- CDE asks about her well-being: eating, sleeping, safe working conditions, plus a reminder of her rights and duties.
- Every first-time helper attends 2 compulsory interviews in her first year.
- Interview 1 is in her first few months; interview 2 in the last few months of year one.
- Each takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, by appointment, Mon to Fri 9am to 6pm.
- She brings her Work Permit (card or SGWorkPass app) and employment contract with salary records.
- Skip it and her Work Permit may be revoked.
Friends, the first time MOM's letter came for our helper's interview, I panicked a little.
What will she say about us?
Did I pay her on the right day every month?
(I did. I checked three times.)
So here is everything I wish I knew back then.
What questions does CDE ask your maid?
MOM says the interview covers well-being: whether she eats and sleeps well and works in safe conditions.
She is also reminded of her rights and responsibilities.
Employers and helpers who have been through it report these topics coming up:
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Topic | What she may be asked | What you should have in order |
|---|---|---|
| Food and sleep | Is she eating enough? Sleeping well? | Adequate meals and enough rest each day |
| Rest days | How many off days does she get? | 1 rest day a week, or 1 day's pay for each one she works; at least 1 a month cannot be compensated away |
| Salary | Is she paid on time and in full? | Signed salary records she can bring along |
| Work safety | Does she clean windows or climb ladders? | No risky work at height |
| Accommodation | Where does she sleep? | Shelter, ventilation, mattress, pillow, blanket, toiletries |
| Documents | Who keeps her passport and Work Permit? | She can reach her own documents |
| Overall | Is she happy with this employer? | Fair treatment and open talk at home |
Topics beyond food, sleep and safety come from employer and helper accounts, so the exact list can vary by interviewer.
Why do some questions surprise employers?
Neither is a legal requirement.
Good ventilation is.
Falls are a real risk.
An extendable duster is cheaper than a hospital bill.
When is the CDE interview and how do I book it?
- Need to reschedule? Use the self-help appointment system.
- No slots, or need a different mode? Call CDE at 6303 6840 or email interview@cde.org.sg at least 3 working days before.
- CDE is an NTUC-set-up organisation running the interview on MOM's behalf.
Where are the CDEConnect interview centres?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Centre | Address | Nearest MRT |
|---|---|---|
| Tampines | 300 Tampines Ave 5, Income @ Tampines Junction #05-07, S529653 | Tampines (DT32 / EW2) |
| Woodlands | 900 South Woodlands Dr, Woodlands Civic Centre #06-10, S730900 | Woodlands (NS9 / TE2) |
| Rex House | 73 Bukit Timah Rd #06-01, S229832 | Little India (NE7 / DT12) |
Can the employer sit in on the CDE interview?
No.
The interview is with your helper only, and you must give her privacy.
- One person may accompany her and wait in the waiting area.
- Recording the interview is not allowed.
- Coaching her on what to say is pointless anyway... a happy helper answers better than a rehearsed one.
How should employers prepare for the MDW interview?
- Pack her Work Permit card (or check the SGWorkPass app works on her phone).
- Pack her employment contract and salary records. Signed monthly records make this easy.
- Update her rest day count in FDW eService if you haven't.
- Plan transport and buffer time. It runs on weekdays, so sort out childcare or eldercare cover.
- Tell her it is routine. Many new helpers worry it means trouble.
What happens after the CDE interview?
Why does MOM make first-time helpers attend?
A new helper is adjusting to a new language, new appliances and high-rise living all at once.
The interview checks she is settling in, and gives her a safe place to raise problems early.
For you, that means fewer misunderstandings and a helper who stays longer.
Looking for your next helper?
Browse thousands of maid profiles from agencies across Singapore.
Browse SearchmaidP.S. Our helper came back from her first interview, and I asked very casually how it went.
"Ok sir, they ask if I eat enough."
I looked at the empty bak kwa tin and decided not to follow up.
