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Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives Through English

The National English Proficiency Challenge 2026 — Now Open!

A national English proficiency competition for students aged 6 to 17, aligned with CEFR standards. Practise, compete, and shine on a national stage.

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NATIONAL RECOGNITION THROUGH AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT
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CEFR-Aligned English Proficiency Benchmarking
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EXPERIENCE A DIGITAL EXAMINATION

Why join us

Why Take Part? 🌟

Experience digital exam practice while benchmarking your performance against national standards.

National Recognition & Prestige

Join our nationwide English competition backed by 25 years of Cambridge English for Life (CEFL) excellence, and be recognised as one of Malaysia's top English learners.

Stronger English Mastery

Improve your English skills through a structured, CEFR-aligned challenge designed to strengthen reading, accuracy, and confidence.

Inclusive Prizes & Opportunities

Compete for fully-sponsored Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) exams, along with trophies, medals, certificates, and exclusive CEFL rewards.

Real Performance Benchmarking

Understand your true academic level through national standard assessments that help you track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Confidence Through Competition

Build resilience, focus, and confidence by taking part in a high-level academic challenge alongside students from across the country.

A National Learning Experience

Experience a unique, structured competition journey across multiple stages — from qualifiers to the grand finale — designed to challenge and inspire your English potential.

CEFR levels

Competition Categories 📚

Seed
CEFR Level
YLE Starters
* Age Band
6 – 8

The learner can read, understand, and copy simple sentences, questions, and very short stories written in basic language. They are able to write their name and all the letters of the English alphabet, and can correctly spell some very simple words.

Sprout
CEFR Level
YLE Movers
* Age Band
8 – 10

The learner can understand simple signs, notices, and short factual texts or stories when supported by pictures. They are able to write short, basic phrases and sentences about familiar topics, images, personal details, and their own likes and dislikes.

Trailblazer
CEFR Level
YLE Flyers
* Age Band
9 – 12

The learner can understand short stories and simple descriptions of people, objects, and events, even with some unfamiliar words. They can also write basic stories and descriptions, using connectors like 'and', 'because', and 'then' to link sentences.

Voyager
CEFR Level
A2 Key
* Age Band
11 – 14

The learner can understand straightforward information like menus, road signs, and simplified textbooks. They can also complete standard forms and write short, simple descriptions, letters, or stories.

Adventurer
CEFR Level
B1 Preliminary
* Age Band
13 – 16

The learner can understand routine information, factual articles, and standard correspondence. They can also grasp factual data in their study field, take basic lecture notes, and write letters or emails on familiar personal topics.

Champion
CEFR Level
B2 First
* Age Band
14 – 16

The learner can scan texts for key details, understand complex correspondence, and write factual reports with basic evaluations. They can also express opinions, present arguments, take useful notes, and write emails with non-standard requests.

Luminary
CEFR Level
C1 Advanced
* Age Band
16-17

The learner can read fast enough for academic studies and understand complex articles or newspaper opinions. They can also take accurate notes, write clear reports, and draft well-structured letters that are easy to follow.

Legend
CEFR Level
C2 Proficiency
* Age Band
16-17

The learner can quickly find any information they need, fully understanding highly complex documents, reports, and legal texts. They can also write fluent, accurate letters on any topic, and take complete, precise notes during lectures or meetings while actively participating.

* Age bands are for reference only. Final category selection should be based on English proficiency. Please consult a CEFL Centre Manager or complete a placement assessment for accurate placement.

Fees & Dates

Registration 💳

Choose your category and lock in early-bird savings — open to CEFL students and the General Public.

CEFL Students General Public
Early Bird Standard Early Bird Standard
Period 1–8 Jul 2026 9–31 Jul 2026 1–8 Jul 2026 9–31 Jul 2026
Fee RM 50 RM 75 RM 75 RM 100
Save RM25
CEFL Students
Early Bird
RM50
1 – 8 July 2026
ends 23:59 (GMT+8)
  • Lowest possible rate
  • Email confirmation
  • Digital certificate
Register Now
CEFL Students
Standard
RM75
9 – 31 July 2026
ends 23:59 (GMT+8)
  • Email confirmation
  • Digital certificate
Register Now
Popular
General Public
Early Bird
RM75
1 – 8 July 2026
ends 23:59 (GMT+8)
  • Early-bird savings
  • Email confirmation
  • Digital certificate
Register Now
General Public
Standard
RM100
9 – 31 July 2026
ends 23:59 (GMT+8)
  • Email confirmation
  • Digital certificate
Register Now

All times are in GMT+8 (Malaysia Time). Early-bird rates apply to the first week only.


