To enter the workforce, most companies require Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certification as a minimum entry point. However, it was recently reported that some 10,160 students did not sit for SPM last year.
Contextually, the figure is actually one of the lowest in recent years, when you consider that 30,065 and 26,918 students didn’t attend their SPM examination in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
In 2021, “only” 10,681 students missed out on their SPM exam, a figure that rose to 14,858 the following year.
The merits of SPM have become more of a talking point recently. Some believe it is not an indicator of success, while others opine that having your SPM will at least put you on the path to success.
That said, all is not lost if you do not have your SPM certificate. Here are five options that remain open to you.
1. Retake SPM as a private student
Before anything else, consider taking your SPM exam as a private student. Every year, a high number of students do so.
During the pandemic, about 17,728 or 4.4% of registered SPM students were private, according to Laporan Analisis Keputusan Peperiksaan SPM Malaysia 2020.
You can click here to start your registration as a new private student or to retake SPM papers. If you are unsure how to get started, here’s a comprehensive guide.
Do keep in mind that you would have to pay to sit for your exams. Based on the above guide, the cost for each subject is about RM20.
2. SKM certification
If you are certain about not sitting for SPM, an alternative course of action would be to obtain your Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM), which certifies you as having specific skills.
There are only two requirements:
- candidates are able to write in Malay and English;
- candidates must pass a lower SKM level before proceeding to the next one.
Established in 2006 by the department of skills development, SKM is recognised by the government and is applicable to various industries in Malaysia.
Start from SKM levels 1-3 and make your way to a diploma and advanced diploma. Click here for more information.
3. TVET courses
TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education, with the only entry requirements being as follows:
- you are a Malaysian citizen;
- you don’t hold an SPM cert or any other certificates.
The government has introduced a central platform where candidates can apply to numerous TVET institutions. There are many courses on offer, and if you are confused about how to register, here is a guide.
For those fretting about TVET legitimacy, don’t worry – the courses are recognised by the government and are accepted by various industries in Malaysia.
4. Apprenticeships or work
There are many job opportunities in Malaysia that don’t require SPM. Small-medium enterprises, for example, often hire workers without such qualifications.
You can start your search by visiting certain career platforms and looking for the “no SPM” filter. Alternatively, look for mom-and-pop shops in your area as these small businesses are likely to accept young workers with no SPM.
Furthermore, consider training with mentors who do technical work; many of them are always on the lookout for apprentices. You could even learn more on the job than through formal education.
5. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning
The Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (Apel) was established by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency to enable those who have work experience, but not education certificates, to qualify for post-secondary courses.
The university or college you apply to will assess whether your work experience qualifies you to credit for certain courses. To do this, it will conduct an aptitude test, review your work portfolio, and conduct an interview.
So, if you have taken apprenticeships or have built your own business (side note: entrepreneurship is also a viable option for students who have the skills and resources), this is an ideal way for you to certify yourself and further your studies without an SPM certificate.
This article was written by Su-Wei Ho for MyPF. To simplify and grow your personal finances, follow MyPF on Facebook and Instagram.