A training provider that calls itself “SSG-approved” sounds as if it has passed a government test. The phrase is common in Singapore, on flyers and in search ads, and it is rarely explained. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is now part of the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), and in the official SWDA and MySkillsFuture pages we read, “SSG-approved training provider” does not appear as a defined status. The official information sits at the level of the course and the trainer, so that is where you should check.
This guide shows what to verify, where to find it, and how to read the labels you will meet along the way. It is part of our wider buyer’s guide to choosing an AI training provider in Singapore.
What the label does and does not tell you
A label on a website is a claim by the provider. It can be accurate and still leave out what you need to know. “SSG-approved” might mean the provider has courses listed on MySkillsFuture, that one course qualifies for a subsidy, or that a trainer holds an accreditation. Those are three different facts, and only the course page can confirm the one that affects your fee.
So treat the label as a prompt to ask a question. Which course is approved, for which scheme, for whom, and where can I see it?
Five checks you can do yourself
- Find the course on MySkillsFuture. Search for the exact course title. The portal lets you filter by training provider and by SkillsFuture scheme, and each course tile shows the syllabus, ratings and reviews. If the course is not listed, ask the provider why before you pay.
- Match the course reference number. Approved courses carry a reference number. The number the provider gives you should match the one on the portal for the same course title and provider.
- Log in with Singpass to see the fee breakdown. The portal shows the fee breakdown for the logged-in user, so you can compare it with what the provider quoted. Our guide on how to check whether a course is funded before you enrol walks through this step by step.
- Read the ratings and reviews. The ratings come from learner surveys run under TRAQOM, which collects feedback on course quality and on the impact of training on jobs and careers. A course with many reviews tells you more than a course with a perfect score from a handful.
- Look at the trainer. SWDA’s training provider pages point to TAE accreditation for trainers. Ask which adult educator qualification the trainer holds, such as ACTA or ACLP, and what work they have done outside a classroom.
You can also use the Training Provider tab on a course page to reach the provider through the portal. If a provider’s contact details differ from the ones listed there, ask why.
Common labels, and what to ask
| What you see | What it can mean | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| “SSG-approved” | The provider or one of its courses is listed or funded in some way | Which course, which scheme, and where can I see it on MySkillsFuture? |
| “SkillsFuture eligible” | The course appears on the portal, and some learners can use SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) on it | Do I personally qualify, and what is my net fee in writing? |
| “WSQ certified” | The course is linked to the Workforce Skills Qualifications framework | Is this course WSQ accredited or WSQ aligned, and what certificate will I receive? |
| “Accredited trainer” | The trainer holds an adult educator qualification | Which one, and what business experience do they bring? |
| “Up to 70% off” | A subsidy rate that applies to some learners on some courses | What is the rate for me, and what do I pay after it? |
Keep an eye on survey and payment requests
TRAQOM survey links are sent through go.gov.sg, and SWDA states that it never asks for your NRIC or payment details in them. If a message that claims to be about a course survey asks for either, do not respond to it. The same caution applies to any provider that asks for an NRIC or a payment before you have seen a fee breakdown.
How we answer these checks
We invite you to run every one of these checks on QD Academy. Our courses carry SkillsFuture reference numbers: AI-Powered Productivity is TGS-20250534, Developing an Effective Customer Journey Map is TGS-2023018621 and Mastering AI for Sales Growth and Team Dynamics is TGS-2025053114. Our courses are described as WSQ-aligned, so ask us what certificate you will receive and who issues it. On request we send a written fee breakdown, and our team checks which schemes you qualify for before you register.
Your next step
If you are comparing a course from us with one from another provider, send both course reference numbers to our team on WhatsApp at +65 8069 3194 and we will help you compare the fee breakdowns. You can also work out your own subsidy with the grant calculator on our Grants and Subsidies page. The AI for Sales course page shows how we present the reference number and the fee, and our guide to funding for AI and skills training explains each scheme in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “SSG-approved training provider” mean?
It is a common marketing phrase rather than a status we found defined on the official SWDA or MySkillsFuture pages. The checks that count are course-level: the course is listed on MySkillsFuture, it carries a reference number, and the fee breakdown shows the subsidy you qualify for.
How do I check whether a training provider is legitimate?
Search for the course on MySkillsFuture, match the reference number, log in with Singpass to see the fee breakdown and read the ratings and reviews. Then ask the provider for the trainer’s qualifications and for a written fee breakdown before you pay.
Is a WSQ course the same as a SkillsFuture-funded course?
No. WSQ refers to a national framework of skills qualifications, while funding depends on the individual course and on the learner. A course can be WSQ-aligned without being accredited under the framework, so ask which applies and what certificate you will receive.
Can I use SkillsFuture Credit at any training provider?
SFC can be used on courses that the MySkillsFuture portal lists as eligible, and eligibility varies by course. Check the course page, not the provider’s name, and see our guide to SkillsFuture Credit for the claim steps.
Where do the ratings on MySkillsFuture come from?
They come from learner surveys run under TRAQOM, which covers course quality and the impact of training on jobs and careers. They are not testimonials selected by the provider.