Fact Sheet: Certificate in Business Management

The Certificate in Business Management (CBM) is a new initiative that the Singapore Armed Forces has introduced in partnership with Nanyang Polytechnic. It is a bridging programme designed for warrant officers and specialists (WOSPECs) to provide them with a foundation in the study of business management and equip them with skills such as communications, computing, basic accounting and marketing. Upon successful completion of the certificate programme, servicemen would qualify for direct entry into the Diploma in Business Management.

The CBM is a part-time programme open to all WOSPECs with at least three GCE 'O' Level or five GCE 'N' Level passes, including passes in English and Mathematics. It comprises six modules of 30 instructional hours each held over a period of six months.

Up to 30 sponsorships for CBM are offered annually under the Singapore Armed Force's Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme. The pioneer batch of 21 WOSPECs attended the course from Mar to Sep 2011.

About the Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme

The Continuous Learning Academic Study Scheme (CLASS) was introduced in 2001 as part of the Singapore Armed Forces' Continuing Education initiative which aims at promoting life-long learning and realising the full potential of servicemen. The scheme has enabled WOSPECs to pursue certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses in their relevant field of studies. In 2007, to meet the growing academic aspirations of WOSPECs, CLASS was extended to allow deserving candidates to pursue degree level courses on a full-time or part-time basis. CLASS was further revised last July to allow Specialists who showed potential to become Warrant Officers to pursue an undergraduate programme as early as the end of their second year of service, instead of the sixth year of service previously. Under the CLASS degree sponsorship, MINDEF pays the tuition fees for the relevant course of study and sponsored servicemen receive an annual allowance.