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National English Proficiency Challenge 2026 - Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions of Challenge

By registering for or participating in the National English Proficiency Challenge (N.E.P.C.) ("Competition"), all participants, parents/guardians, and schools acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions.

  1. 1. ORGANISER

    • 1.1. The Competition is organised by Cambridge English For Life Sdn Bhd (Company Number: 386971-H) hereinafter referred to as "CEFL".
    • 1.2. Registered address: A-1-10, Merchant Square, No 1, Jalan Tropicana Selatan 1, PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

  2. 2. ELIGIBILITY & REGISTRATION

    • 2.1. The Competition is open to students aged 6 to 17 years who are:
      • 2.1.1. Enrolled in CEFL courses; and/or
      • 2.1.2. Enrolled in any primary or secondary school, including government, private, or international schools.
    • 2.2. Participants must register for a single Competition level only.
    • 2.3. The Organiser reserves the right to assign or adjust a participant's Competition level or category based on their assessed suitability and eligibility. Any such adjustment will be communicated to the participant via email.
    • 2.4. Participants shall compete at the assigned or selected level throughout all stages of the Competition. Where a participant qualifies for multiple levels, the participant must proceed in only one (1) category as determined or confirmed by the Organiser.
    • 2.5. The Organiser reserves the right to verify eligibility at any stage and to disqualify any participant found to be registered under an incorrect or inappropriate level.
    • 2.6. By participating in the Competition, all winners will be deemed to have read, understood, and expressly agreed to be bound by the Terms & Conditions of this Competition as stated herein and any additional terms and conditions stipulated by CEFL including the decisions of CEFL in all matters related thereof.
    • 2.7. CEFL reserves the right, with or without cause, to exclude entrants and withhold prizes for violating any of these terms and conditions.
    • 2.8. All successfully registered participants shall be entitled to one (1) complimentary placement test.
      • 2.8.1. Public participants are encouraged to take the placement test at any CEFL centre. Redemption requires presentation of the registration confirmation email, NEPC placement test voucher, and NEPC login username (as provided in the confirmation email) at the selected CEFL centre.
      • 2.8.2. The NEPC placement test voucher shall be valid for redemption only from 1 July to 31 October.

  3. 3. COMPETITION STRUCTURE

    • 3.1. The Competition consists of three (3) main stages:
      • 3.1.1. Qualifiers (Online)
      • 3.1.2. Semi-Finals (Online)
      • 3.1.3. Grand Finals (Live Event)
    • 3.2. All progression is based on merit-based ranking within each category.
    • 3.3. In the event of a tie, the participant with the highest number of correct answers in the shortest completion time shall be ranked higher.
      • 3.3.1. Where a tie remains following the application of Clause 3.3, priority shall be given to the participant whose submission bears the earliest system-recorded submission timestamp.
    • 3.4. The Competition is designed as a reading-based assessment aligned to CEFR standards and serves as a competitive enrichment activity.

  4. 4. REGISTRATION FEES

    • 4.1. Fee Structure
      • 4.1.1. CEFL Students (Active at Point of Registration)
        • 4.1.1.1. Early Bird: RM50
        • 4.1.1.2. Standard: RM75
      • 4.1.2. Non-CEFL Students (Government, Private & International Schools)
        • 4.1.2.1. Early Bird: RM75
        • 4.1.2.2. Standard: RM100
    • 4.2. CEFL Student Rate Eligibility
      • 4.2.1. CEFL student rates apply strictly to participants who are active CEFL students at the point of registration. An 'active CEFL Student' is defined as a student who is currently enrolled and has paid tuition fees for the term coinciding with the date of registration.
      • 4.2.2. Non-CEFL participants may qualify for CEFL student rates if they subsequently enrol in any CEFL centre and complete payment of at least one (1) full term of study.
      • 4.2.3. Eligibility changes must be verified and approved by CEFL prior to registration confirmation.
    • 4.3. Verification & Fee Adjustments
      • 4.3.1. The Organiser reserves the right to verify participant status at any time.
      • 4.3.2. The Organiser may reclassify participant category or adjust applicable fees where necessary.
      • 4.3.3. Where a participant is found to have registered under an incorrect category, the Organiser may require payment of any fee difference prior to confirmation of participation.
    • 4.4. General Fee Conditions
      • 4.4.1. All registration fees are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable, except where stated under the Refund Policy.
      • 4.4.2. Late, incomplete, or inaccurate registrations will not be accepted.
      • 4.4.3. CEFL reserves the right to adjust fees upon subsequent conversion of non-CEFL student to CEFL registered students.

