Your SPM results can determine a number of things moving forward — your tertiary education pathway, courses that you can apply for and your chances of getting a scholarship, among many others.

But what if you fall short on your SPM results? Perhaps you may be looking to pursue competitive courses such as medicine, pharmacy or dentistry. Or maybe you’re looking to meet the minimum requirements (at least 3Cs to get into a diploma course) to continue studying.

One way to rectify that circumstance is to retake your SPM exams. Find out how you can apply to retake SPM and what you need to be mindful of in this step-by-step guide below.

#1. What are the steps to apply for a retake (SPM Ulangan)?

Step 1: Register as an SPM Ulangan Candidate

Visit the Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia website to register yourself by filling in the required information — your IC number, the year of your exam and your exam number. Be sure to enter the accurate details. Click to proceed and then you’ll have to fill in your personal details.

Step 2: Select your subjects

In this section, you can choose the papers which you would like to retake. You’ll need to bear the fees accordingly based on the number of subjects you want to sit for again. The total amount of fees will be displayed once you’ve selected the subjects.

Step 3: Choose the location to retake your SPM papers

You’ll have to select an examination centre according to your state and district area. Once you key in your state and district, a list of examination centres (which have not yet reached their maximum capacity quota) will be displayed for you to choose from.

Step 4: Verify your information

Make sure that all the information you’ve provided is correct and accurate before you click “Send”. Don’t forget to check the box below the page after you’ve verified your info and read the terms and conditions. Once you’ve completed the online submission, make sure you print it out (Senarai Semak Pendaftaran) together with the registration summary statement (Kenyataan Semakan).

Step 5: Make your payment

Payment must be made via electronic banking. You can learn more about the process here.

#2. What you need to know about retaking SPM

a) Mind the deadline

The deadline to register for SPMUlangan is usually within 2-3 weeks after you receive your SPM results. So if you are contemplating about retaking your SPM, make up your mind fast and get moving!

b) Note the date of your papers

You’re expected to prepare for your exams yourself, so it’s fairly easy to forget the dates of your exam papers without all the constant reminders from your teachers.

Make sure you jot them down on your planners and save the dates in your phone.

c) You have to self-study

Unfortunately, it is likely that you will no longer be able to return to secondary school for classes.

You’ll have to prepare for your papers independently. It is advisable to attend tuition classes to complement your own learning so that you can still have guidance from teachers who can reinforce your understanding of the topics you are weak in.

d) Only 3 subjects can be taken under SPM Ulangan

Be informed that for SPM Ulangan, there are only 3 subjects that you can register for, which are:

• Bahasa Malaysia
• Mathematics
• Sejarah

If you’d like to retake papers for other subjects, you will need to register as an SPM private candidate and sit for the papers with the rest of the present year SPM students in February / March.

e) It can take up to an entire year to retake your SPM

As mentioned, if you want to sit for other subjects not applicable under SPM Ulangan, then be prepared to be delayed for another year. By then, your friends would have gotten at least a 6-month head start by the time you’re done.

So think about this thoroughly.