conditions. Strong HR professionals play an important role in supporting businesses and employees to do this, and ensuring that all employees are treated fairly.
3. What is the IHRP Certification?
The Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) Certification is Singapore’s nationally recognised HR credential, designed to validate capabilities, raise professional credibility, and set HR practitioners apart in a competitive workforce.
For more information on the IHRP certification, please visit here.
4. What are the benefits of obtaining the IHRP Certification?
Taking up the IHRP Certification demonstrates commitment to professional excellence and helps HR professionals stand out in a competitive job market. Certified HR professionals gain access to best practices and playbooks, mentorship opportunities and training resources1 , and join a growing community of HR leaders and professionals across many fields and sectors. These contribute to the professional development of HR professionals and their effectiveness in their organisations.
The key benefits of being IHRP Certified include:
• Professional Credibility – Gain recognition as a trusted HR professional benchmarked against national standards.
• Career Advancement – Strengthen employability and open up more career progression opportunities.
• Continuous Growth – Stay current with evolving HR practices, policies, and legislation through Recertification and access to professional resources.
• Networking & Community – Join a vibrant community of HR leaders and practitioners, and expand professional network.
• Employer Confidence – Employers value certified HR professionals who bring validated expertise to drive workforce transformation and organisational success.
1Training resources are provided through IHRP’s partnerships with IHLs and training providers
5. When does the Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification start?
The Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification will be available for a 12-month period starting 1st October 2025.
6. Who is eligible and what fees are applicable for the Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification?
The subsidy is available to eligible HR professionals seeking certification for the first time, as well as mid-career switchers seeking to enter the HR profession. This subsidy is available only to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
The subsidy applies to IHRP Certified Associate (CA – Working Professionals only), Certified Professional (CP), and Senior Professional (SP) applications, and is valid for new, first-time upgrade, and bridging applications. It does not apply to Recertification, Reassessment, Rescheduling, or Onsite fees.
Detailed application procedures will be announced closer to the launch date. Interested HR professionals may click here to find out more.
In addition, interested applicants can visit the IHRP website for updates.
7. What is considered a “first-time application”?
You are considered a first-time applicant if you have never held any IHRP certification before. This also applies if you are applying for a different certification level for the first time.
8. How is “mid-career switcher” defined?
A “mid-career switcher” refers to an individual with prior work experience in a non-HR function who is transitioning into a role within the HR profession.
9. Are non-HR professionals eligible to apply for HR certification for a career transition?
Yes. Non-HR professionals are eligible if they are applying for certification as part of a planned career transition into the HR profession, as IHRP certifications are intended for HR practitioners.
10. Are self-employed individuals in HR role eligible?
Yes. Self-employed individuals are eligible provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. These include being a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident, applying for IHRP Certified Associate (CA – Working Professionals only), IHRP Certified Professional (CP), or IHRP Senior Professional (SP) certification, and submitting a first-time, upgrade, or bridging application.
The subsidy does not apply to Recertification, Reassessment, Rescheduling, or Onsite assessment fees.
11. Is there a minimum work experience requirement to apply under the subsidy?
Yes. Applicants must meet the baseline eligibility criteria for the IHRP certification level they are applying for.
12. Are those currently unemployed eligible for the subsidy?
Yes. Individuals who are currently unemployed are eligible, provided they meet the certification eligibility requirements and are either already an HR practitioner or are pursuing a career in the HR profession.
13. How do I apply for the Enhanced Subsidy for HR Certification?
Detailed application procedures will be announced closer to the launch date. Interested HR professionals may click here to find out more.
In addition, interested applicants can visit the IHRP website for updates.
14. Can employers apply on behalf of their HR staff?
No. Employers cannot apply on behalf of their staff. HR professionals must submit their own application directly.
15. If my employer is sponsoring me, can I still receive the S$100 subsidy?
Yes. The subsidy will be applied to the total certification fee, and your employer will be invoiced for the remaining balance.
16. Can the subsidy be combined with other sector-specific HR capability grants?
This will depend on the terms and conditions of the other grant. Please review the specific requirements of the grant you intend to apply for to determine if it can be used in conjunction with the S$100 subsidy.
17. Can I still use my SkillsFuture Credit after applying the S$100 subsidy?
Yes. You may use your SkillsFuture Credit to pay for the remaining balance, provided you have sufficient credit. This excludes the SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career Support).
18. Am I eligible for a refund if I have already submitted and paid for my application?
No. Refunds are not available for applications submitted and paid for, regardless of whether they are made before or after 1 October 2025.
19. Can I defer my assessment date and still keep the subsidy?
Yes. You may defer or reschedule your assessment and still retain the subsidy. However, the rescheduling fee of S$109 will apply, along with the prevailing rescheduling terms and conditions.
20. If I withdraw my application, will the subsidy be refunded or forfeited?
The subsidy will be forfeited. No refund will be provided, as the subsidy is directly offset against the certification fee paid.
21. Can I transfer my subsidised slot to another person?
No. Assessment slots, including those with the subsidy applied, are strictly non-transferable.
22. If my application is postponed beyond the 12-month period, will the subsidy still apply?
No. The certification fee paid is valid for 12 months. If your application is postponed beyond this period, the subsidy will no longer apply.
23. When will detailed information be available?
Detailed application procedures and eligibility criteria will be announced closer to the launch date on 1st October 2025.
24. Where can I get updates about this programme?
Detailed application procedures will be announced closer to the launch date. Interested HR professionals may click here to find out more.
In addition, interested applicants can visit IHRP website for the latest updates.
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