We spend decades building our careers. We gain knowledge, experience, problem-solving skills and, hopefully, a few stories along the way.

But what happens when we reach a career crossroads?

Retire completely? Start another job? Learn something new? Or perhaps use what we've accumulated over the years to help someone else learn?

Adult Educator

When I told a friend that I'm starting a new journey to become an Adult Educator, the response was:

"Sorry, what does an Adult Educator mean? Like teaching seniors?"

LOL. 😅

Actually, an Adult Educator isn't simply someone standing in front of a classroom teaching.

Adult Educators may design learning, facilitate training, assess learning, engage adult learners and help working adults acquire or improve their skills.

Imagine someone who has spent decades working in finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, HR, manufacturing or another profession.

They don't suddenly lose all that knowledge when they retire.

An Adult Educator can potentially bring that real-world experience into the learning environment and help others learn from it.

ACLP 3.0

So, what exactly is ACLP?

ACLP stands for Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance. ACLP 3.0 is a WSQ qualification developed by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to equip trainers with practical, job-ready competencies for today's training and workplace learning environments.

The current ACLP 3.0 has been redesigned to be more streamlined and practice-focused, with emphasis on facilitation, assessment, workplace learning and the use of technology and Gen AI in learning.

For me, ACLP 3.0 is not simply about taking another course. It is my first step towards exploring a new professional direction in Training and Adult Education.

TAEPP

The Training and Adult Educator Professional Pathway (TAEPP) is a national framework developed by the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), with the support of SkillsFuture Singapore, to further professionalise the Training and Adult Education (TAE) sector.

It provides a structured pathway for the development of Adult Educators, and ACLP is one of the qualifications that can serve as an entry route into the TAEPP framework.

And this is the pathway I'm moving towards.

SkillsFuture

There are many people who think of SkillsFuture Credit as something to use for a short course in baking, cooking, photography or perhaps learning about AI.

Those are certainly possible uses, but that's only part of the picture.

SkillsFuture is a national movement launched in 2015 to encourage Singaporeans to develop their skills and embrace lifelong learning. SkillsFuture Credit can also be part of a serious career-development or career-transition plan.

Here's a little information on SkillsFuture Credit.

All Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above receive an initial S$500 SkillsFuture Credit, which does not expire.

For Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above, there is also a S$4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) that can be used for selected courses with better employability outcomes. This credit also does not expire.

Of course, not every course is covered by every type of SkillsFuture Credit, so it is important to check the course's eligibility before making any assumptions.

My Key Takeaways

The world of work is changing quickly.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is already changing how many jobs are performed, particularly tasks that are repetitive, routine or heavily dependent on information processing.

That doesn't mean every job will disappear. But it does mean that people will increasingly need to learn new skills, adapt to new roles and, sometimes, make a career transition.

And someone who has spent decades in the workforce has something extremely valuable to contribute to that process: Experience.

Perhaps the question isn't simply, "What can I learn next?"

Perhaps it is also: "What can I teach next?"

And so, my ACLP 3.0 journey begins.

[Continue to A New Chapter: My ACLP 3.0 Journey]

Disclaimer: This article is a personal account of my decision to explore ACLP 3.0 and the Training and Adult Education sector. It is intended for sharing and reference only and is not an official guide or representation of IAL, SkillsFuture Singapore or any other organisation. Information on qualifications, courses, funding and SkillsFuture Credit may change, so please refer to the respective official websites for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course as a Learner

Is it worth it to take up ACLP?

If you search this question over the web, you'll probably find a few different opinions. There are articles asking whether it is worth "splashing $ for ACLP", discussions on LinkedIn, and of course, our dear Google with its AI Overview.

Since this is My Journey, I'll share my own views.

I'm an over-50 professional with experience teaching and mentoring adults, and I genuinely enjoyed that experience. So, for me, ACLP feels like a natural next step towards exploring adult education more seriously.

Frankly, I have no idea yet what it will really be like to go through the course. I've read about the modules, completed the mandatory eLearning and done all the preparation, but there's still a difference between reading about a course and actually being a learner in it.

What I do know is that I'm a strong believer in continuing education, and I'm always keen to learn something new.

Another reason is the cost. With the available SkillsFuture funding and subsidies, the amount I need to fork out is much more manageable than the full course cost. And since I'm currently on a career break, the timing also feels right for me.

If you're retired, planning for retirement, or simply looking for a way to continue learning and contribute your experience in a different way, ACLP may be something worth exploring too.

Those are my reasons for taking ACLP.

