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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.

Register Now
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SPONSORED CEQ EXAM FOR CHAMPIONS
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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 – 25 August 2026
Qualifier Round Opens

Please complete the assessments by 25 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 CEFL students and external participants. Registration can be completed online or through participating CEFL centres.

Can non-CEFL students register?

Yes. External participants (public candidates) may register through any participating CEFL centre.

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 may register for their current level or one level above their current CEFL 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 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. This voucher entitles them to one (1) complimentary placement test at participating CEFL centres. Otherwise, standard placement test fees apply.

Are placement test results required for registration?

They are recommended for accurate placement but not mandatory for registration.

Where and when will the assessment take place?

Participants may complete the assessment remotely. A stable internet connection and computer are required. You may find the full NEPC timetable here.

Can mobile phones or tablets be used?

No. Only laptops or desktop computers are permitted.

Can participants use external help or tools?

No. Participants must complete the assessment independently without assistance, notes, or digital tools.

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.

Will participants receive their scores?

No. Individual scores will not be released.

How will participants know their results?

All participants will be notified of their outcome via email.

Can results be appealed?

Only technical or administrative issues may be reviewed. Score-based appeals are not permitted.

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.

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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