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MOM EP Qualification Verification

Singapore MOM Employment Pass Educational Qualification Verification Guide 2026

Updated 2026 Singapore MOM EP qualification-verification guide. Check COMPASS C2 rules, accepted verification methods, background-screening companies, costs, timing and renewal requirements.

Verification Trigger

Core Rule

Verification proof is required when the employer needs to submit the candidate's qualification to obtain points under COMPASS C2 (Qualifications).

When Not Needed

If the candidate does not need C2 points to pass COMPASS, MOM says the employer does not need to submit the candidate's qualifications and verification proof. A separate qualification-declaration requirement can still arise for certain Shortage Occupation List roles.

Scope

MOM's EP process covers diploma-level and above qualifications declared in the relevant EP application.

Points Context

Top Tier

A qualifying degree-equivalent qualification from an applicable top-tier institution can earn 20 C2 points.

Degree Equivalent

Other qualifying degree-equivalent qualifications can earn 10 C2 points.

None

A qualification that is not degree-equivalent does not earn C2 points.

Compass Pass

The candidate must still satisfy the overall COMPASS framework unless the EP application is exempt from COMPASS. Verification of one qualification does not by itself make an EP application eligible.

Accepted Verification Methods

Use one of the background screening companies listed by MOM. The provider must be able to verify the authenticity of the qualification and the accreditation status of the awarding institution.

Method: Selected background screening company

MOM accepts online verification portals operated by a country's government or the educational institution, subject to MOM's stated requirements.

Method: Government or educational institution verification portal

Where supported, MOM accepts digital certificates issued by educational institutions and verified through the OpenCerts portal. The current EP document page states that OpenCerts evidence should be submitted as the digital certificate in .opencerts format.

Method: OpenCerts digital certificate

MOM's current EP documentation states that verification proofs from Singapore professional bodies may also be accepted for selected professional occupations, such as healthcare.

Method: Professional-body verification

What Verification Must Prove

Authenticity

The verification must confirm that the candidate was actually awarded the qualification.

Accreditation

The verification must confirm that the awarding institution is recognised by the relevant local government authority.

Not Accepted

  • Educational certificates alone.
  • Certificates certified by a notary public.
  • School letters.
  • Screenshots or verification evidence from sources that MOM cannot independently verify.
  • A self-translated verification proof from an online portal.

Institution Not Found

If the awarding institution is not found in the relevant MOM list, the employer can obtain verification proof confirming both qualification authenticity and institutional accreditation through an accepted verification method.

Qualification Entry

Qualification and institution names should be entered in the EP application as they appear on the educational certificate and verification proof.

Background Screening Companies

Avvanz International Background Checks
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Cisive
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Dataflow
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
eeCheck
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
First Advantage
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Global Gateway Advisors Pte Ltd
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Hello Verify AI Pte Ltd
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
HireRight
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Mintz Group (Mintz Consultancy Singapore Pte Ltd)
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Risk Management Intelligence (RMI)
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Sterling
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Venovox Pte Ltd
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Veremark
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Vero Screening
Coverage: Most countries/regions
Mom Listed: true
Verity Intelligence
Coverage: Australia, Malaysia, United Kingdom and United States
Mom Listed: true

Provider Costs And Timing

Current Mom Guidance

MOM states that most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days and that applicants should approach the background screening company directly if there is no update.

Fees

MOM's 2023 announcement states that fees generally ranged from S$30 to S$60 per verification check. Actual current provider prices can vary by country, qualification, service package and verification complexity.

Country Coverage

Provider coverage differs. The selected company should be chosen based on the country and institution from which the qualification was awarded.

Expedite Warning

Do not promise a fixed 1-3 week turnaround. MOM's current wording is 'most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days', while actual provider timelines can vary.

Renewal And Employer Change

One Time Rule

MOM states that employers are only required to verify each candidate's qualifications once when submitting the EP application.

Renewals

Subsequent renewals of EPs assessed under COMPASS do not require the same qualification to be re-verified.

Change Of Employer

MOM's COMPASS material states that once a candidate's qualification has been verified, there is no need to verify it again for a change of employer.

Older E P Renewals

For renewals of existing EPs that were not previously assessed under COMPASS, MOM introduced verification from 1 September 2024.

Boundary

The one-time principle applies to the verified qualification. A new or different qualification declared later can require verification if it is needed for points.

Qualification Recognition

Top Tier

MOM maintains a list of top-tier institutions for C2. Bachelor’s degrees and above from qualifying top-tier institutions can earn 20 points, subject to the relevant institution/faculty rules.

Degree Equivalent

Other degree-equivalent qualifications can earn 10 points where they meet MOM's applicable recognition criteria.