  5. 5. REFUND POLICY

    • 5.1. All registration fees paid are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable once payment has been successfully processed.
    • 5.2. Participants are responsible for ensuring that all registration details and payment information submitted are accurate before completing the transaction. The Organiser shall not be responsible for incorrect information submitted by participants.
    • 5.3. The Organiser shall not be responsible for any failed, duplicated, delayed, or interrupted transactions caused by banks, payment gateways, internet connectivity issues, or third-party service providers.
    • 5.4. Any request for refund, payment dispute, or claim of overpayment must be submitted in writing together with supporting documents within thirty (30) days from the payment date. Claims submitted after this period may not be entertained.
    • 5.5. Participants are required to retain their payment receipt, transaction slip, or payment reference number for verification and reconciliation purposes.
    • 5.6. Any approved refund request shall be subject to verification by the Organiser and management approval. The Organiser reserves the right to request additional supporting documents before processing any refund.
    • 5.7. Refunds, if approved, will only be processed to the original payment method or bank account used during the registration process and may take between fourteen (14) to thirty (30) working days, depending on bank or payment gateway processing timelines.
    • 5.8. No refund shall be provided under the following circumstances:
      • 5.8.1. Withdrawal from the contest by participant;
      • 5.8.2. Failure to attend or participate;
      • 5.8.3. Disqualification due to breach of contest rules or Terms & Conditions;
      • 5.8.4. Submission of incorrect participant information;
      • 5.8.5. Change of mind after successful registration and payment;
      • 5.8.6. Duplicate registration made by the participant unintentionally;
      • 5.8.7. Technical issues arising from participant's own internet connection, device, or banking/payment platform.
    • 5.9. Medical or exceptional cases may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at CEFL's sole discretion, subject to supporting documentation.
    • 5.10. The Organiser reserves the right to offset any approved refund against any outstanding amount owed by the participant to the Organiser.
    • 5.11. Administrative fees, payment gateway charges, or transaction fees incurred by the Organiser may be deducted from any approved refund amount.
    • 5.12. In the event the contest is cancelled by the Organiser, the Organiser reserves the right to determine whether the registration fees will be refunded, partially refunded, or transferred to a future event or replacement session.
    • 5.13. By proceeding with the registration and payment, participants are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to this Refund & Payment Policy.

  6. 6. EXAMINATION MODE & VENUE

    • 6.1. Qualifiers and Semi-Finals may be conducted online under invigilated conditions.
    • 6.2. The Grand Finals will be conducted as a physical live event.
    • 6.3. The Organiser reserves the right to determine or modify platforms, schedules, or technical requirements where necessary.

  7. 7. RESULTS & PROGRESSION

    • 7.1. Results will be communicated via official CEFL email and/or communication channels.
    • 7.2. Only successful participants will be notified of progression.
    • 7.3. Results' release timelines:
      • 7.3.1. Qualifiers & Semi-Finals: within 7-10 working days
      • 7.3.2. Grand Finals: announced on the day of the event
    • 7.4. Participation does not guarantee progression, ranking, or award in the Competition.

  8. 8. APPEALS POLICY

    • 8.1. The Competition operates under a limited appeals policy.
    • 8.2. Appeals are permitted only for verified administrative or clerical errors.
    • 8.3. Appeals concerning any of the following matters will not be accepted:
      • 8.3.1. Question content or difficulty;
      • 8.3.2. Judging decisions;
      • 8.3.3. Participant performances.
    • 8.4. All decisions of the Organising Committee are final and binding.