As my journey progresses, I'll share more about what I actually learn, how the course is conducted, and eventually, whether I think it was really worth the investment.

So... stay tuned. Lol. 😄

How the estimated cost is calculated

For the ACLP 3.0 modules, the calculation is a little more complicated than simply taking 66% off the course fee. The 66% SkillsFuture funding is deducted from the base course fee first. GST is then calculated on the remaining balance, followed by the 20% Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy based on the original base course fee.

The table below shows how I arrived at my estimated out-of-pocket cost of S$609.38, before any other personal expenses.

Note: This is my own cost calculation based on the fees and funding reflected in my application/payment information. Funding eligibility varies by learner and may change. The figures above are specific to my situation at the time of application and should not be taken as a quotation for other learners.


A few things to note

The application fee is separate from the course fees. In my case, there was also a fee for completing the Skills Framework (SFw 2.0) and Jobs-Skills Portal component before the ACLP 3.0 application.

The actual amount payable depends on the funding and subsidies a learner is eligible for. SkillsFuture Credit may also be used by eligible learners to offset course fees. Funding arrangements and fees may change, so do check the official information before making payment.

For my own journey, I'm recording the figures here because I think it is useful to see the real out-of-pocket amount rather than just the headline course fee.


Useful links if you're considering ACLP

Rather than just listing the course references, here are some of the links I found useful while working through the application and funding process:

• IAL – WSQ Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance 3.0
  Course information, fees and funding arrangements.
• MySkillsFuture – ACLP 3.0 Course Listing
  Useful for checking the course listing, course details and available course runs.
• Check Your SkillsFuture Credit Balance
  Log in with Singpass to check your available SkillsFuture Credit balance.
• SkillsFuture Credit – What You Can Use It For
  Information on SkillsFuture Credit eligibility, the different credit tiers and how the credit can be used.
• How to Submit a SkillsFuture Credit Claim
  A useful step-by-step guide if you're planning to use your SkillsFuture Credit for a course.

And now comes the moment of truth... 😅
I've been offered a place, I've worked out the numbers, and now I have to make the payment.
Let's see where this investment takes me.

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course

The Big Day Arrived

After all the preparation, the day finally arrived. It was time to apply for ACLP 3.0. I had already created my IAL account, completed the mandatory eLearning and was ready for the application. But there was still one thing I couldn't control: How quickly I could get the application submitted once the application window opened. And that was why I jokingly called this...

May the Fastest Finger Win! 😅

Getting Ready Before the Application Opened

By application day, I had completed most of the preparation, but there was one thing I hadn't done - I had not fully updated my academic and employment details in my IAL profile. And this was something I would have to deal with while the clock was ticking. My advice would be to get as much of the preparation out of the way as possible before the application window opens. That means having your IAL account ready, making sure your profile information is updated and completing the mandatory requirements beforehand. I certainly didn't want to be discovering that something was missing while everyone else was already submitting their applications.

Application Opens at 9am

The ACLP 3.0 application opens every Friday at 9am. Here's another reminder: log into your IAL account before 9am. When the application window opened, I clicked on the course link and was then prompted to log in. So, I logged in and proceeded with the ACLP 3.0 application. There were several sections to go through, along with documents to upload, before the application could be submitted. At this point, I was trying to balance two things: Go fast enough to secure a place, but don't go so fast that I make a silly mistake. After all, submitting quickly is pointless if you accidentally submit the wrong information. 😅

The Race Against Time

And this was where I really felt the pressure. Remember, I hadn't fully updated my academic and employment details in my IAL profile beforehand. Because of the time constraint, I decided to update only the minimum academic information required. I entered my ACCA qualification and uploaded my GCE 'O' Levels certificate. Then came the employment experience section. Boy, did that take some time! With decades of working experience, there was no way I could remember the exact month I joined and left every company. The application required the dates in MM/YYYY format. Fortunately, I had my JobStreet resume, where my employment history was already recorded in MM/YYYY format. So I quickly referred to my resume and entered the information from there. In the end, I only included my last 4 jobs, but even that stretched back almost 20 years. At that point, I wasn't trying to create a complete employment history going back to the beginning of my working life. I just wanted to provide enough relevant experience within the time available and get the application submitted.

One Last Check Before Submit

After entering the required information and uploading the necessary documents, I finally reached the Declaration Form section. There was three declaration to acknowledge and accept before proceeding. I clicked "Accept" - but I wasn't quite ready to hit the Submit button yet. I went back through the details I had entered and checked them again. After rushing through the application, this final check was important. I wanted to make sure that whatever I had entered in my hurry was at least correct before I submitted the application.