Professional Qualifications

MOM maintains a separate list of recognised professional qualifications that can earn 10 C2 points where the relevant qualification and sector-agency conditions are met.

Foreign P E I

Foreign degree-equivalent qualifications awarded through local private education institutions can be considered under the specific MOM PEI rules.

Recognition Not Automatic

Verification establishes authenticity and accreditation; it does not automatically guarantee that MOM will award C2 points. MOM determines whether the verified qualification is degree-equivalent and otherwise eligible under C2.

Documents

Candidate Information

  • Educational qualification certificate or diploma.
  • Academic transcript or other supporting qualification record when required by the verification provider.
  • Candidate identity/travel-document information where requested by the selected verification company.
  • Any authorisation or consent requested by the background screening provider for contacting the awarding institution.

Ep Submission

  • Verification proof meeting MOM's accepted verification method.
  • Qualification details entered in the EP application exactly as required.
  • Relevant institution and faculty information where applicable.

Institution Specific

The exact documents requested by a background screening company depend on the qualification's country, institution and verification method.

Warning

A fixed bundle such as degree certificate + all semester transcripts + notarised LOA + passport + name-change deed is not a universal MOM checklist. Providers may request additional evidence, but MOM's legal requirement is for acceptable verification proof.

Application Process

Decide whether C2 qualification points are needed
Step 1
Detail: Use MOM's current EP eligibility/Self-Assessment Tool to determine whether the candidate needs C2 points to pass COMPASS. If C2 points are not needed, qualification verification may not be required unless another rule requires the qualification to be declared.
Check the institution and qualification
Step 2
Detail: Search the current MOM qualification and institution lists. Check the correct awarding institution name, faculty and qualification level.
Select an accepted verification method
Step 3
Detail: Use an eligible government or awarding-institution verification portal, OpenCerts where supported, a selected background screening company, or an accepted professional-body route for applicable occupations.
Submit the provider's required evidence
Step 4
Detail: Provide the qualification records and identity/consent information requested by the selected verifier. Do not substitute notarisation or a school letter for verification proof.
Wait for verification
Step 5
Detail: MOM says most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days. Country, institution response time and provider requirements can make actual turnaround longer or shorter.
Review the verification result
Step 6
Detail: Confirm that the result addresses both qualification authenticity and institutional accreditation. Resolve discrepancies before EP submission.
Enter qualification details in the EP application
Step 7
Detail: Use the awarding institution and qualification names exactly as shown in the certificate and verification proof and select the applicable qualification/faculty information.
Upload or submit the verification proof
Step 8
Detail: Attach the acceptable verification evidence through MOM's EP application process when claiming the C2 qualification points.
Complete the rest of the EP assessment
Step 9
Detail: Qualification verification is only one part of the EP application. The candidate must meet the EP qualifying salary and, unless exempt, pass COMPASS.
Retain the verified record for future applications
Step 10
Detail: A qualification that has already been verified normally does not need to be verified again for subsequent EP renewals or a change of employer.

Rejection And Risk

Doubtful Qualifications

MOM's candidate form states that an application will be rejected if declared qualifications are doubtful or come from an institution that is not accredited or recognised by the relevant country educational authorities.

False Documents

False or misleading educational information can create serious immigration and employment-law consequences. Do not submit altered certificates or verification evidence.

Diploma Mill Boundary

Do not state that every unaccredited qualification automatically triggers a criminal investigation. MOM's published application material confirms rejection where qualifications are doubtful or from an institution that is not accredited/recognised; additional consequences depend on the facts.

Point Award Warning

A verified qualification is not synonymous with a guaranteed C2 score. MOM determines whether the qualification is degree-equivalent or otherwise qualifies under its current C2 criteria.

Special Cases

China Qualifications

MOM's current EP document page requires the appropriate Center for Student Services and Development online verification report for applicable China qualifications: the Higher Education Qualification Certificate report for diploma-level qualifications and the Higher Education Degree Certificate report for degree and above qualifications.

Opencerts

For OpenCerts submissions, MOM's current guidance requires the digital certificate in .opencerts format rather than a screenshot of a verified credential.

Selected Professions

For selected regulated occupations such as healthcare, verification proof from the relevant Singapore professional body may be accepted.

Peis

Where a degree programme is delivered by a Singapore private education institution but awarded by an overseas university, the awarding overseas partner university should be used in the EP application when applicable under MOM's PEI rules.

