CIDB Green Card vs SICW: What Is the Difference?
Many employers confuse the Green Card with the SICW certification. We clarify the relationship, the renewal cycle, and who needs what.
In short: The SICW (Safety Induction Construction Worker) is a training course. The CIDB Green Card is the official registration credential that proves a worker is legally permitted to enter and work on Malaysian construction sites. You cannot get the Green Card without first completing the SICW course (unless you qualify for an exemption).
Naja Safety runs SICW at your site, for your whole crew, in English, BM or Mandarin.
What is the CIDB Green Card?
The card commonly called the CIDB Green Card is CIDB's Construction Personnel Registration Card (Kad Pendaftaran Personel Binaan). It shows a worker is registered with CIDB, which the CIDB Act requires of anyone working as construction personnel (s.33(1)). To get one, the worker first needs SICW, or another construction safety certificate that CIDB recognises.
Naja Safety runs SICW at your site, for your whole crew, in English, BM or Mandarin, as a CIDB-accredited SICW Training Centre (PLSICW20231022-068).
What happens on SICW day
SICW (Kursus Induksi Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerja Binaan) is a one-day safety awareness course for construction sites. In person, it runs for six hours, at a CIDB-accredited training centre or a training location CIDB has approved.
Kursus SICW dijalankan selama enam (6) jam dalam satu (1) hari.
Unofficial English summary: the SICW course runs for six (6) hours in one (1) day. CIDB's policy adds that the session runs from 8 am and ends no later than 6 pm: "dari jam 0800 pagi dan berakhir tidak lewat dari jam 0600 petang".
CIDB Garis Panduan Kursus SICW (Peserta), Jan 2022 · Official PDF ↗ · accessed 12 Oct 2026
The course ends with a short quiz-based assessment. The training centre records attendance, and the SICW result appears on the worker's record in CIDB's CIMS system.
Bring your identity document. For what else to bring, see our course page.
Who sets the fees
CIDB sets the Green Card registration fee; see CIDB's registration page. Each accredited training centre sets its own SICW course fee.
For a group at your site, the quote depends on headcount, site location, language and dates. Naja quotes per group by WhatsApp.
Online or in person?
| In person, CIDB-accredited centre | CIDB's online route (eSICW) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At the centre or an approved training location. Naja's runs at your site | On the worker's own device |
| Format | One day, six hours, with a trainer | Self-paced modules, then an assessment on a chosen date |
| Assessment | Short quiz-based assessment | Online test. The CIDB Holdings route sets its own rules (see its guideline) |
| Suits | Crews trained together, mixed languages, questions answered on the spot | Individuals with a suitable device who can study alone |
Naja doesn't run SICW online. For online options, see CIDB's registration page, which lists eSICW and eSICW CIDBH.
Do you need an agent to get a Green Card?
No. The application is made in CIDB's CIMS system. Malaysian workers can apply themselves. Workers on a PLKS/EP permit or an IMM13P pass can only be registered through their employer's CIMS Employer ID. CIDB says the card is printed and posted within 14 days after payment.
The step you can't skip is the safety certificate. In-person SICW only counts when a CIDB-accredited centre runs it. Before you book anyone for SICW, ask for their CIDB centre code: ours is PLSICW20231022-068.
What Is the Green Card in Malaysia?
The CIDB Green Card is the official registration credential that proves a construction worker is legally permitted to enter and work on Malaysian construction sites. It is issued by CIDB after the worker completes the SICW course (or qualifies for an exemption) and submits a registration application.
What Is the SICW?
The Safety Induction Construction Worker (SICW) is a mandatory safety training programme for all first-time construction workers in Malaysia. It provides foundational knowledge in:
- Construction site safety laws and regulations
- Hazard identification and risk control
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use
- Site welfare, emergency response, and first aid basics
The course is available in 7 languages (Malay, English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Bengali, Urdu, and Burmese). In person, SICW runs for six hours in one day. CIDB also offers online routes (eSICW): self-paced modules followed by an assessment. See CIDB's SICW participant guideline and CIDB's eSICW page.
Need SICW for a whole crew?
Naja Safety brings the SICW course to your site in English, BM or Mandarin. No travel, no downtime, and your whole crew finishes together.