Important dates

Competition Timeline 🗓️

Follow the journey from registration to the grand final in Kuala Lumpur

1 July 2026
Early Bird Registration Opens

Sign up at the discounted early-bird rate.

9 July 2026
Standard Registration Opens

Standard rates apply from this date onwards.

31 July 2026
Registration Closes

Final cut-off — make sure your entry is in!

8 – 23 August 2026
Qualifier Round Opens

Please complete the assessments by 23 August 2026, 23:59 (GMT+8).

4 September 2026
Qualifier Round Results Release

All participants will be informed of their qualifying round results through email. Eligible participants advancing to the Semi-Final round will be invited.

12 – 27 September 2026
Semi-Final Round Opens

Please complete the assessments by 27 September 2026, 23:59 (GMT+8).

2 / 9 October 2026
Semi-Final Round Results Release

All participants will be informed of their results through email. Eligible participants advancing to the Grand Final will be invited.

25 October 2026
🏆 Grand Final Round

Held in Kuala Lumpur — details will be announced closer to the date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 💭

Who can participate in the National English Proficiency Challenge 2026?

NEPC 2026 is open to both CEFL students and external participants. Registration can be completed online or through participating CEFL centres.

The competition is open to the following categories:
  • Primary School Level: Standard 1 to Standard 6 (typically aged 7–12)
  • Secondary School Level: Form 1 to Form 5 (typically aged 13–17)
Participants will compete within their respective age and school-level categories.

When is the registration deadline?

The registration deadline is 31 July 2026.
As places are limited, participants are encouraged to register before the deadline to secure their spot

Can non-CEFL students register?

Yes. External participants may also register online through the official NEPC 2026 registration form.

Can a participant register for more than one category?

No. Each participant may only register for one category.

Can a participant register for a lower or higher level?

Participants should register according to their appropriate competition category based on their current level, suggested age range, or placement recommendation.

CEFL students may register according to their current CEFL level or one level above.

External participants and non-CEFL students may refer to the suggested age range for category selection. Upon successful registration, eligible participants will receive a complimentary placement test voucher to help determine the most suitable level.

What happens if a participant registers for the wrong category?

The organising committee may review and reassign categories where necessary. All decisions are final.

How can I update my details after submitting my registration?

If you need to update any of your registration details after submission, please contact us at [email protected]. Our team will be happy to assist you.

How do I know if my registration is successful?

Successful participants will receive a registration confirmation email containing important information about the competition, including assessment details and login credentials.

Please check the email inbox registered under the participant’s details. If the email is not found in the inbox, please check the spam or junk folder.

If you are still unable to locate the confirmation email, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

How is a participant's level determined?

CEFL students will be verified through the internal student system. External participants may either refer to the official age recommendation table for category placement or take a placement test to determine the most suitable level.

Who pays for the placement test?

External participants will receive a NEPC digital placement test voucher in their registration confirmation email after successful registration. The voucher provides one (1) complimentary placement test at participating CEFL centres. Standard placement test fees apply if additional placement tests are required.

Are placement test results required for registration?

Placement test results are not required for registration. However, participants are encouraged to complete the placement test to ensure they are registered under the most suitable category.

Am I eligible for PAJSK marks if I enter this competition?

No. Participation in the National English Proficiency Challenge (NEPC) 2026 is not currently eligible for PAJSK marks.

When will participants receive instructions for the assessment?

Qualifier Round assessment details will be provided in the registration confirmation email. Participants should keep their login credentials safe, as the same credentials will be used for all competition rounds.

Semi-Final Round details will be provided when the results are announced after 4 September 2026. Participants who progress to the Semi-Final Round will continue using the same login credentials.

If participants have any questions or are unsure about their assessment details, they may contact [email protected] for assistance.

When will the assessment take place?

The Qualifier Round and Semi-Final Round assessments will be conducted online. Participants may complete the assessment remotely using a laptop or desktop computer with a stable internet connection during the designated assessment period.

The Grand Final will be conducted in person in Kuala Lumpur. Finalists will receive further details regarding the Grand Final venue and event arrangements in advance.

Where will the assessment take place?

