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The updates to two COMPASS scoring criteria will apply to all new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2026. The changes refine how qualifications and shortage occupations are assessed under the framework.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced a new round of updates to the Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) framework, impacting how employers assess and sponsor Employment Pass (EP) candidates.
The framework, introduced in 2022 and first rolled out for new EP applications in September 2023, grades applicants across four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment) and two bonus criteria (shortage occupation list, known as SOL, and strategic economic priorities). According to MOM, updates are made annually to ensure COMPASS stays aligned with labour market needs.
Professional services firm EY noted that the latest changes focus on two components of the system: Criterion 2 (Qualifications) and Criterion 5, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). These amendments will apply to both new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2026.
Per the update, candidates may now earn COMPASS points in categories where they previously did not qualify, potentially easing hiring constraints in specific roles.
What are the key developments?
1. Updated lists for COMPASS C2 (Qualifications)
MOM has refreshed the list of top-tier institutions that receive 20 points under COMPASS. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from these institutions will continue to score 20 points. Released in November 2025 and applicable from 1 January 2026, MOM’s updates cover two areas:
a. Institutions awarded 20 points
EP candidates will earn 20 points for bachelor’s and above qualifications from eligible top-tier institutions.
- Group A institutions: All faculties qualify.
- Group B institutions: Only specified faculties qualify.
Employers must select the correct institution and faculty from the EP application form’s drop-down menu.
b. Professional qualifications earning 10 points
Certain professional qualifications are recognised as "degree-equivalent" and score 10 points under C2. These qualifications must be supported by verification documents confirming their authenticity when employers submit the EP application.
MOM has also released the latest SOL Employer Guide, which outlines how candidates can use the SOL bonus points and, for eligible tech roles, qualify for the longer five-year EP validity.
To use the SOL effectively, employers must ensure that:
1. The candidate’s actual job duties match those listed under the relevant shortage occupation.
2. The job title selected during the EP application matches the job advertisement on MyCareersFuture, unless exempted from the advertising requirement.
3. All occupation-specific requirements are met. These may include:
- Relevant qualifications (to be uploaded under the qualifications section)
- Relevant work experience (to be selected under the work experience section)
- Registration proof with sector agencies (to be uploaded under the agency support question)
The SOL has been revised to include two more occupations in the healthcare sector. At the same time, occupations such as Cyber Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity Operations Specialist and Product Manager (Digital) have been removed.
Candidates whose job roles fall under an eligible SOL occupation can earn up to 20 bonus points.
Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) updates
MOM has updated its Self-Assessment Tool to reflect the upcoming changes to required qualifications. Employers may already pre-assess candidates using the revised C2 parameters. For SOL updates, the refreshed SAT will be available from 1 December 2025. To this point, MOM highlighted that the SOL updates will not affect the validity of existing EPs.
For more details on the updated requirements under Criterion 2 and Criterion 5, employers may refer to the full lists available on MOM’s website.
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