And Then... Submit!

After all that rushing, checking and double-checking, I was finally ready to submit. And then... Application submitted!

[Next: Part 7: ACLP 3.0 Course Fees, Funding, Payment: Is It Worth It?

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course as a Learner

Completing the Mandatory eLearning

After setting up my Canvas account, I could finally get started on the mandatory eLearning required before applying for ACLP 3.0. This was based on the new Skills Framework 2.0 (SFw 2.0) and the Jobs-Skills Portal. If you've read Part 4, you'll know that getting to this stage wasn't entirely straightforward for me. 😅 Once I had sorted out the Canvas and MFA setup, however, I could finally log in and start the eLearning.

What Is Skills Framework 2.0?

The Skills Framework 2.0 is part of Singapore's move towards a more skills-focused approach to jobs and learning. Instead of looking only at job titles, the framework provides a common way of looking at jobs, tasks and the skills needed to perform them. For someone interested in adult education and training, I found this particularly relevant because understanding the skills required in a particular job is closely connected to understanding what people need to learn.

The Jobs-Skills Portal

The mandatory eLearning also introduced the Jobs-Skills Portal. The portal allows users to explore the relationship between jobs and skills, and to look at the skills associated with different occupations. I found this part quite interesting because it wasn't simply about completing another compulsory online course. It gave me a better idea of how skills information can be used to understand career development, identify skills gaps and think about what training may be relevant.

Working Through the eLearning

I went through the learning materials and activities step by step. There were different sections to work through, and I made sure I completed the required components before moving on to my ACLP 3.0 application. My advice here would be simple: Don't leave the mandatory eLearning until the last minute. There is another reason for this. You need to allow time for the registration/invitation process before you can actually access the learning environment. In my case, I was fortunate that the course invitation arrived the next day, but I had initially been told that it could take several working days.

Certificate of Completion

After completing the required eLearning, there was a short assessment consisting of 3 questions. I answered all 3 questions correctly, and I received an email with the Certificate of Completion. And that was another item checked off my ACLP 3.0 preparation list. At this point, I had:

• Created my IAL account
• Checked my ACLP 3.0 entry requirements
• Updated my IAL profile
• Registered for the mandatory eLearning
• Set up my Canvas account
• Completed the required eLearning
• Downloaded a copy of the Certificate of Completion

Finally, I was ready for the actual application.

Next Stop: Application Day!

After all that preparation, the next step was probably the most nerve-wracking one. The ACLP 3.0 application window was opening. And I had the feeling that this was going to be one of those... May the fastest finger win! 😅

[Next: Part 6: ACLP 3.0 Application Day: May the Fastest Finger Win!]

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course as a Learner

Registering for the Mandatory eLearning

Once I had created my IAL account and completed the relevant information in my profile, the next step was to register for the mandatory eLearning on Skills Framework 2.0 (SFw 2.0) and the Jobs-Skills Portal.

This eLearning has to be completed before applying for ACLP 3.0, so it is one of the things to get done before the application window opens.

After registering for the eLearning, I had to wait for the course invitation before I could proceed. And I was told it may take 3 to 5 working days to receive the email.

Receiving the Course Invitation

The very next day around 2pm, the course invitation was sent by email from IAL LearningSpaceSG via Canvas. I was so thrilled to get it, cos it'll mean I may be on-time to be apply on the coming Friday. And so, I clicked on the link to get started and was brought to the Canvas setup process.

And this was where I had a little unexpected detour. 😅

Setting Up Canvas & Multi-Factor Authentication

Canvas required me to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The instructions included a QR code which was meant to be scanned using a TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password) authenticator app.

Unfortunately, I didn't read the instructions carefully enough the first time. I scanned the QR code using my phone's default QR code reader instead of a TOTP authenticator app.

The QR scan then opened an external link which led to an online betting website.

At that point, I was understandably concerned that I might have encountered a phishing attempt. I contacted IAL and reported what had happened, together with screenshots of what I had seen.

A day later, when I went through the Canvas setup again, I realised my mistake: the QR code was meant to be scanned using a TOTP authenticator app, not the phone's ordinary QR reader.

Once I followed the instructions correctly, I was able to complete the MFA setup and successfully log in to Canvas.

A little tip for new learners: If you are setting up Canvas for the first time and see a QR code for MFA, read the instructions carefully before scanning it. You need a TOTP authenticator app rather than your phone's usual QR-code reader.

