Materials Characterisation (45 Hours)

Introduction

The manufacturing industry faces a wide range of challenges if they are to maintain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic marketplace. The ability to accurately characterise materials, test components and appropriately analyse the test results for problem-solving can help companies to reduce design cycles and R&D time, solve process problems, as well as improve product quality. This course is designed to provide project managers, engineers and specialists with the core knowledge and skills needed to effectively apply advanced analytical tools and techniques in material characterisations and testing for materials formulation, process development, failure analysis, and production quality control applications.

Why This Course

Designed specifically based on local industry demand
Highly practical and intensive
Latest knowledge and up-to-date technology
Case studies highlighting industrial application
Expert trainers in the field with industrial experience

Who Should Attend

This module is designed for industry professionals, engineers, technologists, lab managers, failure analysis professionals, those involved in materials and materials characterisation, process development, quality control and assurance, procurement engineers and project managers, and makers/sellers of analytical equipment from precision engineering, semiconductor, electronics, materials and testing industries.

What Our Trainees Say

The course was an outstanding learning experience. It offered a thorough overview of essential techniques, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal analysis. Each technique was explained clearly and practically. This course greatly enhanced my understanding of how to select and interpret the appropriate characterisation techniques for various materials.

Mr Lim Eng Chye,
Participant from Jul 2025 intake

I found this course to be very comprehensive yet concise. The concepts are explained in an easy-to-understand manner, even for those with little prior knowledge. Highly recommended for beginners.

Mr Muhammad Noorazri Bin Samad,
Participant from Jul 2025 intake

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to various characterisation techniques used in the industry, along with practical experience in operating the equipment. The instructors have significant field experience and provide valuable insights into these techniques.

Ms Kuo Jixin,
Participant from Jul 2025 intake

I learned a lot about the various material characterisation techniques for different applications. The instructors were patient and clearly explained the concepts. The practical sessions also enhanced my understanding of how the instruments work.

Ms Lam Kah Hui,
Participant from Jul 2024 intake

The course was very interesting and I was exposed to a lot of new methods that is in the industry. The course has helped me gain a better understanding of material characteristics and the methods to obtain the information of interest.

Mr Darien Chia,
Participant from Jul 2024 intake

All the trainers were very experienced. They willingly shared their knowledge and experience throughout the (training) sessions.

Mr Hor Jun Shen,
Participant from Jul 2024 intake

What You Will Learn

Metallography and Failure Analysis

Metallographic sample preparation and optical microscopy
Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
X-ray microanalysis

Plastics and Composite Material Characterisation

Thermal analysis and rheological testing
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and raman spectroscopy
Mechanical testing

Thin-film Coating Characterisation

Microhardness, nano-indentation and adhesion strength test
Optical properties and thin film thickness measurement
X-ray analysis for thin film structure and residual stress
Material characterisation techniques and applications in precision engineering industry

Course Outline

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Upon Completion of This Course

Upon Completion of this Course

Participants who successfully complete the required training and attain competency in this module will be awarded a Statement of Attainment (SOA) by the Skills & Workforce Development Agency (SWDA).

The WSQ SOA reflects the Skills Standard title attained by the learner under the national Skills Framework and identifies the training provider. With effect from 1 July 2026, the SOA will also include the title of the completed course, providing clearer context on the course content and competency attained for better recognition by employers.

For this course, the SOA will indicate the following Skills Standard title:
Apply Materials Characterisation

Participants must also meet the following criteria to receive their SOAs:

Achieve at least 75% course attendance;
Take all assessments; and
Pass the course.

Note: Trainees will have to bear the full course fee upon failure to meet either one of the criteria.

Find out more about the WSQ SOA certificate

Why Your Statement of Attainment (SOA) Shows a Skills Standard Title

The above image shows an example of a Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued from 1 July 2026.

The Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by the Skills & Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) reflects the relevant Skills Standard title, such as a Technical Skills and Competency (TSC) title. This is because the SOA is aligned with the national Skills Framework, ensuring consistent recognition of competencies across industries and among employers.

While the course title describes the learning experience, the Skills Standard title identifies the specific nationally recognised competency attained.

Pre-Requisites, Full and Nett Course Fees

Pre-Requisites

Applicants should possess a degree in any discipline or a diploma with a minimum of 3 years of related working experience.
Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications are still welcome to apply, but shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview for special approval.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Full Course Fee

The full course fee for this course is $3,000 before funding and prevailing GST.

Nett Course Fee

International Participants	Singapore Citizens aged 39 years and below, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders	Employer-sponsored and self-sponsored Singapore Citizens aged 40 years and above (MCES) ²	SME-sponsored local employees (i.e Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders) (ETSS) ¹
$3,270	$981	$381	$381

All fees are inclusive of GST 9%.

Please note that fees and funding amounts are subject to change.

Long Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) Holders
The Long Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) scheme applies to lawful foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens with (i) at least one Singapore Citizen child or are expecting one from the marriage, or at least three years of marriage, and (ii) where the Singapore Citizen sponsor is able to support the family. All LTVP+ holders can be identified with their green visit pass cards, with the word 'PLUS' printed on the back of the card.

