How Points Are Awarded
| Position against local PMET salary benchmarks for the sector and age | Points |
|---|---|
| 90th percentile or above | 20 |
| 65th percentile to below the 90th | 10 |
| Below the 65th percentile | 0 |
A Separate Salary Test
C1 is a COMPASS criterion. The Singapore EP qualifying salary is a separate eligibility threshold. Use the applicable sector and age benchmark; a single minimum salary figure does not establish the C1 score.
Check the Application
Enter the proposed fixed monthly salary in MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool. Confirm the employer’s sector and the candidate’s age before relying on an estimated score.
Use the Correct Benchmark Edition
Check the benchmark’s effective period as well as the employer’s sector and the candidate’s age. MOM updates C1 salary benchmarks annually using its labour-force survey. A saved spreadsheet from an earlier application may therefore be the wrong edition even when the job title and salary have not changed.
The edition released in August 2025 applies to new EP applications from 1 January to 31 December 2026 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. The August 2026 edition applies to new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2027. Use the renewal pass-expiry date, rather than assuming the new-application date applies.
Keep that C1 timetable separate from changes to the Stage 1 EP qualifying salary. The revised Stage 1 qualifying salary applies to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028, whereas the August 2026 C1 benchmarks apply from 1 July 2027. A C1 benchmark result does not override failure to meet the qualifying salary. Confirm both tests before deciding whether an offered fixed salary meets the application’s requirements.
For an auditable preparation note, record the selected benchmark edition, sector, age and fixed monthly salary used. This is a suggested working record, not a compulsory MOM form. Download the applicable files from MOM’s C1 salary benchmark page ↗ and use the official assessment tools for the candidate’s circumstances.
Official Sources
This independent summary by Apex Gateway is based on the official English guidance linked below. Refer to the source for the full requirements and subsequent updates.