How to Retake SPM Guide

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The most awaited day for many Malaysian students and parents every year is the day SPM results are released. Your SPM results determine everything from what your education pathway may look like in the future, meaning which tertiary educational pathway you can opt to go for, along with the scholarship options you have.

If your SPM results are good, your options are endless. But wait, what if it does not turn out as well as you expected? One of the recommended ways to deal with such a challenging situation is to simply retake it, but with much more determination than before.

In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about retaking your SPM, including the reasons why you should consider it, followed by a step-by-step guide on how to retake SPM and things that you need to keep in mind.

Should You Retake SPM?

Here’s a list of reasons why you could consider retaking SPM if the result was not as well as you expected:

You are considering studying a competitive course such as medical courses (medicine, pharmacy or dentistry)
You want to meet the minimum requirements for a pre-university program or a Diploma course
You are absolutely sure you can do better if you retake SPM

Step by Step Guide on How to Apply for a Retake

The first thing you need to do to start your journey on giving SPM and your dreams, a second chance, is to apply for a retake.

Here, we have provided for you a detailed step-by-step guide you can follow to apply for a retake by yourself, successfully.

1. Register as a repeat candidate

The first thing you need to do is register yourself as a repeat candidate by visiting the Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia website. In order to do this, you will be required to fill in your IC number, SPM year, and your exam registration number. After re-checking whether all information you entered is correct, proceed to the next step of the application process to fill in your personal details such as your name, address, etc. Please remember to verify if all the details are correct before moving on to the second step.

2. Select your subjects

The next thing you need to do is select the subjects that you would like to retake. Your fees for the retake depend on the subjects you decide to retake. Once you have selected the subjects, the website will show your total amount of fees to be paid.

3. Select your location to retake your papers

The next step of the process is to choose which examination centre you would like to retake your papers at. Examination centres are based on your district and area and the vacancies are based on the number of quotas.

4. Verify your information

The next step of the process is to re-check all the information you have entered and verify if everything is accurate. After you have done that, tick the agreement field and send the application.

5. Complete online payment

After the registration information is sent, the next step is to complete the online payment process. Please keep in mind that only paid applications will be processed by the Ministry of Education.

For a detailed guide on how to complete the online payment process click here.

Once the payment is complete, a payment receipt will be displayed, which you will need to download and print out, for the next step of the process.

6. Submit documents

The last step of your registration process is to submit the required documents to your nearest Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN).

Following are the required documents to be submitted;

1 copy of Senarai Semak Pendaftaran (Registration Checklist)
3 copies of Kenyataan Semakan (Revision Statement)
1 copy of verified identity card/passport
1 Copy of Payment Receipt
4 pieces of Prepaid Poslaju envelope or A5 Express Post envelopes

7. Check your application online

You can search and check your application online through the Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia website.

What You Need to Keep in Mind

1. Deadline for Registration

When applying for a retake, the first thing you need to be mindful about is the deadline for registration. The deadline for registration to retake SPM is usually 2-3 weeks after the release of results. So you need to be fast in deciding whether you want to retake it or go for another option.

2. Save the date of your exam papers

After registration, make a timetable and a countdown of the days you have left until your examination date, so that you can start preparing early and be smart about it.

3. You will have to study harder, by yourself

When you are retaking SPM, your school teachers are not going to be there to help you or remind you to study, so you have to take it upon yourself and work hard in order to get better results this time.

It is recommended to take tuition classes to get guidance from teachers, if you need extra understanding in subjects you are weak in.

4. You education pathway might take longer than your friends’

Something you really need to think about and accept before deciding to retake SPM is that you will be behind your friends who have already moved forward with the journey after SPM. This, however, is nothing to be sad about because it is completely okay for you to take your own time on your own journey. Education is not a race after all!

If you’re still not sure whether you want to retake SPM or explore other pathways, you can contact Excel Education for personalized guidance to help you make up your mind!