Singapore introduces mandatory HR certification requirements from 2028. Discover what employers need to know about IHRP certification, costs and preparation.
Singapore employers with more than 200 employees will need to review their HR capability roadmap before July 2028. The upcoming IHRP certification requirement signals a shift where HR is expected to play a stronger role in workforce strategy, transformation and business performance.
The Mandate
From 1 July 2028, organisations with more than 200 employees must have at least 1 IHRP-certified HR professional.
Who Should Start Preparing?
This requirement is especially relevant for:
✅ MNCs with Singapore operations
✅ Regional headquarters in Singapore
✅ Manufacturing companies with large workforce
✅ Companies undergoing expansion or restructuring
✅ Organisations building HR leadership capability
The Framework
Certification under the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) framework validates skills, knowledge, and competencies.
What Is the Institute for Human Resource Professionals?
IHRP is Singapore’s national HR certification framework; it is designed to recognise practitioners with validated skills, knowledge, and competencies aligned to the demands of modern business.
What Is Changing From 1 July 2028?
Starting 1 July 2028, a new workforce capability requirement takes effect for larger organisations operating in Singapore. This is not optional, it is a workforce capability mandate.
The Certification Threshold
The required level is IHRP Certified Professional (IHRP-CP) or above, or a recognised equivalent pathway. The objective is to ensure that organisations have access to professionally trained HR capabilities capable of driving strategic outcomes.
Organisations should begin their compliance planning now, certification pathways take time to complete.
Why Is Singapore Introducing This Requirement?
Modern businesses face complex challenges that demand HR professionals who contribute beyond payroll and administration. The mandate reflects a national commitment to building sustainable organisations through effective people strategies.
What This Means for Employers
Companies with more than 200 employees should begin reviewing their HR capability landscape now. Early preparation reduces compliance risk and strengthens organisational readiness.
An Opportunity for Career Development
For HR practitioners, this mandate creates a meaningful opportunity to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Certification signals strategic capability, not just operational competence.
How Employers Can Prepare Now
A structured preparation timeline ensures your organisation meets the 2028 requirement without last-minute pressure. Begin your HR capability journey today.
For employers planning ahead, understanding the certification pathway and associated investment allows HR teams to budget and allocate development resources early.Cost of IHRP Certification & Support Available for Employers
To support organisations in strengthening HR capabilities, Singapore has introduced various support measures to help HR professionals pursue Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) certification.
The certification cost varies depending on the certification level and candidate eligibility. Eligible Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) may receive subsidies to reduce certification fees, while additional support is available to help employers invest in HR capability development.
IHRP Certification Fees (Inclusive of GST)
| Certification Level | Suitable For | Certification Fee (SC/PR) | Enhanced Subsidised Fee (SC/PR) | Non-SC/PR Fee |
| IHRP Certified Associate (IHRP-CA) | HR professionals developing foundational HR capabilities | S$272.50 | S$163.50 | S$425.10 |
| IHRP Certified Professional (IHRP-CP) | HR professionals with practical HR experience and broader HR responsibilities | S$272.50 | S$163.50 | S$654.00 |
| IHRP Senior Professional (IHRP-SP) | Experienced HR leaders managing strategic HR functions | S$381.50 | S$272.50 | S$991.90 |
Employers and HR professionals should refer to the latest IHRP and MOM guidelines for updated information.
Employer Support & Preparation
Beyond certification subsidies, organisations can leverage available workforce development support to strengthen their HR capabilities.
Eligible employers may utilise schemes such as the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) under the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP) to offset eligible costs related to workforce transformation initiatives.
Companies can also begin preparing early by:
✅ Reviewing their current HR team capabilities
✅ Identifying suitable HR professionals for certification
✅ Planning certification timelines before the 2028 requirement takes effect
✅ Investing in continuous HR development and professional growth
With the upcoming requirement for organisations with more than 200 employees from 1 July 2028, certification should be viewed not only as a regulatory preparation step, but also as an opportunity to strengthen HR as a strategic business function.
Building a professionally certified HR team can help organisations better manage workforce transformation, talent development, employee engagement and future business challenges.
Need Support Building Your HR Capability?
As workforce requirements evolve, having the right HR leadership and talent strategy becomes increasingly important.
Kanry Search supports organisations in:
- HR leadership recruitment
- Executive search
- Workforce planning
- Talent acquisition solutions
Whether you are strengthening your HR leadership team, expanding operations in Singapore, or preparing for future workforce requirements, Kanry Search supports organisations in building the right talent strategy.
Contact us now to discuss how your organisation can prepare for future workforce challenges.
Sources:
📍 Ministry of Manpower Singapore (MOM) – Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) Certification Framework: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/strengthening-human-capital-and-human-resource-hr-capabilities/institute-for-human-resource-professionals-ihrp-certification
📍 Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP): https://ihrp.sg/
