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MOM Compliance

Singapore MOM Educational Background Verification Check Guide 2026

Guide to MOM mandatory educational degree background checks for Employment Pass (EP). Accredited vendors (DataFlow, QualificationCheck), costs, & submission rules.

Overview & Statutory Background

Since September 1, 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires all employers submitting Employment Pass (EP) applications claiming COMPASS C2 points for educational qualifications to submit an official background check verification report. Verification reports must be obtained from MOM-approved background check companies (such as DataFlow, QualificationCheck, Sterling RIS, or Avvanz) or direct university portal verifications. Applications submitted without valid verification reports for declared qualifications will be delayed or rejected.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Mandatory Rule

All EP Degrees

Verified

MOM Vendors

DataFlow / QCheck

Verified

Turnaround Time

1 to 3 Weeks

Verified

COMPASS Category

C2 Qualification

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Mandatory COMPASS C2 Verification

Requirement

Any degree qualification declared to earn 10 or 20 points under COMPASS C2 must be verified.

MOM-Approved Background Check Vendors

Accredited

Must use MOM-accredited background verification providers or direct official university verification portals.

Document Authenticity & Accreditation

Strict Audit

Verifies degree authenticity, student enrolment records, and accreditation status of the awarding institution.

One-Time Verification Rule

Lifetime Valid

Once a candidate's degree is verified by MOM, future EP renewals or transfers do not require re-verification of the same degree.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Must obtain an official verification report before submitting the EP application via MOM EP eService.

Verification report must explicitly state that the institution is accredited by national educational authorities and the candidate's degree is genuine.

Accepted background check companies include DataFlow Group, QualificationCheck, Sterling RIS, Avvanz, Cisive, HireRight, and Veremark.

Degrees obtained from unaccredited diploma mills will receive 0 COMPASS points and may trigger MOM fraud investigations.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Select MOM-Approved Verification Vendor

Employer or candidate registers on an approved background check portal (e.g. DataFlow or QualificationCheck).

Upload Degree & Signed Consent Form

Submit scanned degree, marksheets, passport, and signed Letter of Authorization.

Vendor University Audit & Verification

Verification agency contacts university registrar directly to confirm student records (takes 1-3 weeks).

Download Official Verification Report

Agency generates a digital report with a unique MOM verification Reference ID.

Attach Report to MOM EP eService Application

Employer attaches the PDF report and Reference ID when submitting EP application on MOM eService.

Required Document Checklist

•High-resolution color scan of original Degree Certificate / Diploma

•Official Academic Transcripts for all semesters/years of study

•Letter of Authorization (LOA) signed by the candidate allowing vendor to contact university

•Government Identification / Passport copy used during university enrolment

•Proof of name change (marriage certificate or deed poll) if name on degree differs from passport

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MOM requires educational verification reports for all EP applications claiming COMPASS C2 points to ensure degrees declared for points are genuine and awarded by accredited tertiary institutions.

MOM accepts background verification reports from accredited agencies including DataFlow Group, QualificationCheck, Sterling RIS, Avvanz, Cisive, HireRight, Veremark, and direct online verifications from recognized university portals.

Verification turnaround times typically range from 1 to 3 weeks depending on the university's location and response speed. Employers are advised to initiate verification early before EP submission.

Under MOM guidelines, either the Singapore employer or the EP candidate can pay for the background check fee (typically ranging from S$50 to S$150 per degree depending on the vendor).

No. If a candidate's degree qualification has already been verified by MOM during an earlier EP application, the employer does not need to submit a new verification report for subsequent renewals.

Degrees awarded by unaccredited institutions or diploma mills earn 0 points under COMPASS C2. Declaring fraudulent or unaccredited degrees can lead to EP rejection, blacklisting, and prosecution under Singapore law.