The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), or the Malaysian Certificate of Education, is a national examination taken by all fifth-year secondary school students in Malaysia. It is set and examined by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia).
SPM is equivalent to the O-Level and is the second last public examination at the secondary school level before the entry into a first bachelor degree course at a university. The Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), being a pre-university study and equivalent to the A-Level, is the last public examination at the secondary school level. Other available pre-university studies in Malaysia include matriculation, foundation study, A-Level, etc., which are conducted at a college or university.
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The SPM is equivalent to the British GCSE, and provides the opportunity for Malaysians to continue their studies to pre-university level. Up to 1978, the examination was handled by UCLES, which still advises the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate on standards. The English paper is separately graded by the national examination board and UCLES, and both grades will be displayed on the statement slip. On the real certificate, only the national examination board's grade is listed. The minimum requirement to get a certificate is a pass in Bahasa Malaysia.
Generally, the SPM is taken at the age of 17, though students who attended pre-secondary school class would take it at the age of 18. Previously, students who successfully passed their Penilaian Tahap Satu (PTS) examination at Primary Three and chose to skip a year of primary school education would take their SPM a year earlier, at the age of 16. This was discontinued in 2000. Students who are taught at home generally take the SPM at some point at the end of their secondary education as well.
Certain subjects are made compulsory for students. These are[1][2]:
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1103 | Bahasa Melayu | Malay language | Malay |
| 1119 | Bahasa Inggeris | English language | English |
| 1223 | Pendidikan Islam[a] | Islamic Studies | Malay |
| 1225 | Pendidikan Moral[b] | Moral | Malay |
| 1249 | Sejarah | History | Malay |
| 1449 | Mathematics | Mathematics | English and Malay |
| 1511 | Science[c] | Science | English and Malay |
| a Compulsory for all Muslim students except for students in Religious Science stream, who are required to take their respective electives in lieu of this subject. |
| b Compulsory for all non-Muslim students. |
| c Compulsory for students in the Commerce, and Literature and Arts streams only. Students in the Pure Science, Religious Science, and Humanities Science streams are required to take their respective Science electives in lieu of this subject (see below). |
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2611 | Pendidikan Seni Visual | Visual Arts Education | Malay |
| 2621 | Pendidikan Muzik | Music Education | Malay |
| 4571 | Pengetahuan Sains Sukan | Sports Science Knowledge | Malay |
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3765 | Information and Communications Technology | Information and Communications Technology | English and Malay |
| 8401 | Fundamentals of Programming | Fundamentals of Programming | English |
| 8402 | Programming and Development Tools | Programming and Development Tools | English |
| 8701 | Aplikasi Komputer Dalam Perniagaan | Computer Applications in Business | Malay |
| 8703 | Teknologi Pejabat Perniagaan | Business Office Technology | Malay |
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2205 | Literature in English | Literature in English | English |
| 2215 | Kesusasteraan Melayu | Malay Literature | Malay |
| 2361 | Bahasa Arab Tinggi | Higher Arabic | Arabic |
| 6351 | Bahasa Cina | Chinese Language | Chinese (Mandarin) |
| 6354 | Bahasa Tamil | Tamil Language | Tamil |
| 6355 | English for Science and Technology | English for Science and Technology | English |
| 6356 | Bahasa Iban | Iban Language | Iban |
| 6362 | Bahasa Arab Komunikasi | Arabic Language For Communication | Arabic |
| 9216 | Kesusasteraan Cina | Chinese Literature | Chinese |
| 9217 | Kesusasteraan Tamil | Tamil Literature | Tamil |
| 9303 | Bahasa Perancis | French Language | French |
| 9378 | Bahasa Punjabi | Punjabi Language | Punjabi |
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3528 | Sains Pertanian | Agricultural Science | Malay |