Compare Verification Options

Option: Background screening company
Advantages: Broad international coverage and an established verification process.
Watch Out: Fees and turnaround vary by country and qualification.
Option: Government or awarding-institution portal
Advantages: Can be direct institutional or government verification and may avoid third-party screening fees.
Watch Out: The portal must satisfy MOM's verification requirements and be accessible for MOM's assessment.
Option: OpenCerts
Advantages: Uses an institution-issued digital certificate for supported institutions.
Watch Out: Only selected educational institutions are supported and MOM requires the actual .opencerts digital certificate rather than a screenshot.
Option: Professional body
Advantages: Useful for selected regulated occupations where the relevant Singapore professional body is an accepted verifier.
Watch Out: Not a general substitute for background screening across all qualifications.

Decision Guide

❓ Does the EP candidate actually need C2 points?

💡 Action / Assessment: Use MOM's current Self-Assessment Tool. If the candidate can pass COMPASS without C2 points and no separate rule requires the qualification to be declared, verification may not be needed.

❓ Is the awarding institution already recognised in MOM's application list?

💡 Action / Assessment: Use the current institution and qualification lists. If it is not found, an accepted verification method must establish authenticity and accreditation when C2 points are being claimed.

❓ Does the university offer a qualifying verification portal?

💡 Action / Assessment: A government or educational-institution verification portal can be used if it meets MOM's requirements. This can be an alternative to a background screening company.

❓ Is the qualification a digital certificate supported by OpenCerts?

💡 Action / Assessment: Use the OpenCerts route and submit the actual .opencerts digital certificate, not a screenshot.

❓ Is the applicant in a regulated occupation such as healthcare?

💡 Action / Assessment: Check whether the relevant Singapore professional body is an accepted verification source for that occupation.

Seo

Primary Intent

Informational and decision-support search for Singapore MOM Employment Pass educational qualification verification, COMPASS C2 requirements, accepted verification methods, current background screening companies, cost, processing time and renewal rules.

Primary Entities

  • Ministry of Manpower
  • Employment Pass
  • COMPASS
  • C2 Qualifications
  • educational qualification verification
  • background screening company
  • OpenCerts
  • degree-equivalent qualification

Keyword Strategy

Use natural terms such as Singapore MOM degree verification, EP qualification verification, COMPASS C2 verification, MOM background screening companies, EP degree verification cost, MOM verification processing time and OpenCerts EP verification. Avoid stating that every EP candidate must verify every qualification.

Schema

Article Type

Article

Faq Page

Faq Count

6

Date Modified

2026-08

Author

NationRules Immigration Compliance Team

Primary Entity

Singapore MOM Employment Pass educational qualification verification

Official Sources

  • Ministry of Manpower

Implementation

Calculator

Dynamic Claims Warning

MOM's accepted verification companies, institution lists, COMPASS criteria, provider coverage, fees and processing times can change. Refresh the current MOM EP and verification pages before publication.

Trigger Warning

Do not build the page so that every EP applicant automatically enters a verification workflow. The current MOM rule ties qualification verification to the need for C2 points, with separate qualification-declaration requirements possible for specified Shortage Occupation List roles.

Provider Warning

Do not hard-code a provider as universally suitable for every country. The current MOM list specifies different geographic coverage, and providers can change their services.

Cost Warning

S$30-S$60 is historical/general guidance from MOM's 2023 selection announcement, not a guaranteed 2026 price from every provider.

Timing Warning

Use MOM's current wording of most checks within 14 working days rather than promising a universal turnaround.

Renewal Warning

A verified qualification normally does not require re-verification for subsequent COMPASS-assessed EP renewals or a change of employer.

Schema Warning

FAQ schema must contain exactly the six FAQs in this page and should not duplicate the same question under different wording.

Source Hierarchy

Use current MOM EP eligibility, documents-required, verification-proof FAQ, current background-screening-company list and official COMPASS/OpenCerts documents as the primary authority.

Legal Boundary

This page explains MOM's published verification requirements. It does not guarantee qualification recognition, COMPASS points, EP approval or acceptance of any provider's report.

