In a hyper-competitive digital economy, the race for talent often moves faster than the regulatory frameworks that govern it. For HR managers and tech startups in Singapore, the challenge is two-fold: identifying top-tier tech talent while ensuring that their credentials pass the stringent Ministry of Manpower (MOM) verification requirements for foreign hires.
With the full implementation of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) for Employment Pass (EP) applications and renewals in Singapore, accurate candidate verification is more crucial than ever. Any discrepancies or errors may result in rejections and stall business-critical projects andgrowth.
Why Tech Hiring Creates Unique MOM Verification Challenges
In the race to close the skills gap in Singapore, the tech industry is facing unique challenges. The industry is increasingly looking to alternative learning pathways to source the best-fit talent.
For example, while traditional sectors lean heavily on established universities, the tech sector has a disproportionately high share of applications involving non-traditional credentials. This includes technical bootcamps and standalone professional certifications.
Non-Traditional Qualifications in Tech Hiring
Tech startups often prioritise skills over pedigrees, leading to a surge in non-traditional degree tech hires in Singapore. This includes candidates with degrees from specialised private institutes or overseas institutions that may not be immediately recognised by the MOM.
Bootcamp Certificates vs. Accredited Degrees Under COMPASS
A common question for tech startup EP verification is whether a bootcamp certificate is MOM-eligible for points. Under the current COMPASS framework, points for Criterion 2 (Qualifications) are primarily awarded for “degree-equivalent” qualifications.
It is important to note that most coding bootcamps, while valuable for skill-building, do not qualify for points under Criterion 2 unless they are part of a recognised degree program or specifically endorsed professional list.
COMPASS Criterion 2 Applied to Tech Candidates
Which Tech-Relevant Qualifications Earn COMPASS Points?
Degrees from the Top 100 universities based on QS World University Rankings, Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, and highly-recognised
institutions that are endorsed by a relevant Singapore agency are awarded 20 points under the COMPASS framework.
Foreign qualifications that are assessed to be comparable to a UK bachelor’s degree, and foreign qualifications awarded by qualifying private education institutions (PEIs) may also be considered for COMPASS points.
Top-Tier Tech University Programmes
MOM periodically updates its list of top-tier recognised institutions and faculties. For IT professionals, the focus remains on accredited Bachelor’s degrees or higher qualifications.
Professional Certifications (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.) — Do They Count?
As of 2026, MOM has introduced a list of professional qualifications that are recognised as degree-equivalents for specific sectors.
While certifications like AWS or Google Cloud are highly valued by employers, for an IT hire background check in Singapore, HR must verify if these specific certifications meet the “degree-equivalent” threshold for C2, or if they simply support the candidate’s eligibility under the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
Verification Challenges for Tech-Sector Credentials
Overseas CS Degrees from Non-Tiered Institutions
Verifying the accreditation status of high-performing but emerging institutions can be complex as they are considered “non-tiered” compared to traditional universities.
Proper verification of overseas degrees is key to ensuring that candidates can still qualify for the 10-point “degree-equivalent” bracket of COMPASS.
Portfolio-Based Hiring vs. Credential-Based Compliance
While a candidate’s GitHub repository or past work might enough to prove their skill to a local employer, MOM still requires tangible, verified proof of education for the necessary points to be awarded.
The Risk of Diploma Mills
The pressure to meet COMPASS points has unfortunately led to a rise in fraudulent credentials. It is vital for HR and recruitment leaders to know how to spot a diploma mill before submitting an EP application. This will reduce the risk of bad hires down the line.
Best Practices for Tech HR Teams Managing COMPASS Compliance
The IMDA Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025 highlights that resident tech workers’ wages and demand remain at record highs. To navigate this demand while remaining compliant, HR teams can:
- Conduct a Pre-Offer Credential Assessment: Before finalising an offer, perform a preliminary check to see if the candidate’s degree is likely to earn 10 or 20 points. This will help to speed up the assessment and onboarding.
- Flag Non-Traditional Qualifications Early: If a candidate only holds a bootcamp certificate, calculate their COMPASS score early to ensure they can pass COMPASS via other criteria, such as Salary (C1) or the Shortage Occupation List (C5) bonus. Flagging non-traditional qualifications early will help to prevent potential issues in the approval process.
- Use an Approved Screening Partner: Since September 2023, MOM requires all qualifications declared for COMPASS points to be verified by an approved background screening company. Select a trusted and approved screening partner to help you with your MOM verification processes.
RMI Supports Fast Verification for Tech Employers
For startups and tech firms, speed is everything. RMI provides specialised services related to MOM verification for the tech sector in Singapore.
Whether you are a small company questioning the need for education verification or a large scale-up managing high volumes of EP eligibility checks, RMI ensures that background checks and educational verification fit seamlessly into your hiring workflow.