| 3529 | Pengajian Agroteknologi | Agrotechnology Studies | Malay |
| 3758 | Ekonomi Rumahtangga | Home Economics | Malay |
| 3759 | Engineering drawing | Engineering Drawing | English |
| 3760 | Pengajian Kejuruteraan Mekanikal | Mechanical Engineering Studies | English |
| 3761 | Pengajian Kejuruteraan Awam | Civil Engineering Studies | English |
| 3762 | Pengajian Kejuruteraan Elektrik dan Elektronik | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Studies | English |
| 3763 | Rekacipta | Invention | Malay |
| 3764 | Engineering technology | Engineering Technology | English |
| 3766 | Pengurusan Makanan | Food Management | Malay |
| 3767 | Pola Pakaian | Fashion Design | Malay |
| 7101 | Pembinaan Domestik | Domestic Construction | Malay |
| 7102 | Membuat Perabot | Furniture Making | Malay |
| 7103 | Kerja Paip Domestik | Domestic Plumbing | Malay |
| 7104 | Pendawaian Domestik | Domestic Wiring | Malay |
| 7105 | Kimpalan Arka dan Gas | Arc and Gas Welding | Malay |
| 7106 | Menservis Automobil | Automobile Servicing | Malay |
| 7107 | Menservis Motosikal | Motorcycle Servicing | Malay |
| 7107 | Menservis Motosikal | Motorcycle Servicing | Malay |
| 7108 | Menservis Peralatan Penyejukan dan Penyamanan Udara | Air-Conditioning Servicing | Malay |
| 7109 | Menservis Peralatan Elektrik Domestik | Domestic Electrical Appliances Servicing | Malay |
| 7201 | Rekaan dan Jahitan Pakaian | Design and Tailoring | Malay |
| 7202 | Katering dan Penyajian | Catering Service | Malay |
| 7203 | Pemprosesan Makanan | Food Processing | Malay |
| 7204 | Penjagaan Muka dan Dandanan Rambut | Facial and Hair Care | Malay |
| 7205 | Asuhan dan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak | Infant Care and Early Childhood Education | Malay |
| 7206 | Gerontologi Asas dan Perkhidmatan Geriatrik | Geriatic Services | Malay |
| 7301 | Landskap dan Nurseri | Nursery and Landscape | Malay |
| 7302 | Akuakultur dan Haiwan Rekreasi | Aquaculture and Pets | Malay |
| 7303 | Tanaman Makanan | Food and Crop Cultivation | Malay |
| 7401 | Seni Reka Tanda | Signage Design | Malay |
| 7402 | Hiasan Dalaman Asas | Basic Interior Decoration | Malay |
| 7403 | Produksi Multimedia | Multimedia Production | Malay |
| 7404 | Grafik Berkomputer | Computer Graphics | Malay |
| 8501 | Membuat Pakaian | Dress Making | Malay |
| 8502 | Menservis TV | Television Servicing | Malay |
| 8511 | Roti Dan Masakan Yis | Bread and Yeast Food | Malay |
| 8512 | Patisserie | Patisserie | Malay |
| 8521 | Persolekan | Make Up | Malay |
| 8522 | Dandanan Rambut | Hair Dressing | Malay |
| 8531 | Pengajian Perkembangan Kanak-Kanak | Child Development Studies | Malay |
| 8532 | Perkhidmatan Awal Kanak-Kanak | Early Childhood Service | Malay |
| 8541 | Penyediaan Masakan Barat dan Timur | Western & Eastern Food Preparation | Malay |
| 8542 | Penyajian Makanan dan Minuman | Food and Beverage Catering | Malay |
| 8811 | Teknologi Bengkel Mesin | Machine Workshop Technology | Malay |
| 8812/1 | Kerja Menggegas | Maintenance Work | Malay |
| 8812/3 | Kerja Melarik | Lathe Working | Malay |
| 8813 | Lukisan Geometri dan Mesin | Geometric Drawing and Machines | Malay |
| 8813 | Teknologi Binaan Bangunan | Building Technology | Malay |
| 8815/1 | Kerja Kayu | Woodworking | Malay |
| 8815/3 | Kerja Bata | Brickwork | Malay |
| 8816 | Lukisan Geometri dan Pembinaan Bangunan | Geometric Drawing and Building Construction | Malay |
| 8817 | Teknologi Elektrik | Electrical Engineering Technology | Malay |
| 8818/1 | Pemasangan Elektrik | Electrical Installation | Malay |
| 8818/3 | Kawalan Elektrik | Electric Control | Malay |
| 8819 | Lukisan Geometri dan Elektrik | Geometric Drawing and Electricity | Malay |
| 8820 | Teknologi Elektronik | Electronic Technology | Malay |
| 8821/1 | Menservis Radio | Radio Servicing | Malay |
| 8821/3 | Menservis TV | Television Servicing | Malay |
| 8822 | Lukisan Geometri dan Elektronik | Geometric Drawing and Electronics | Malay |
| 8823 | Teknologi Kimpalan dan Fabrikasi Logam | Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology | Malay |
| 8824/1 | Kerja Kimpalan Arka | Arc Welding | Malay |
| 8824/3 | Kerja Kimpalan Gas | Gas Welding | Malay |
| 8825 | Lukisan Geometri dan Fabrikasi Logam | Geometric Drawing and Metal Fabrication | Malay |
| 8826 | Teknologi Automotif | Automotive Technology | Malay |
| 8827/1 | Auto Asas | Basic Automotive | Malay |
| 8827/2 | Kerja Elektrik dan Diesel | Electrical & Diesel Work | Malay |
