COMPASS updates: Updated qualification lists and revised Shortage Occupation List to take effect from 1 January 2026
Summary
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has updated two COMPASS scoring components that will apply to all new and renewal Employment Pass (EP) applications from 1 January 2026: Criterion 2 (Qualifications) and Criterion 5 (Shortage Occupation List, SOL). The C2 update refreshes the lists of top-tier institutions that earn 20 COMPASS points and recognises certain professional qualifications as degree-equivalent (10 points). The C5 update revises the SOL — adding two healthcare occupations, removing roles such as Cyber Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity Operations Specialist and Product Manager (Digital) — and clarifies requirements for claiming SOL bonus points and longer five-year EP validity for eligible tech roles.
Author style: Punchy — this matters if you hire or sponsor EP holders in Singapore. Read the full details if you handle mobility, recruitment or compliance.
Key Points
- Updates to COMPASS C2 (Qualifications) take effect 1 January 2026: certain institutions continue to qualify for 20 points; specified faculties and listed degree-equivalent professional qualifications are recognised (10 points).
- Employers must select the correct institution and faculty from the EP application form and upload verification for degree-equivalent professional qualifications.
- COMPASS C5 (SOL) has been revised: two healthcare occupations added; several tech roles (eg. Cyber Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity Operations Specialist, Product Manager (Digital)) removed.
- Candidates in SOL-listed roles can earn up to 20 bonus COMPASS points and some eligible tech roles may qualify for five-year EP validity if conditions are met.
- MOM updated the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to reflect C2 changes; the refreshed SAT for SOL will be available from 1 December 2025. Existing EP validity is unaffected by the SOL changes.
- To claim SOL points, employers must ensure job duties match the listed occupation, job title aligns with MyCareersFuture ad (unless exempt), and all occupation-specific requirements (qualifications, experience, agency registration where applicable) are met.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you recruit or sponsor foreign talent in Singapore, this update could change who scores well under COMPASS and how easy it is to secure or renew EPs. The changes tweak which institutions and qualifications get credit and reshuffle the SOL — meaning roles you once relied on for bonus points may no longer qualify, and some healthcare roles now do. Save yourself hassle: check the new lists, update any job ads and pre‑assess candidates with the refreshed SAT.
