What the C5 Skills Bonus Does
The C5 Skills Bonus awards extra points under the COMPASS framework when a candidate’s job is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The SOL is determined by a robust evaluation process that takes into account industry needs and local workforce development efforts.
Points Awarded
The bonus awards either 20 or 10 points depending on the candidate’s nationality share among the organisation’s PMETs.
- 20 points: Job is on the SOL and the candidate’s nationality share is less than one-third of the organisation’s PMETs.
- 10 points: Job is on the SOL and the candidate’s nationality share is one-third or more of the organisation’s PMETs.
The organisation’s PMET count includes Permanent Residents. Nationality is based on the passport in Singapore Government records. Employers can use the Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM Portal to check the share of the candidate’s nationality among the organisation’s PMETs.
Core Eligibility Requirements
To obtain the C5 bonus, three conditions must be met.
First, the candidate must perform the job duties listed for the specific shortage occupation. Second, the employer must select one of the eligible job titles in the EP application. Third, the candidate must meet additional job requirements if they fall into either of these categories:
- They need the SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS (reach 40 points).
- They are applying for a 5-year duration EP for a specific tech occupation on the SOL.
MOM checks the candidate’s job duties, past work experience, qualifications, or industry accreditation for the declared occupation. Employers should refer to the SOL Employer Guide for the specific additional requirements.
Redeployment Restrictions
Candidates who needed SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS or to obtain a 5-year EP can only be employed in the specific shortage occupation. This restriction is stated in the in-principle approval (IPA) letter’s “Important” note. If redeployment to a different job is needed, the employer must notify MOM first. MOM will then reassess if the candidate qualifies for an EP in the new job. Candidates who did not need the SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS are not subject to this restriction but must still notify MOM of any occupation change.
Where to Find the Shortage Occupation List
The full Shortage Occupation List is published on the MOM website at the COMPASS C5 Skills Bonus page. The list is reviewed annually. The page also hosts the SOL Employer Guide which details the additional requirements for candidates who need the bonus to pass COMPASS.
How the C5 Bonus Fits Into COMPASS Scoring
COMPASS requires a total of 40 points to pass. The framework has six criteria: C1 Salary, C2 Qualifications, C3 Diversity, C4 Support for Local Employment, C5 Skills Bonus, and C6 Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus. The C5 bonus can compensate for lower scores on foundational criteria. For example, an application that scores 0 on C3 and C4 can still pass if it earns high points on C1, C2, and the C5 bonus. The Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on the MOM website allows employers to check a candidate’s eligibility before applying.
Exemptions from COMPASS
Candidates are exempted from the entire COMPASS assessment if they meet any of the following:
- Fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500.
- Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee.
- Filling the role for one month or less.
Exempted candidates do not need to score points under C5 or any other criterion.
Tools for Employers
Employers can use three official tools:
- The COMPASS Guidebook provides an overview of the EP eligibility framework and application tips.
- The Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM Portal shows the organisation’s workforce profile, sector classification, and current C3 and C4 scores.
- The Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) checks a candidate’s eligibility before submission.