  9. 9. CONDUCT & DISQUALIFICATION

    • 9.1. Participants must comply with all rules and instructions.
    • 9.2. The following may result in immediate disqualification:
      • 9.2.1. Cheating or plagiarism
      • 9.2.2. Use of unauthorised assistance or devices
      • 9.2.3. Receiving or sharing assessment content
      • 9.2.4. Switching browser windows or leaving test interface where prohibited
      • 9.2.5. Any form of academic misconduct
    • 9.3. The Organiser reserves the right to investigate and take action on suspected breaches.

  10. 10. TECHNICAL DISRUPTIONS

    • 10.1. The Organiser is not responsible for disruptions caused by internet connectivity issues, device failure, power outages, or failures of third-party platforms.
    • 10.2. Where a participant experiences a verified disruption during an assessment, the participant may submit a request for special consideration.
    • 10.3. Special consideration requests must be submitted via the official Special Considerations Form and must include supporting evidence or documentation.
    • 10.4. Requests may be made for circumstances including, but not limited to:
      • 10.4.1. Verified technical failures
      • 10.4.2. Medical emergencies or illness
      • 10.4.3. Significant external disturbances affecting performance
    • 10.5. All requests must be submitted within 5 working days after the assessment. Late submissions may not be considered.
    • 10.6. The Organiser may, at its sole discretion:
      • 10.6.1. Allow a re-test
      • 10.6.2. Offer an alternative arrangement
      • 10.6.3. Or decline the request where evidence is insufficient or circumstances do not materially affect performance
    • 10.7. Approval of any special consideration is not guaranteed and is subject to verification by the Organising Committee.
    • 10.8. The decision of the Organising Committee shall be final.
    • 10.9. Submission of a request does not guarantee approval.

  11. 11. GRAND FINAL LOGISTICS

    • 11.1. Travel, accommodation, and all related costs are the responsibility of participants.
    • 11.2. The Organiser shall not be liable for any costs incurred.
    • 11.3. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the Grand Final venue, and that the Organiser is not responsible for the personal safety or supervision of participants outside of the actual assessment room.

  12. 12. PRIZES & AWARDS

    • 12.1. All prizes are non-transferable and non-exchangeable for cash.
    • 12.2. CEQ examination vouchers:
      • 12.2.1. Cannot be exchanged for cash
        • 12.2.1.1. With exception for C2 Proficiency candidates who have already paid for and are scheduled to sit for their C2 examination in the November/December 2026 cycle, and who will not be utilising the voucher for the subsequent intake year.
      • 12.2.2. Must be used within the validity periods specified by CEFL (November/December 2026, May/June 2027, November/December 2027, May/June 2028, November/December 2028).
      • 12.2.3. Where a winner has already registered and paid for the November/December 2026 exam session, the voucher entitlement shall be applied to eligible examination sessions in 2027 and 2028 only.
      • 12.2.4. If a winner registers for a CEFL level higher than the level completed in the Competition, the winner shall only be required to pay the difference in standard fees, subject to CEFL approval and availability. This applies to all winners, including CEFL and non-CEFL participants.
      • 12.2.5. Any additional fees (if applicable) shall be borne by the participant
    • 12.3. Winners may be offered participation in CEFL marketing and social media content for up to one (1) year
    • 12.4. For participants under 18, parental/guardian consent is required for any publicity, media usage, or ambassador activities.
    • 12.5. Winners may receive priority access to future CEFL programmes and events.
    • 12.6. CEFL Travel Voucher (CEFL Winners Only)
      • 12.6.1. CEFL student winners will receive a travel voucher, subject to separate terms and conditions to be determined by CEFL.
      • 12.6.2. The travel voucher is non-transferable and non-exchangeable for cash or other benefits. CEFL reserves the right to withdraw, substitute, or modify the travel voucher at its sole discretion.
      • 12.6.3. Winners must remain enrolled in CEFL and registered in EMS at the time of prize fulfilment, failing which CEFL reserves the right to revoke eligibility.
      • 12.6.4. Winners may be required to participate in reasonable publicity activities relating to the prize, including publication of name, photographs, and promotional content usage.
      • 12.6.5. Details regarding the distribution, delivery, and redemption of prizes will be confirmed and communicated by the Organiser following the close of the competition. Winners may be required to provide additional information to facilitate prize fulfilment. The Organiser reserves the right to determine the method of prize distribution and to update these Terms and Conditions accordingly, where permitted by applicable law.
    • 12.7. CEFL is not responsible for lost, expired, or unused prizes.
    • 12.8. CEFL reserves the right to adjust the amount of prizes depending on the eligible students per category.
    • 12.9. Upon notification by CEFL, winners must claim the prize and confirm their details within 1 week by emailing [email protected]. Failure to claim the prize by the winner within the timeframe stipulated by CEFL shall constitute a rejection by such winner and CEFL reserves the right to award the prize to another winner.