Common Mistakes & Legal Misconceptions

❌ Misconception: Saying every EP applicant must verify every degree
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's current C2 guidance says verification is required when the employer needs qualification points under C2; if C2 points are not needed, qualifications and verification proof generally need not be submitted, subject to specific qualification-declaration rules.
❌ Misconception: Calling verification an automatic 10- or 20-point award
✅ Statutory Fact: Verification proves authenticity and accreditation. MOM separately determines whether the qualification meets the C2 criteria and whether it is worth 10 or 20 points.
❌ Misconception: Listing only DataFlow and QualificationCheck as MOM-approved providers
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's current list contains 15 selected background screening companies, including Avvanz, Cisive, Dataflow, eeCheck, First Advantage, Global Gateway Advisors, Hello Verify AI, HireRight, Mintz, RMI, Sterling, Venovox, Veremark, Vero Screening and Verity Intelligence.
❌ Misconception: Calling QualificationCheck a current MOM-selected provider
✅ Statutory Fact: QualificationCheck appeared in older industry/provider references but is not on MOM's current published background-screening list retrieved for this 2026 review.
❌ Misconception: Using a fixed S$50 to S$150 verification cost
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's published guidance states that selected-company verification fees generally ranged from S$30 to S$60 per check; actual current provider charges vary.
❌ Misconception: Promising a universal 1-to-3-week turnaround
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's current guidance says most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days, but providers and countries can vary.
❌ Misconception: Submitting a notarised degree certificate as verification proof
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM explicitly says educational certificates certified by a notary public are not accepted as verification proof.
❌ Misconception: Using school letters as verification proof
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM explicitly states that school letters are not accepted as verification proof.
❌ Misconception: Uploading a screenshot of OpenCerts verification
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM requires the digital certificate in .opencerts format when using the OpenCerts route.
❌ Misconception: Treating HEDD, My eQuals or National Student Clearinghouse screenshots as universally acceptable
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's current EP document page lists screenshots or proof from sources it cannot independently verify among the materials that will not be accepted.
❌ Misconception: Saying an LOA is universally mandatory
✅ Statutory Fact: A provider may request an authorisation or consent to contact a university, but MOM's rule is about acceptable verification proof; the exact provider document list is not universal.
❌ Misconception: Saying three years of degree records are always required
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM does not prescribe one universal transcript bundle for every qualification. The verifier's country- and institution-specific requirements control the supporting documents.
❌ Misconception: Saying verification is needed again for every EP renewal
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM states that subsequent renewals of EPs assessed under COMPASS do not require the same qualification to be re-verified.
❌ Misconception: Saying verification is needed again after every employer change
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM's COMPASS material states that once the qualification has been verified, it does not need to be verified again for a change of employer.
❌ Misconception: Saying an unaccredited institution automatically means a criminal prosecution
✅ Statutory Fact: MOM confirms rejection for doubtful or unaccredited/non-recognised qualifications; additional legal consequences depend on the facts and should not be stated as automatic.
❌ Misconception: Assuming an institution's presence in a list guarantees C2 points
✅ Statutory Fact: The qualification, degree-equivalence, faculty and other C2 conditions still need to be satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MOM requires verification proof when the employer needs to declare the candidate's diploma-level or above qualification to obtain points under COMPASS C2. If C2 points are not needed, MOM says the employer generally does not need to submit the qualification or verification proof, although certain Shortage Occupation List roles can have separate qualification-declaration requirements.

The verification proof must establish two things: that the candidate was actually awarded the qualification and that the awarding institution is accredited or recognised by the relevant local government authority. Notarised certificates and school letters do not satisfy this requirement.

MOM's current published list contains 15 selected companies: Avvanz, Cisive, Dataflow, eeCheck, First Advantage, Global Gateway Advisors, Hello Verify AI, HireRight, Mintz Group, Risk Management Intelligence, Sterling, Venovox, Veremark, Vero Screening and Verity Intelligence. Country coverage varies.

MOM currently says most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days. Actual timing can vary by country, awarding institution, provider and the responsiveness of the institution.

MOM's published background-screening-company guidance states that verification fees generally ranged from S$30 to S$60 per verification check. Current provider charges vary by country, qualification and service package, so the provider's current quotation should be used.

Normally no. MOM states that employers are only required to verify each candidate's qualification once when submitting the EP application. Subsequent renewals of COMPASS-assessed EPs and a later change of employer do not normally require the same qualification to be re-verified.

Official Government Sources & Statutory Verification

MOM - Employment Pass Eligibility & COMPASS
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - Employment Pass Documents Required
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - Verification Proof Requirements
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - Background Screening Companies for Educational Qualifications
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - EP Candidate Form
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - COMPASS FAQ
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - OpenCerts Verification Guide
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - Top-Tier Institutions for COMPASS C2
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
MOM - Degree-Equivalent Professional Qualifications for COMPASS C2
Ministry of ManpowerVerified 2026
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Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Trigger
C2 Points Needed
Qualification Scope
Diploma-Level & Above
Verification Proof
Authenticity + Accreditation
Background Check Timing
Most Within 14 Working Days
Typical Selected-BSC Fee
Generally S$30–S$60
Renewal Recheck
Normally Not Required
Alternative Verification
Government / Awarding Portal or OpenCerts
MOM Authority
Ministry of Manpower

Official Emergency & Legal Support

Emergency Police Hotline
Dial 999
24/7 Singapore Police Force
Anti-Scam Helpline
Dial 1799
ScamShield & Banking Fraud
National Family Violence Helpline
1800-221-4444
24/7 PPO & Protection Specialist
Employment Claims (TADM)
+65 6883 5885
MOM Workplace Disputes

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