I thought this was worth mentioning because it was an easy mistake to make, and the unexpected website that appeared after my first scan was certainly alarming. If you encounter anything similar, it would be safer to stop and check with IAL rather than proceeding.

Finally, Into the eLearning

Once the Canvas account was successfully set up, I could access the SFw 2.0 and Jobs-Skills Portal eLearning.

And finally, I was ready to start learning.

Next stop: completing the mandatory eLearning and getting the Certificate of Completion.

[Continue to Part 5: Before ACLP 3.0: Mandatory eLearning, Skills Framework (SFw) 2.0 and Jobs-Skills Portal]

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course as a Learner

Before Applying for ACLP 3.0

Once my IAL account was created, I thought I was pretty much ready to apply for ACLP 3.0. Well... not quite. 😅 Before submitting the application, there were still a few things to check, especially the course entry requirements and the information in my IAL profile. And this was where I discovered something I should probably have done earlier.

Checking the Entry Requirements

For more details on the course, please refer to https://www.ial.edu.sg/programmes/wsq-advanced-certificate-in-learning-and-performance-3/ 

The first thing I did was to go through the ACLP 3.0 entry requirements to make sure I was eligible to apply. The requirements include having the relevant subject matter specialisation and industry experience, the necessary English proficiency, basic ICT skills, and the ability to source and analyse information for learning resources. For the industry/domain experience requirement, I was comfortable with my own background. After spending many years working in accounting and finance, followed by my experience in IT training, I felt that I had the relevant work experience to support my application. The English and ICT requirements were also not a concern for me. So far, so good. But then came my IAL profile...

Checking My IAL Profile

This was the part I wish I had done earlier. Although I had already created my IAL account, I had not fully updated all my academic and employment information before the ACLP 3.0 application window opened. And because the application window was time-sensitive, I suddenly found myself having to check and update information that could have been completed beforehand.

Academic Information

I went through the academic section of my profile and checked that my education and qualification details were properly reflected.

Employment & Work Experience

Next came my employment information. This was particularly important because the ACLP entry requirements include relevant industry/domain experience. I went through my employment history and updated the information required in my IAL profile.

My Lesson: Don't Leave This Until Application Day

This was probably my biggest takeaway from the pre-application stage. If you're thinking of applying for ACLP 3.0, don't wait until the application window opens before checking your IAL profile. Create the account early, log in, go through the different sections and make sure your academic and employment information is updated. That way, when applications open, you can concentrate on the application itself instead of scrambling to update your profile at the same time. In my case, I eventually got everything sorted out, but I definitely could have made life easier for myself by doing it earlier. 😅

Ready for the Next Step

Once I had checked the entry requirements and updated my profile, I was finally ready to move on. There was still one important thing to complete before I could submit my ACLP 3.0 application: the mandatory eLearning on the Skills Framework (SFw) 2.0 and Jobs-Skills Portal. And that turned out to be another little adventure of its own.

[Next: Part 4: Before ACLP 3.0: Registering for the Mandatory eLearning & Setting Up Canvas Account]

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is part of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course as a learner

Creating an account with IAL (Institute for Adult Learning Singapore) is free.
To get started:

• Go to IAL official website: https://www.ial.edu.sg/
• Look for the person icon at the top right corner and click on it
• 
• A separate page will appear. If you already have an IAL account, click on [Learner] to log in
• 
• If you are new to IAL, click on [Create One]. You will be taken to the "Choose your role" page
• 
• Click on [Learner] to proceed to the "Register as a Learner" page
• 
• The first Singpass verification is part of the account sign-up process
• After signing up, you'll receive an email with a verification code to complete the sign-up
• Then another email inform you that "You have been added to the IAL-TMS portal"
• Use the link in the email to log in to your newly created IAL account
• Click on IAL to go into the Student portal
• 
• Go to Dashboard (left side dropdown menu) and you'll see Announcement on the right panel
• 
• Close the Announcement; Click on right hand corner [Learner] to dropdown [My Profile]
• Click on "Retrieve Myinfo with Singpass" and your particulars such as your date of birth and NRIC/FIN number will be updated
• On [Other information] panel, click on Edit (the pencil icon), to update "Emergency contact information"
• 
• If your account is registered through Singpass, there is no separate User ID to remember
• Going forward, you will log in using Singpass

With the IAL account set up, the next step is to complete the mandatory eLearning before applying for ACLP 3.0.

Next: [Part 3: Before Applying for ACLP 3.0: Check the Entry Requirements & Complete IAL Profile]

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

This is Part 1 of my ACLP 3.0 Journey series, documenting my personal experience of applying for the course

How It Started

Sometimes a new direction in life doesn't come from a carefully drawn-up career plan. It comes from something you unexpectedly discover about yourself.