| 8828 | Lukisan Geometri dan Automotif | Geometric Drawing and Automotives | Malay |
| 8829 | Teknologi Penyejukan dan Penyamanan Udara | Refrigeration Technology | Malay |
| 8830 | Memasang dan Menservis Penyejuk dan Penyaman Udara | Installation and Servicing of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning | Malay |
| 8831 | Lukisan Geometri dan Penyaman Udara | Geometric Drawing and Air-conditioning | Malay |
| 8881 | Pengeluaran Tanaman | Crop Production | Malay |
| 8882 | Pengeluaran Ternakan | Stockbreeding | Malay |
| 8883 | Hortikultur Hiasan dan Landskap | Decorative Horticulture and Landscaping | Malay |
| 8884 | Kejenteraan Ladang | Plantation Engineering | Malay |
| 8885 | Pengurusan Ladang | Plantation Management | Malay |
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3472 | Additional Mathematics | Additional Mathematics | English and Malay |
| 4531 | Physics | Physics | English and Malay |
| 4541 | Chemistry | Chemistry | English and Malay |
| 4551 | Biology | Biology | English and Malay |
| 4561 | Additional Science | Additional Science | English and Malay |
| 4581 | Applied Science | Applied Science | English and Malay |
In 2003, the medium of instruction for the science and mathematics subjects was switched from Malay to English. Due to this transition, students taking science and mathematics subjects can choose to respond in the examinations in either English or Malay. The Ministry of Education has since announced a reversal of this policy, set to take effect in 2021.[3]
| Code | Subject (Official Name) | Subject (English Name) | Examination Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2280 | Geografi | Geography | Malay |
| 3754 | Pengajian Keusahawanan | Entrepreneurial Studies | Malay |
| 3755 | Perdagangan | Business | Malay |
| 3756 | Prinsip Perakaunan | Principles of Accounting | Malay |
| 3757 | Ekonomi Asas | Basic Economics | Malay |
| 5226 | Tasawwur Islam | Islamic Worldviews | Malay |
| 5227 | Pendidikan Al-Quran dan As-Sunnah | Al-Quran and As-Sunnah Education | Malay |
| 5228 | Pendidikan Syariah Islamiah | Syariah Islamiah Education | Malay |
| 8702 | Perakaunan Perniagaan | Business Accounting | Malay |
| 9221 | Bible Knowledge | Bible Knowledge | English |
The evaluation scheme is fully exam-based. The examination for SPM usually takes place around November and lasts for more than 3 weeks. Papers are also scheduled in June for students who wish to resit for examinations they failed the previous year, but only for the compulsory subjects.
When releasing the results, only the letter grades (and not the actual scores) are made known to the candidates. Candidates may request a remarking (regrading) if they suspect errors in the original marking. Although no list of rankings is released to the public, the names of the top ranked students in the country and in each state are released to the press. These students may achieve the level of temporary celebrities, and may even be approached by companies to advertise their products.[4] Politicians usually visit some of these top ranked students a day before the official results in order to congratulate them. Because the SPM examination is the final nationally standardised examination taken by the majority of Malaysians, many scholarships are awarded based on SPM results.
Since 2010, however, the Ministry of Education has imposed a 10-subject limit on every candidate, while lowering the minimum number of subjects from 8 to 6. Students are allowed to take 2 additional subjects (comprising Arabic, Chinese, Tamil, Iban, Kadazandusun languages and Bible Knowledge) but they will not be taken into consideration for government scholarships.[5]
Candidates are assigned grades based on their scores in each subject. The exact grading scale used every year has never been made public.
Since 2009, grading system used has a range from A+ (the highest grade) to G (for "gagal" or fail). The previous system assigned a grade point and a letter to each range, with 1A ("1" being the grade point and "A" the letter grade) as highest range and 9G the lowest.
The table below shows the comparison between previous grade system and the current one. Note that A+ is a higher grade than 1A.
| 2000 - 2008 | From 2009 | Grade Value |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 0 | |
| 1A | A | 1 |
| 2A | A- | 2 |
| 3B | B+ | 3 |
| 4B | B | 4 |
| 5C | C+ | 5 |
| 6C | C | 6 |
| 7D | D | 7 |
| 8E | E | 8 |
| 9G | G | 9 |