Singapore has long attracted ambitious professionals from around the world. However, the path to securing an Employment Pass (EP) has changed with the introduction of the COMPASS framework. Applicants can no longer rely solely on qualifications or employer reputation — they must now meet a more structured and transparent evaluation system. For foreign degree holders, this means that authenticated educational documents have never been more crucial.
What is Singapore’s COMPASS Framework
Introduced by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) assesses EP applications based on a points system. It was designed to promote a balanced and diverse workforce while ensuring that foreign professionals meet Singapore’s economic and social needs.
Rather than relying solely on salary benchmarks, the framework assesses applicants across multiple attributes, including academic qualifications, salary, diversity factors, and support from the hiring company.
Foreign degree holders must meet higher standards under COMPASS. Degrees must be genuine and properly authenticated to ensure they originate from recognised institutions. Failure to meet qualification requirements can significantly reduce an applicant’s COMPASS score, making EP approval less likely.
Under COMPASS, candidates are evaluated on four foundational criteria:
- Salary relative to local benchmarks
- Qualifications (where the authenticity and recognition of a degree matters greatly)
- Diversity contribution to the firm
- Support from a recognised employer
Bonus points are awarded for roles in shortage occupations and employment at firms with strong support for workforce development.
Why Degree Authentication Is Non-Negotiable
Singapore is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, but the Ministry of Manpower retains strict internal verification processes. All foreign degrees submitted as part of an EP application must be:
- Genuine (issued by accredited institutions)
- Authenticated through proper Apostille or embassy attestation (depending on the country of origin)
- Recognised by the authorities or vetted through approved third-party verification agencies
Without these steps, applicants risk significant delays — or outright rejection.
It is not uncommon for applications to fail COMPASS checks simply because degree documents were incomplete, unverifiable, or not properly legalised. Given Singapore’s emphasis on maintaining the quality of its professional workforce, authorities now perform detailed audits before granting passes.
How Foreign Professionals Can Prepare
To strengthen your Employment Pass application under the COMPASS system, consider:
- Verifying your academic qualifications well in advance of applying.
- Obtaining an Apostille or embassy legalisation if your qualifications are not yet authenticated.
- Ensuring institution recognition, as MOM maintains lists of accredited universities and programs.
- Working with employers familiar with COMPASS scoring, who can better position your application through firm-related attributes.
A small administrative oversight — like submitting an unauthenticated degree — can cost valuable points and lead to unnecessary rejection.
Why Acting Early Matters
With EP applications now requiring a minimum COMPASS score to proceed, every point matters. Verified qualifications contribute directly to an applicant’s score under the framework. Delays in authenticating degrees can push back job offers, onboarding timelines, and even lead employers to rescind offers if compliance deadlines are not met.
Moreover, Singapore’s hiring landscape has become increasingly competitive. Employers favour candidates who present complete, verifiable documentation from the outset, demonstrating their readiness and professionalism.
How Authentifier Can Help
Navigating document authentication can feel daunting, but it does not have to be. At Authentifier, we specialise in helping foreign professionals and employers ensure that educational documents meet Singapore’s evolving standards.
Whether you need Apostilles, embassy attestations, or third-party verifications, our team ensures that your paperwork is properly prepared — leaving you free to focus on your career goals.
Start your Singapore journey the right way. Contact Authentifier today for fast, reliable document authentication services.
