In Singapore’s complex job market, polished documentation, good employee relations, and thorough candidate assessments are essential to carving out a competitive edge. There is no doubt that Singapore’s hiring scene is ever-growing, and every employer wants to get ahead.
So, how can HR and recruitment leaders build comprehensive background screening into the hiring process?
In our previous articles, we discussed Employment Pass (EP) and S pass eligibility. In this article, we will be talking about the Certificate of Employment (COE) in Singapore, its benefits, and why it is sometimes required in recruitment.
We also look at why the pre-screening of candidates is necessary to secure the best and brightest talent for your business in the long-term.
What is a Certificate of Employment or COE?
A Certificate of Employment or COE s an official document provided by an employer that verifies and details an individual’s employment history. It is a simple document that typically includes information about the employee’s job title, period of employment, and often their reason for leaving.
A COE is often an unwritten expectation for recruitment. Providing a COE can assist a business in sustaining ongoing and positive relationships with former employees. It also helps to uphold the organisation’s reputation as a fair, inclusive, and equitable employer. From leaders to potential candidates, providing a COE benefits everyone.
Why are background checks important and how can a COE help?
Background checks are prevalent in Singapore: a country where trust, integrity, and security are paramount. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is increasingly strict about conducting comprehensive background checks in HR and recruitment processes. As such, MOM verification is critical to remaining competitive in Singapore.
In January 2025, the MOM approached 37 locations and arrested 11 individuals for suspected false declarations of employment. While there is no legal obligation for employers to provide a COE, it is considered best practice and a way to cover all bases for the future. As such, the risk of false employment declarations can be avoided; especially in an environment of increased fraud among local and foreign work applicants.
Even though it is not mandatory, a COE is an important document that often plays a fundamental role in establishing someone’s employment background and verifying its accuracy. As discussed in the section above, a COE is helpful in providing a formal record of a person’s work experience and history with their former employer/organisation. For recruiters, this provides reassurance that a potential candidate is who they say they are.
A COE also helps to enhance a company’s credibility and fosters a culture of trust among current and future staff. It is a straightforward yet meaningful document that makes a big difference to a company’s reputation in the market.
Who qualifies for a COE?
Any individual who has been employed by a Singaporean organisation qualifies for a COE. This includes the following:
- Full-time employees: People who work on a regular, full-time basis with a company.
- Part-time employees: Those who work fewer hours than full-time employees but still have a formal employment arrangement/relationship.
- Contract employees: Contractors hired for a specific period or to complete a project.
- Freelancers: Freelance workers may be eligible for a COE depending on the terms of engagement and the company’s policies.
- Probationary employees: Even workers who are still on probation can request a COE if their employment suddenly ends, or if they need to verify their employment status for another reason.
What are the benefits of a COE?
A COE has several benefits, rendering it a valuable document for both employees and employers. Here are some key benefits of a COE:
Helps with job applications and job-seeking for candidates
When a candidate wants to apply for a position in a different organisation, they will likely be asked for proof of their previous employment history and job status at their current organisation. A COE validates their work history and helps prospective employers ensure the information provided in their resume is correct and legitimate.
May be required for further education purposes
Individuals pursuing further education and/or new professional qualifications may require a COE as part of their application process. This is because some educational institutions and training providers will ask for proof of a potential student’s work experience to ensure the person meets their entry criteria.
Provides background information for visa and immigration applications
When it comes to visa and immigration applications, a COE can be a critical component along the way. Immigration authorities might request proof of employment to factcheck an applicant’s work history. A COE can help authorities to assess a person’s eligibility for various visa categories.
Offers proof of income for loan and credit applications
Many financial institutions require a COE when individuals apply for loans, credit cards, mortgages, and other financial supports. A COE helps verify a person’s income stability and employment status: critical factors in determining their creditworthiness and ability to pay back loans.
Enhances internal record keeping for an organisation
Maintaining accurate employment records is essential for any business. When it comes to internal record keeping, issuing COE each time an employee leaves ensures means that there is a formal document that can be referenced for future verification needs.
May be requested for legal and compliance reasons
In some specific circumstances, a COE may be requested for legal and/or compliance reasons, such as disputes over employment terms, benefits, or breaches in a contract. A COE provides a formalised record that can be referred to for legal purposes and help to resolve conflicts.
Pre-employment screening and verification with RMI
According to CoreStaff, a recruitment company based in Singapore, employee turnover is one of the biggest challenges facing Singapore businesses in 2026, with an average turnover rate of 18% across diverse industries. The cost of a bad hire is steep – but how do you identify and retain a good hire?
To get recruitment and retention right, it is crucial for businesses in Singapore to conduct thorough pre-employment background checks. The pre-screening of candidates can help HR and recruitment leaders avoid resume fraud and ensure compliance with MOM protocols. Avoiding costly mistakes with compliance and regulation will help you retain quality in standards and candidates alike.
Pre-screening verifies a candidate’s qualifications to prevent hiring risks. It boosts an organisation’s efficiency by quickly filtering through large applicant pools. It also helps to verify a candidate’s technical skills, ensuring they are a good cultural fit for the organisation. In this way, pre-screening safeguards your company’s reputation, both now and in the future.
To ensure effective pre-employment verification and background checks, savvy leaders are looking to partner with a trusted background screening service like RMI. Pre-employment screening matters, and RMI has the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the requirements for your industry.
RMI is a MOM-verified background screening company that adheres to Singapore’s stringent employment and verification standards. They deliver fast turnaround times and excellent customer service. From employment verification to education verification and background screening, RMI can help.
RMI is known as a leading verification provider in the global arena, providing timely and unrivalled screening solutions. The company brings trusted education and background screening services to the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
RMI is proudly endorsed by the MOM and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), designing tailored screening services that are fast, people-centric, and hassle-free. Over the years, RMI has successfully conducted 400,000+ background checks, helping 3,273+ companies find the right hires across 76+ countries. Please get in touch with us to find out more.