Overview
Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) is Malaysia's National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) certificate, awarded under the Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran, JPK). It certifies competency in a specific occupation and is one of the main vocational skills qualifications used across Malaysian industry.
Who can apply
Candidates can be trainees from accredited skills-training institutions or workers with relevant job experience, since SKM assessment is competency-based and can also be pursued through Pengiktirafan Pencapaian Terdahulu (Recognition of Prior Achievement, RPL/PPT) for experienced workers without formal training.
Levels or stages
SKM is awarded at Levels 1 to 5, broadly moving from basic operative-level skills at Level 1 up to supervisory and managerial-level competency at Level 5, each tied to the NOSS for that specific occupation.
Exam pattern
Assessment follows the NOSS competency-based model: candidates are assessed against defined competency units for their occupation through practical demonstration, portfolio evidence and/or oral questioning, carried out by JPK-accredited assessors.
Marking and results
Candidates are assessed as competent or not yet competent against each required competency unit; achieving all units for a level leads to the SKM certificate at that level.
How to apply
Candidates apply through a JPK-accredited training centre, or directly for Recognition of Prior Achievement assessment if relying on existing work experience rather than formal training.
FAQs
Can I get SKM certification without formal training?
Yes, through Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT/RPL), which assesses existing work experience against the same competency standards as formal training.
How many levels does SKM have?
Five levels, from basic operative-level skills (Level 1) up to supervisory and managerial-level competency (Level 5).