What Happens on SICW Day?
The SICW programme is designed by CIDB to give construction workers a common baseline in site safety. During the session, participants cover construction site safety laws and regulations, hazard identification and risk control, personal protective equipment selection and use, and site welfare together with emergency-response basics. The course ends with a short quiz-based assessment. The course is available in Malay, English, Indonesian, Mandarin, Bengali, Urdu and Burmese.
Online or In Person?
CIDB offers the SICW through two channels:
- eSICW (online) — self-paced modules followed by an assessment on a chosen date. The online route run by CIDB Holdings sets its own test rules; read its current guideline before you register.
- Face-to-face classroom — delivered by CIDB-accredited trainers at approved centres or on-site at your premises.
Naja Safety is a CIDB-accredited provider (PLSICW20231022-068) and delivers the face-to-face SICW directly at your construction site or office. Your crew does not need to travel; we bring the trainer, materials and assessment to you.
What Is the CIDB Green Card?
The CIDB Green Card (Kad Hijau CIDB) is the physical or digital registration card issued by CIDB Malaysia under CIDB Act 520. It serves as proof that a construction worker is registered and legally eligible to work on Malaysian construction sites.
The card contains:
- Worker's photograph
- CIDB registration number
- Validity period
- Skill classification
- QR code for instant digital verification (modern versions)
It also provides:
- Coverage under CIDB's Construction Personnel Protection Plan, which CIDB describes as hibah, provided through a takaful operator
- A foundation for further skills certification (SKM, specializations, etc.)
Who Sets the Fees?
CIDB sets the Green Card registration fee. Each accredited training centre sets its own SICW course fee. For an on-site group session, Naja Safety quotes per group based on headcount, site location, language and dates — by WhatsApp.
Application Flow: From SICW to Green Card
- Complete the SICW course (online or physical) and pass the assessment.
- Apply in CIDB's CIMS system — submit registration, personal documents, and payment to CIDB.
- Receive your Green Card — CIDB says the card is printed and posted to the address you choose within 14 days after payment.
Other Certificates CIDB Recognises
To register, a worker needs a construction safety certificate: SICW, eSICW, or another safety certificate or passport that CIDB recognises. Check CIDB's current list before relying on another certificate. Applicants must be 16 or older.
Renewal Cycle
Registration runs for 1 to 5 years; you choose the period when you apply or renew. For foreign workers and IMM13P holders it follows the permit or pass. You can renew online through CIMS from 60 days before the expiry date. Renewal must be completed before expiry to maintain uninterrupted legal access to construction sites.
Who Needs What? Quick Reference
| Situation | Needs SICW? | Needs Green Card? |
|---|---|---|
| New construction worker (first timer) | Yes | Yes |
| Renewing an expired Green Card | No (if previously completed) | Yes (renewal application) |
| Subcontractor foreign worker | Yes (or equivalent) | Yes (mandatory) |
Need CIDB Green Card training for your crew?
Naja Safety delivers on-site CIDB Green Card (SICW) training for construction teams across Malaysia. Batch registration, on-site delivery, and renewal tracking — delivered by an HRD Corp registered training provider (listed as NAJA SAFETY in HRD Corp's e-TRiS training-provider directory).
Related: Who does what in Malaysian workplace safety: DOSH, HRD Corp, CIDB, PERKESO and more →
Sources
- CIDB — Construction Personnel Registration. www.cidb.gov.my (accessed 12 Oct 2026)
- Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 [Act 520] (reprint as at 1 October 2015). cims.cidb.gov.my (accessed 12 Oct 2026)
- CIDB — Garis Panduan Kursus SICW (Peserta), Jan 2022. cims.cidb.gov.my (accessed 12 Oct 2026)
- CIDB — Polisi dan Garis Panduan Pelaksanaan dan Pemantauan Kursus SICW. cims.cidb.gov.my (accessed 12 Oct 2026)
- CIDB — Sistem e-Learning eSICW. www.cidb.gov.my (accessed 12 Oct 2026)
- CIDB Holdings — e-SICW guideline (EN). cidblink.com (accessed 12 Oct 2026)