Singapore Updates COMPASS Points List for Employment Pass Applicants
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has revised the COMPASS points list for Employment Pass candidates commencing January 2026. In the qualifications category, the change increases the number of institutions and professional credentials that can help employees receive 10 or 20 points.
Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) system is about to undergo yet another modification. The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has produced a new list of schools and certifications to enable international workers earn points under the COMPASS system.
Beginning on January 1, 2026, the updated list will be used for both new and renewal Employment Pass (EP) applications.
COMPASS: What is it?
Singapore utilizes a scoring system called the Complementarity Assessment Framework, or COMPASS, to determine an individual's eligibility for an Employment Pass. It looks at aspects like salary, credentials, skills and diversity. It first applied to new EP applications in 2023 and subsequently to EP renewals in 2024.
How the Points Work for Qualifications
Under COMPASS, Category C2 assesses an applicant’s educational background and the institution they graduated from to grant points.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree or above from a school on MOM's approved list receive 20 points.
10 points: Applicants with a qualification that is regarded equal to a UK bachelor’s degree, or who hold a professional qualification from MOM’s recognized list.
If a qualification is not on either list, no points will be provided under Category C2.
The 2026 List's Changes
More specialized and expanding fields are highlighted in the updated lists. Some of the key upgrades include:
More institutions included for maritime, technological and biomedical study.
Business schools reorganised and simplified.
Stronger recognition for Singapore’s creative and technical schools.
There are now about fifteen new academic credentials.
Around 20 new professional certifications have been added, mainly in engineering, hospitality and applied science.
Better harmonization with international qualification systems like the European and German Qualifications Framework.
What This Means for EP Applicants
Anyone without a recognized degree or degree-equivalent qualification will not get points in Category C2. They can still acquire an EP, but they must earn enough points in other areas to satisfy the minimum passing score of 40.
Concluding Remarks
MOM normally analyzes and updates these lists each year. Further changes to the COMPASS framework are envisaged as Singapore seeks to align its employment policies with long-term economic and workforce goals.
