Checking your COMPASS score before enrolling
Most candidates must first meet the age- and sector-dependent Employment Pass salary floor, then score at least 40 points under COMPASS, the Complementarity Assessment Framework. The score includes the candidate’s salary and qualifications, and the employer’s workforce.
- C1 salary: 0, 10 or 20 points against local professional salaries in the candidate’s sector and age group. This is separate from the qualifying salary floor.
- C2 qualifications: 0, 10 or 20 points depending on the qualification; a degree is not universally compulsory.
- C3 workforce diversity and C4 support for local employment: each can score 0, 10 or 20. Firms with fewer than 25 professional employees receive 10 points for each.
- C5 shortage occupation and C6 strategic economic priorities can add points where the specific conditions are met.
Calculate your COMPASS score before enrolling. If you already meet the requirements, a new qualification may have no immediate benefit for the EP application. If you need more points, compare the possible C2 points with the course fee and study time.
Which qualifications can score?
Qualifying degree-equivalent or professional qualifications can receive 10 C2 points. Eligible top-tier awards can receive 20. A course title or the institution’s marketing material does not establish whether the qualification earns C2 points. Check MOM’s current criteria and the exact qualification.
What verification is needed?
When relying on C2 points, the application needs acceptable verification of authenticity and institutional accreditation. MOM recognises defined agencies and eligible institution or government portals. Previously verified qualifications need not be verified again under the documents guidance. Recognition is not proof that a particular certificate is genuine.
Can your work experience count towards study?
Recognition or Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL / APL) lets an institution assess previous study or experience for admission or credit where its rules allow. The institution decides after reviewing evidence. It does not guarantee admission, a six-month award or a specific number of exemptions.
What should you confirm before paying?
- The awarding institution and exact award title.
- Entry requirements and any prior-learning assessment.
- Teaching mode, duration, assessments and total fee.
- The award’s relevance to your career and intended application.
- Whether further verification is available and required.
Ask for the named programme’s prospectus and fee schedule before enrolling. Confirm any course exemptions and the expected completion date with the institution.
BCA qualification needs are different.
A course helpful for COMPASS may not meet BCA’s subject, institution or post-qualification experience requirements. Check the exact CRS workhead or builder personnel role separately.
Before paying for a qualification
Ask the provider for the exact awarding institution, award title, level, assessment method and graduation requirements. The organisation teaching the course may differ from the institution issuing the award. Obtain written details and check the qualification route before treating it as part of an EP plan. A course advertisement mentioning COMPASS is not evidence that MOM will award points.
- Check whether the proposed award is degree-equivalent under the current C2 criteria.
- Compare the fees and completion period with other ways to address a COMPASS shortfall.
- Keep existing certificates, transcripts and verification records; further study may not be necessary.
- Review the age-adjusted qualifying salary separately, including any change while you study.
For BCA, assess the intended AP, TC or CRS personnel role separately. A qualification useful for COMPASS may have the wrong subject or experience route for BCA. Read the AP and TC guide before choosing a course for construction licensing.
Frequently asked questions
Can studying fix an EP salary shortfall?
No. Qualification points do not replace the applicable qualifying salary. Assess the salary and COMPASS separately.
Will every postgraduate diploma earn C2 points?
No. Check the actual award and degree-equivalence treatment. The qualification title alone does not establish whether it earns C2 points.
Does work experience guarantee course exemptions?
No. The institution decides admission and credit after reviewing its requirements and the evidence.
Official sources
Related guides
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