摘要:Labor is one of the most important elements of a construction projects. This is attributed to their role as technical workforce that involved in the construction projects from the start to the end of the projects. Therefore, the projects require a workforce with good competence. Competence of direct labor can be verified with certification. However, from National Statistics Beaureu (BPS) data indicates that less than 10% of direct labor has certification. This study aims to measure the level of competence of direct workforce skills and know the factors that cause the workforce does not have a skill certificate. This research uses an observation method and interviews with labor in the construction project. Validation of data is done by the triangulation technique. The results showed that the competence of labour in Padang City included in the good category. Factors impeding direct labor to certification are certification is not important in a construction project, and there is no requirement for a workforce to be certified.