What is Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia? (SKM)

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Have you failed the SPM and are you confused about your future because of your results? Do you think there is no other option except to retake the SPM exam you failed? Without a doubt, the answer in NO. A substitute for continuing your teriary education is to earn an SKM certificate！

What is Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM)?

Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) or Malaysian Skills Certificate (MSC) is a formally recognised skill-and-work based certification. Jambatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) grants it to students who have demonstrated the abilities required to carry out tasks and functions for employment in the more practical and technical fields of work.

Besides that, SKM is a different route to tertiary education in Malaysia such as diploma programme. As a result, you can consider this as a second chance or an additional opportunity for you to earn that certificate, degree, or perhaps a master’s. There is never only ONE way to achive your dream.

The intakes for SKM are generally in January, May and September each year.

What Can You Study in the SKM course?

There are many types of SKM you can choose to study:

SKM- Culinary
SKM- Electrical
SKM- Electronics
SKM- Food and beverage
SKM- Mechatronics
SKM- Office management
SKM- Vocational training officer

What is the Structure and Assessment of SKM?

The SKM education structure has 5 levels:

Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 1

Given to applicants who demonstrate competence in carrying out a variety of different job responsibilities or activities linked to their jobs.

Duration: 6 months

Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 2

Given to applicants who exhibit the ability to carry out a wide range of different professional tasks in a number of settings, including autonomy and responsibility.

Duration: 6 months

Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3

Given to applicants who demonstrate competence in a variety of complex and unusual work-related tasks.

Duration: 1 year

Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) Level 4

Given to applicants who exhibit technical proficiency and a high level of personal accountability in the course of their work-related activities.

Duration: 1 year

Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma (DLKM) Level 5

Given to applicants who exhibit the greatest level of expertise, accountability for other team/department members, and resource allocation skill.

Duration: 18 months

What are the Eligibility Requirements of SKM?

For candidate seeking the Malaysian Skills Certificate, the following basic qualifications must be met:

Malaysian or PR over the age of 15 (some only accept from age 16)
Proficiency in English or Bahasa Melayu for speaking and writing
capable of reading, writing, and simple math (no SPM requirement)
Before enrolling in a higher SKM level in the same field, one must first pass a lower SKM level.

How to obtain SKM?

Malaysian Skills Certificate can be obtained through three methods:

Through training in recognised institution

Through training programmes at Jambatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) authorised training facilities for accredited disciplines and skill levels.

Through Industry-Oriented Training (SLDN)

Through an apprenticeship programme run by businesses and institutions of higher learning that offers dual training (SLDN).

Through Accreditation of Prior Achievement (PPT)

Getting the Malaysian Skills Certification through prior experience (work or training). You must provide evidence of your skill competency, which will be examined by an assessor (PP-PPT) and approved by an external verification officer chosen by the Department of Skills Development (SDS).

What are the benefits of the SKM?

Why should you study SKM? Following are the benefits; check them out!

It is recognised by industries in Malaysia
The Malaysian Skills Certification Programme is similar to a career option based on academic credentials in that it offers participants an attractive career path and potential for personal improvement.
The Malaysian Skills Certification Program can generate trained and qualified individuals with the necessary skills to raise the competitiveness of local industries on the international market.

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