Long Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) Holders

The Long Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) scheme applies to lawful foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens with
(i) at least one Singapore Citizen child or are expecting one from the marriage, or at least three years of marriage, and
(ii) where the Singapore Citizen sponsor is able to support the family.

All LTVP+ holders can be identified with their green visit pass cards, with the word 'PLUS' printed on the back of the card.

¹ Enhanced Training Support For Small & Medium Enterprise Scheme (ETSS)
The ¹Enhanced Training Support for Small & Medium Enterprises scheme (ETSS) supports company-sponsored participants with up to 90% course fee subsidies. To qualify, both the employers and trainees must meet the following eligibility criteria. Eligible Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must meet all of the following conditions: Registered or incorporated in Singapore Employment size of not more than 200 employees, or annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million SME-sponsored trainees must meet all of the following: Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident Course fees are fully paid for by the employer Trainee is not a full-time national serviceman Further Information: This scheme is intended for all organisations, including non-business entities not registered with ACRA, for example, Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), societies, etc. Only ministries, statutory boards, and other government agencies are NOT eligible under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs Scheme. Sole proprietorships which meet all of the above criteria are also eligible.

¹ Enhanced Training Support For Small & Medium Enterprise Scheme (ETSS)

The ¹Enhanced Training Support for Small & Medium Enterprises scheme (ETSS) supports company-sponsored participants with up to 90% course fee subsidies. To qualify, both the employers and trainees must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Eligible Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must meet all of the following conditions:
- Registered or incorporated in Singapore
- Employment size of not more than 200 employees, or annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million
SME-sponsored trainees must meet all of the following:
- Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident
- Course fees are fully paid for by the employer
- Trainee is not a full-time national serviceman

Further Information:
This scheme is intended for all organisations, including non-business entities not registered with ACRA, for example, Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), societies, etc. Only ministries, statutory boards, and other government agencies are NOT eligible under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs Scheme. Sole proprietorships which meet all of the above criteria are also eligible.

² SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES)
The ²SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) is meant for employer-sponsored and self-sponsored Singapore Citizens aged 40 years old and above. Eligible Singapore Citizens can receive higher subsidies of up to 90% of course fees.

² SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES)

The ²SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) is meant for employer-sponsored and self-sponsored Singapore Citizens aged 40 years old and above.

Eligible Singapore Citizens can receive higher subsidies of up to 90% of course fees.

SkillsFuture Credit (SFC)
All Singapore Citizens aged 25 years old and above are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit (Opening Credit), which can be used to offset course fees (for self-sponsored registrations only).

SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career)
The SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) is only applicable for the full ASTAR SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)* enrolments, and cannot be used for standalone or individual module sign-ups.

How Course Fees are Calculated

TYPE	CATEGORY OF INDIVIDUALS
	International Participants	Singapore Citizens aged 39 years and below, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders	Employer-sponsored and self-sponsored Singapore Citizens aged 40 years and above	SME-sponsored local employees (i.e Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders)
	FUNDING SOURCE
	Not applicable for SkillsFuture Funding	SkillsFuture Funding (Baseline)	SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) ²	SkillsFuture Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS) ¹
Full Course Fee	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000	$3,000
SkillsFuture Funding	Not Applicable	($2,100)	($2,700)	($2,700)
Nett Course Fee	$3,000	$900	$300	$300
GST 9%	$270	$81*	$81*	$81*
Total Course Fee Payable to Training Provider	$3,270	$981	$381	$381

* Based on 30% of Full Course Fee

About the Trainers

Registration

Please register for this course through our online form: Course Registration Form for Public Classes.
For the first question, please select "Modular Programmes (Standalone Modules)".
Applicants will be placed on our waiting list if the course does not have an upcoming scheduled intake.
When the next intake is confirmed, a confirmation email with payment information will be sent to applicants to finalise their participation.

Collateral

Download brochure

Contact Us

Technical Enquiries	General Enquiries
Ms XIE Hong, Email: xie_hong@a-star.edu.sg	Ms Charlotte LIM, Email: charlotte_lim@a-star.edu.sg

Schedule

Module	Skills Course Reference Number	Next Intake(s)' Training Period (Click on the dates to view their schedules)	Registration Status
Materials Characterisation (45 hours)	TGS-2018502750	1 Sep 2026 - 20 Oct 2026	SIGN UP Now The Sep 2026 intake is postponed. We will publish a new schedule soon.

Note: A*STAR SIMTech and A*STAR ARTC reserve the right to change the class/schedule/course fee or any details about the course without prior notice to the participants.

Announcement:

From 1 Oct 2023, attendance-taking for SWDA-approved/SWDA-funded courses must be done digitally via the Singpass App. More information may be viewed here.
Participants will be provided with digital course materials when attending our courses. Please note that printed copies will not be available.

Sessions

: Full day

: Morning

: Afternoon

: Evening

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