Dear Participants,
Welcome to the National English Proficiency Challenge (NEPC) 2026.
Organised in celebration of CEFL's 25th Anniversary, this nationwide challenge aims to recognise and celebrate English language proficiency among students across Malaysia.
Whether this is your first English competition or you are aiming to become a national champion, we invite you to showcase your skills, challenge yourself, and enjoy the journey.
Good luck and have fun!
What is NEPC?
The National English Proficiency Challenge is a nationwide English reading competition aligned with CEFR standards.
Participants will compete through three stages:
Qualifiers
→
Semi-Final
→
Grand Final
Top performers will receive trophies, medals, certificates, exclusive merchandise, and sponsored Cambridge English Qualification examinations.
Competition Categories
| Category Names |
Corresponding CEFL Course Level |
Corresponding CEFR Level |
Suggested Age Range |
| Seed |
Starters & Super Starters |
Pre-A1 Starters |
6-8 |
| Sprout |
Movers & Mighty Movers |
A1 Movers |
8-10 |
| Trailblazer |
Flyers & Fantastic Flyers |
A2 Flyers |
9-12 |
| Voyager |
A2 Key |
A2 Key |
11-14 |
| Adventurer |
Pre-B1 Preliminary & B1 Preliminary |
B1 Preliminary |
13-16 |
| Champion |
Pre-B2 First & B2 First |
B2 First |
14-16 |
| Luminary |
Pre-C1 Advanced & C1 Advanced |
C1 Advanced |
16-17 |
| Legend |
C2 Proficiency |
C2 Proficiency |
16-17 |
Participants may register for:
- Either their current CEFL level or one level higher
- Participants may register for one category only.
Competition Timeline
| STAGE |
DATE |
| Registrations |
Early bird registration: 1 July - 8 July
Standard registration: 9 - 31 July
|
| Qualifiers |
8 August - 23 August |
| Semi-Final |
12 September - 27 September |
| Grand Final |
25 October |
Your Journey to the Grand Final
Familiarisation with the Assessment Platform
Before the Qualifiers begin, participants are encouraged to log in to the NEPC digital platform and try the demo test.
This allows you to familiarise yourself with the system interface, navigation, and question format before the actual assessment.
The demo test is optional and does not affect your competition results. However, it is strongly recommended so that you can complete the real assessment smoothly and confidently.
Please ensure you use the same device type you will use for the actual assessment for the most accurate experience.
Round 1: Qualifiers
Assessment Period: 8 August – 23 August
Format: Online Assessment
Advancement: Top 40% of participants from each category
Round 2: Semi-Finals
Assessment Period: 12 September – 27 September
Format: Online Assessment
Advancement: Top 12% of participants from each category
Round 3: Grand Final
Date: 25 October
Format: Live Assessment
Awards: Champion, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up
Assessment Day Checklist
Before your assessment:
- Laptop/Desktop ready
- Stable internet connection
- Quiet environment
- Ensure your device is fully charged
- Have your login details ready
- Log in at least 15 minutes early
Fair Play Rules
To ensure a fair competition:
DO:
- Complete the assessment independently
- Follow all instructions
- Rely solely on your own knowledge and ability
DO NOT:
- Receive assistance or guidance from others
- Use AI tools or other unauthorised digital assistance
- Use translation tools
- Search online for answers
- Share assessment content
- Use unauthorised devices (mobile/tablet)
Any breach may result in disqualification.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Technical issues may occasionally occur. Examples include internet disruption, power failure, device malfunction, or platform issues.
If this happens:
- Take screenshots or photographs of the issue where possible.
- Notify your Centre Manager immediately or contact the NEPC team via email.
Verified cases may be considered for a re-take or other appropriate arrangements, subject to the organising committee’s review.
Awards & Recognition
| Award / Prize |
All Participants |
Semi-Finalists |
Grand Finalists |
Runner-Ups |
Champions |
| E-Certificate |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Participant Certificate |
- |
Semi-Finalist Certificate* |
Grand Finalist Certificate |
Runner-Up Certificate |
Champion Certificate |
| Button Badge |
Participant* |
Semi-Finalist* |
Grand Finalist |
Runner-Up |
Champion |
| Medal |
- |
- |
✓ |
- |
- |
| Trophy |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
✓ |
| Merchandise Pack |
- |
- |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Cash Voucher for CEQ Examination |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
- |
| Fully Sponsored CEQ Examination |
- |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
| Travel Voucher (CEFL Students ONLY) |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
✓ |
