C2 is the qualifications criterion in COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework). To get an Employment Pass (EP), a candidate must pass COMPASS by earning 40 points. C2 can contribute up to 20 of those points. This article explains what C2 measures, how the points are awarded, and what you need to submit.
What C2 measures
C2 awards points based on the candidate’s qualifications. COMPASS is a transparent points-based system that gives businesses greater clarity and certainty for manpower planning, and helps employers select high-quality foreign professionals while improving workforce diversity.
C2 is one of the four foundational COMPASS criteria, alongside C1 (Salary), C3 (Diversity) and C4 (Support for Local Employment). The C5 (Skills bonus) and C6 (Strategic Economic Priorities bonus) are bonus criteria. A candidate who does not need points from C2 does not have to submit qualifications or verification proof.
C2 is separate from the EP qualifying salary. Meeting the qualifying salary is Stage 1 of the two-stage EP eligibility framework; passing COMPASS, including C2, is Stage 2. A candidate who fails Stage 1 is not eligible for an EP regardless of the points scored under COMPASS.
How C2 points are awarded
C2 awards 20, 10, or 0 points depending on the qualification.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Degree-equivalent from a top-tier institution | 20 |
| Other degree-equivalent qualification | 10 |
| No degree-equivalent qualification | 0 |
The following sections explain each band in turn.
20 points: top-tier institutions
C2 awards 20 points for degree-equivalent qualifications from the following institutions:
- Top 100 universities based on QS World University Rankings.
- Other highly-reputed universities in Asia.
- Singapore’s Autonomous Universities.
- Institutions that are highly recognised in a particular field and endorsed by a relevant agency.
MOM publishes a list of top-tier institutions (PDF) and a separate list of degree-equivalent qualifications (PDF) for reference.
10 points: other degree-equivalent qualifications
C2 awards 10 points for other degree-equivalent qualifications, including:
- Foreign qualifications that MOM assesses as comparable to a bachelor’s degree in the UK system. MOM determines this with reference to international recognition bodies, such as UK ENIC (the UK National Information Centre for recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills).
- Professional qualifications that are well recognised by the industry and endorsed by a relevant sector agency.
- Foreign qualifications awarded by local private education institutions (PEIs). MOM explains separately how PEIs qualify for the C2 criterion.
0 points: no degree-equivalent qualification
Qualifications that are not degree-equivalent earn no points under C2, and MOM advises not to submit them. A candidate without degree-equivalent qualifications can still pass COMPASS by earning a total score of at least 40 points from the other criteria, such as C1 Salary, C3 Diversity, C4 Support for Local Employment, and the C5 or C6 bonuses.
Verification proof
If you need points from C2, you must submit verification proof together with the candidate’s qualifications in the EP application. If you do not need points from C2, you do not need to submit the candidate’s qualifications or verification proof.
MOM sets out the verification requirements on the documents-required page for EP applications.
How often the lists change
The top-tier and degree-equivalent lists are updated once a year so they remain relevant. Because the lists can change, check the current list on the MOM website before you apply rather than relying on an older version.
Who is exempt from COMPASS
Some candidates are exempted from COMPASS entirely and therefore from C2. A candidate is exempt if they meet any of these conditions:
- Fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500.
- Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee.
- Filling the role for 1 month or less.
Reaching 40 points
An application needs 40 points to pass COMPASS. C2 is one route to those points, but it is not the only one. A candidate can reach 40 points through a mix of the foundational criteria and bonuses. For example, the COMPASS case studies published by MOM show applications passing with 10 points each from Salary, Qualifications, Diversity and Support for Local Employment, and others passing by combining weaker foundational scores with a Shortage Occupation List (SOL) bonus.
Steps to prepare your C2 claim
The following are practical steps you can take. They are suggestions to help you prepare, not official requirements beyond what MOM states above.
- Check whether the candidate’s institution is on the current top-tier list.
- If it is not, check whether the qualification is degree-equivalent under the 10-point band.
- Decide whether you need C2 points to reach 40.
- If you need C2 points, prepare the qualification documents and verification proof before submission.
- If the candidate has no degree-equivalent qualification, plan to reach 40 points through other criteria instead.
Employers and employment agents can use the enhanced Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check a candidate’s eligibility before applying.