I've spent most of my career in accounting and finance. Over the years, I've naturally found myself mentoring and guiding colleagues. Helping someone understand an accounting process, walking a colleague through a system, or simply sharing experience. I enjoyed doing these things, but I never really thought of myself as an educator.

That changed when I made a career switch and took on a role as an in-house IT trainer.

One of my responsibilities was to train new joiners on the company's system. Suddenly, I wasn't just using my knowledge to do my own work or helping an individual colleague who happened to ask a question. I was training new employees and thinking about how to explain something clearly, how to make it easier for someone to understand, and how to help them become comfortable enough to apply what they had learnt on their own.

And I realised that I actually enjoyed it.

That experience planted a seed. Perhaps teaching adults was something I could see myself doing. It also made me look at my own career experience differently. A few decades in finance may sound very specialised, but along the way I've accumulated knowledge not just in accounting, but also in systems, processes, problem-solving, workplace practices and working with people. Maybe those experiences could be useful to someone else. And perhaps, instead of thinking only about what job I could do next, I could think about what I could do to help other people.

Why ACLP 3.0?

The Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP) seems like a natural next step. With some hands-on experience as a trainer, I want to understand how adults learn and develop the formal skills behind effective training and facilitation. More importantly, I want to find out whether this could become a new chapter in my working life. So, I decided to give it a try.

This is not a story about leaving finance behind. At least, I don't see it that way. Instead, I'm hoping to bring the knowledge and experience I've accumulated over the years into a different setting, one where I can continue learning while helping other adults learn too.

And so, my ACLP 3.0 journey begins.

First stop: creating an IAL account.
[Continue to Part 2: Getting Started with ACLP: Creating an IAL Account]

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

Series status: In progress 🚧
I'm documenting the journey as it happens, so new parts will be added along the way.

I've decided to document my journey towards ACLP 3.0, from creating my IAL account and completing the required eLearning, to submitting my application and securing a place on the course.

And also one mistake I made along the way: I hadn't updated my academic and employment details in my IAL profile beforehand. When the application window opened, there was little time to stop and sort things out.

So, if you're considering ACLP yourself, I hope my experience will give you a better idea of what to expect along the way. This is a personal account of my experience, with some practical tips and lessons learnt along the way.

Part 1: Why ACLP 3.0? My Journey Towards Becoming an Adult Educator
Part 2: Getting Started with ACLP: Creating an IAL Account
Part 3: Before Applying for ACLP 3.0: Checking the Entry Requirements & Completing My IAL Profile
Part 4: Before ACLP 3.0: Registering for the Mandatory eLearning & Setting Up Canvas Account
Part 5: Before ACLP 3.0: Mandatory eLearning, Skills Framework (SFw) 2.0 and Jobs-Skills Portal
Part 6: ACLP 3.0 Application Day: May the Fastest Finger Win!
Part 7: ACLP 3.0 Course Fees, Funding, Payment: Is It Worth It?

Disclaimer: This article documents my personal experience of applying for ACLP 3.0 and is intended for sharing and reference only. It is not an official guide or representation of IAL's application process. The information and screenshots reflect my experience at the time of application in August 2026. Course requirements, fees, funding arrangements and other details may change, so please refer to the official IAL website for the latest information.

Contents
Current

• 2025

Past

• 2022 to 2024
• 2020 to 2021
• 2019 Jul-Dec
• 2019 Jan-Jun
• 2018 Jun-Dec

All Time

• Bingo Cards 👉 Latest Card 38
• Coloring Missions
• Categories
• Tsums by Alphabetical Order

目录
现在

• 2025年

过去

• 2024年
• 2023年
• 2022年
• 2021年1月至12月
• 2020年1月至12月
• 2019年7月至12月
• 2019年1月至6月
• 2018年6月至12月

其他

• 任务宾果卡 (Bingo) 👉 最新卡片38
• 着色画任务 (Coloring Missions)
• 按英字母顺序排列的Tsum

Missions in Bingo Cards and Events often request for a particular type of Tsum Tsum, I've summarised a list.  Although much effort had been placed to test on the features, if there were any error, please leave a comment and I'll do the correction.  Thanks!

宾果卡和活动任务常要求使用某些Tsum，以下列出一些特征。如果有写错的，请留言，我会做调整。谢谢！

<Click picture to view Tsum's details
点击图片可阅个别细节>


A