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Our Energy Story

Overview

Discover how the Singapore Energy Story sets the vision towards a net-zero energy future.

Energy Supply

Gain insights into the four switches that power Singapore’s economy and our daily lives.

Energy Demand

Discover ways to enhance energy efficiency and lower your carbon footprint.

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Explore how EMA ensures a reliable and secure energy supply for everyone.

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Learn about the intricacies of Singapore’s energy market structure and operations.

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Regulations & Licences

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Licences

Learn about the licences that EMA issues to different stakeholders in the energy sector.

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Read about the Codes of Practice and Circulars that EMA publishes to regulate the energy sector.

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Cable Detection Worker Licence

01 Jan 2023

To minimise damages to electricity cables, it is a mandatory requirement to perform cable detection work prior to the commencement of any earthworks. Cable detection work must be carried out by a licensed cable detection worker.

Qualifications

To apply for a Cable Detection Worker Licence, applicants should have one of the following relevant academic and relevant years of experience:

  Relevant Academic Qualifications Years of Relevant Experience
(a) Diploma majoring in engineering, architecture, building, land surveying or any other discipline relevant to the construction of structures, or a related field acceptable to the Authority At least 2 years
(b) National Institute of Technical Education Certificate majoring in engineering, architecture, building, land surveying or any other discipline relevant to the construction of structures, or a related field acceptable to the Authority At least 5 years
(c) Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (Level 5) Certificate under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications framework, or another qualification acceptable to the Authority At least 10 years

Applicants are also required to complete the course on cable detection work, ELC07 WSQ Detect and Locate Underground Cables Course, conducted by the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas (SIPG). Details on the prescribed course can be found on SP Group’s website.

This diagram summarises possible pathways to obtain a Cable Detection Worker’s Licence.

Eligible Pathways - Cable Detection Worker's Licence

Application and Licence Fees

Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)

Licence Fee: $30

After your licence application is approved and successfully passed the assessment(s), please proceed to pay the licence fee by logging into EMA's e-License Information Services (ELISE) Portal using your Singpass account.

You may pay both the application and licence fees using eNETS Debit Card/Credit Card or PayNow.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare the required documents for online application

The following documents are mandatory for the application:

  • Photo ID (Passport photo size)

  • Relevant Academic Certificates (e.g., Diploma, NITEC)

  • Cable Detection Course Certificate

Other required documents are:

  • Certificate of Fitness from a Registered Medical Practitioner (for applicants who are 65 years old or above)

  • Testimonials from current and/or previous Employers, or Project Licensed Cable Detection Worker

Please note that each attachment has a maximum size and required file format.

Attachment Type

Maximum File Size

File Formats

Photo ID

5 MB

.jpg, .png

Other documents

5 MB

.jpg, .png, .pdf

 

EMA will issue your licence only if your MediSave contributions are up-to-date. This means you have either paid your MediSave in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board to settle your MediSave contributions.

To check your MediSave payment status, visit cpf.gov.sg/selfemployedmatters

Step 2: Apply and pay online

After completing the online application, you will be directed to pay the application fee. Once paid, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt with a unique reference number. You can check the status of your application via your dashboard on the ELISE portal. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Step 3: Take the technical assessment interview

You will be asked to take a technical assessment interview.

You may change the date of your interview or check the status of your assessment, via your dashboard on the ELISE portal.

Step 4: Make payment

If you have passed all assessments, you will be notified to pay for the licence fee via the ELISE portal.

Step 5: Receive your licence card via registered post

After you have made payment, your licence card will be sent to you by registered post within 7 working days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before applying for a Cable Detection Worker Licence, ensure you have made the necessary MediSave contributions or have an active GIRO arrangement with the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board to fulfil them.

Under CPF Board’s Self-Employed Scheme (SES), all self-employed persons who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents and earn an annual net trade income exceeding $6,000 must contribute to MediSave.

EMA will issue your licence only if your MediSave contributions are up-to-date. This means you have either paid your MediSave in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board to settle your MediSave contributions.

Visit cpf.gov.sg/selfemployedmatters to check your MediSave payment status.

If you are 65 years or older, you must also obtain medical certification from a Registered Medical Practitioner to confirm your fitness to carry out the authorised works under the licence.

The Cable Detection Worker’s Licence is a lifetime licence, subject to certain conditions. 

A Licensed Cable Detection Worker (LCDW) who is 65 years or older is required to obtain certification from a Registered Medical Practitioner once every 3 years, certifying him/her fit to carry out cable detection works. Failure to do so within a stipulated period would result in his/her licence being suspended.

You can update your particulars through the e-Licence Information Services (ELISE) portal. After you have logged into ELISE, click on My Profile > Update Particulars/Replacement of Worker’s Licence > Submit.

To replace your damaged Cable Detection Worker's Licence card, log in to the e-Licence Information Services (ELISE) portal using your Singpass to submit a request. Please note that there is a $21.80 replacement fee (including GST). You are required to return your damaged licence upon issued with a new licence.

If you have lost your licence card, please file a police report and attach a copy of the report to your request via your dashboard.