  13. 13. PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION

    • 13.1. By registering, participants consent to CEFL collecting and processing personal data for:
      • 13.1.1. Competition administration
      • 13.1.2. Communication and updates
      • 13.1.3. Marketing and promotional purposes
    • 13.2. CEFL complies with applicable PDPA regulations and maintains a Privacy Notice on its official website.

  14. 14. MEDIA CONSENT

    • 14.1. The Organiser may capture photographs, videos, and recordings during the Competition.
    • 14.2. Such materials may be used for marketing, publicity, and educational purposes across print, digital, and social media platforms.

  15. 15. EVENTS BEYOND REASONABLE CONTROL

    • 15.1. The Organiser shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Competition where such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
    • 15.2. Such circumstances include but are not limited to natural disasters, floods, pandemics, government restrictions, war, civil unrest, industrial action, power or internet failure, or failure of third-party platforms or service providers.
    • 15.3. In such events, the Organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, modify, or substitute any part of the Competition without prior notice and without liability.

  16. 16. LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY

    • 16.1. The Organiser shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience arising from participation in the Competition, except where caused by gross negligence.
    • 16.2. The participants/parents agree to indemnify CEFL against any loss, damage, or legal costs caused by the participant's willful misconduct or breach of the Terms & Conditions.

  17. 17. GENERAL PROVISIONS

    • 17.1. The Organiser reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel any part of the Competition or these Terms & Conditions without prior notice.
    • 17.2. All decisions made by the Organising Committee are final and binding.
    • 17.3. By participating, participants confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

  18. 18. PRIVACY NOTICE

    • 18.1. All personal data will be protected and processed in accordance with the Personal Data Protection policy stated below:
      • 18.1.1. Personal Data Protection
        • 18.1.1.1. Cambridge English For Life Sdn Bhd (Company Number: 386971-H) is subject to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010. We promise to process personal data based on the data subject's (participant's) rights as follows:
          • 18.1.1.1.1. The right to be told whether their data will be processed by the company or third parties.
          • 18.1.1.1.2. The right to access own personal data.
          • 18.1.1.1.3. The right to correct own personal data.
          • 18.1.1.1.4. The right to withdraw consent given to process personal data.
          • 18.1.1.1.5. The right to prevent processing own personal data likely to cause damage or stress.
          • 18.1.1.1.6. The right to prevent processing own personal data for purposes of direct marketing.
    • 18.2. Our right as data users
      • 18.2.1. The right to process personal data after obtaining the consent of the data subject.
      • 18.2.2. Can continue to process personal data for the performance of a contract where the data subject is a party to it.
      • 18.2.3. Can continue to process the personal data of the data subject request to make a contract.
      • 18.2.4. Can continue to process personal data in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject.
      • 18.2.5. Can continue to process personal data in compliance with the obligations of law where the data subject is subjected to it.
      • 18.2.6. Can continue to process the personal data for carrying out the functions conferred upon any person under any law.
      • 18.2.7. Can continue to process the personal data for administering justice.
      • 18.2.8. Can charge a fee to data subjects upon request to access their own personal data.
      • 18.2.9. May refuse to comply with a data access request by informing the data subject in writing within the specified time.