The assessment will take place during the designated assessment periods for each competition round:
  • Qualifier Round: 8 August 2026 – 23 August 2026
  • Semi-Final Round: 12 September 2026 – 27 September 2026
  • Grand Final: 25 October 2026 (in person, Kuala Lumpur)

Participants may complete the Qualifier and Semi-Final online assessments at any time within the designated assessment periods. Participants are encouraged to choose a suitable time when they can complete the assessment independently without interruptions.

Further details regarding the Grand Final schedule and venue arrangements will be shared with finalists in advance.

What is the assessment format?

NEPC 2026 assesses participants' English reading comprehension and Use of English (language proficiency) skills.

The competition does not include Listening, Writing, or Speaking components.

The assessment consists of a variety of question types, including:
  • Multiple-choice questions
  • Cloze passages
  • Gap-fill questions
  • Drag-and-drop activities
All rounds are timed. The duration varies according to the participant's competition category:
  • Qualifier Round: 20 minutes
  • Semi-Final Round: 20–30 minutes
  • Grand Final: 45–75 minutes

The Grand Final will be conducted in person. Finalists will receive further details regarding the Grand Final schedule and venue at a later date.

Can mobile phones or tablets be used?

No.
Only laptops or desktop computers are permitted.

Can parents, teachers, or others assist participants during the assessment?

No. Participants must complete the assessment independently. Assistance from parents, teachers, or other individuals is not permitted.

Participants are also not allowed to use external tools, including search engines, translation tools, AI tools, reference materials, notes, or any other form of assistance during the assessment

What happens if internet issues occur during the test?

Participants should report the issue immediately to [email protected]. Cases may be reviewed for re-test eligibility with supporting evidence.

What happens if a participant is unable to complete the assessment within the available period?

Participants may complete the assessment at any time during the designated assessment period:
  • Qualifier Round: 8 August 2026 – 23 August 2026
  • Semi-Final Round: 12 September 2026 – 27 September 2026

Participants who do not complete the assessment within the designated assessment period will not be able to proceed to the next round. If there are exceptional circumstances preventing completion, participants should contact the organising committee at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Requests for consideration may be reviewed by the organising committee and are subject to approval.

Will participants receive their scores?

No. Individual scores and detailed performance reports will not be provided. Participants will only be notified of their competition outcome.

How will participants know their results?

All participants will be notified of their competition outcome via the registered email address provided during registration.

Can results be appealed?

Requests for score reviews will not be accepted. Only verified technical or administrative issues may be reviewed.

How are participants selected for the next round?

For the Qualifier Round, the top 40% of participants in each category will advance to the Semi-Final Round.

For the Semi-Final Round, only the top 10% of participants in each category will advance to the Grand Final.

Progression is determined based on assessment performance and category rankings. The organising committee’s decision is final.

When will winners be announced?

Results and winner announcements will be communicated through official NEPC channels and to registered participants via email.

Will transportation or accommodation be provided for the Grand Final?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation arrangements for the Grand Final. Venue details and event instructions will be shared with finalists in advance.

Are registration fees refundable?

No. Fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable, except in cases of duplicate payment or event cancellation.

Can registration be transferred to another participant?

No. Registrations are non-transferable once confirmed.

What prizes and certificates will participants receive?

Qualifier Round
  • e-Certificate of Participation
  • Official NEPC Qualifier Round button badge
Semi-Final Round
  • e-Certificate
  • Physical certificate
  • Official NEPC Semi-Final Round button badge

Grand Final
All Grand Finalists will receive:

  • Medal
  • Certificate
  • Goodie pack to support preparation for the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ) Digital exams
The Top 3 winners in each category will also receive:
  • Trophy
  • Exclusive CEFL merchandise
  • Either a discounted or fully sponsored Cambridge English Qualification (CEQ) test

Collection of physical items: CEFL students may collect them from their registered CEFL centre. External participants and Non-CEFL students should contact [email protected] to arrange collection.

Can CEQ prizes be transferred?

No. All sponsored prizes are strictly non-transferable.

When can CEQ sponsorships be used?

During available examination cycles from 2026 to 2028, subject to availability.

Terms & Conditions

Please read the Terms & Conditions carefully before registering for the National English Proficiency Challenge 2026.

By participating in NEPC 2026, all participants agree to comply with the official rules, eligibility requirements, assessment guidelines, and decisions made by the organising committee.

Read Full Terms & Conditions Here

Support

Need help? Participants should contact their nearest CEFL centre or email [email protected].

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