The Malaysian Skills Certification System (Malay: Sistem Persijilan Kemahiran Malaysia) is a skills and work-based certification system in Malaysia that is achieved through assessment and training. Candidates can receive Malaysian Skills award if they meet the requirements of the National Occupational Skills Standard developed and regulated by the Department of Skills Development (formerly known as the National Vocational Training Council).
It is conferred as a formal recognised certificate to individuals who has shown capabilities that acquired or practised with competencies to do a task or work, which usually in the form of basic vocational skills. The criteria and standards of the Malaysian Skills Certification System are articulated with higher level qualifications to enable holders to progress from the level of semi skills, to skilled production, right up to supervisory, executive and managerial functions.
The Malaysian Skills Certification System was established in 1993 to replace the National Trade Certification System (Malay: Sistem Persijilan Pertukangan Kebangsaan) as part of a larger reform to streamline the higher and further education systems in Malaysia. The system was also eventually mapped to the Malaysian Qualifications Framework in 2007 providing a framework for the credit equivalency and transfer between the vocational education and training sectors and the higher education sectors.
There are currently 5 levels of awards in the Malaysian Skills Certification System:
Level 1: Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 1 (SKM 1)
Awarded to candidates who show evidence of competence in performing a range of various job tasks or work activities, most of which are routine and predictable.
Level 2: Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 2 (SKM 2)
Awarded to candidates who show evidence of competence in performing a significant range of varied work activities that are being performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are non-routine, requiring individual responsibility and autonomy.
Level 3: Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 (SKM 3)
Awarded to candidates who show evidence of competence in performing a broad range of varied work activities that are performed in a variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required.
Level 4: Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM)
Awarded to candidates who show evidence of competence in performing a broad range of complex technical or professional work activities that are performed in a wide variety of contexts, and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present. Higher level of technical skills should be demonstrated.
Level 5: Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM)
Awarded to candidates who show evidence of a level of competence so as to be able to apply a significant range of fundamental principles and complex techniques across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation. Specialisation in technical skills should be demonstrated.
The certifications can be earned through:
Accredited training centres
Undergoing a fixed training programme or course by community colleges and DSD Accredited Training Centers.
Dual National Training Programme
An apprenticeship scheme conducted within an industry and at public skills training institution.
Accreditation of Prior Achievement
Recognition of prior learning whereby skills acquired either through employment or previous trainings are assessed.
There is no minimum credit requirement for Skills Certificates and they are granted according to the assessed skills and levels attained.
The Malaysian Skills Certification System is classified according to the National Occupational Skills Standard into the following sectors:
Electrical & Electronic, Telecommunications & Broadcasting Industry
Information Technology & Communications
Machinery & Equipment
Mechanical & Electrical Service & Maintenance
Transport
Materials
Packaging
Printing
Chemicals
Medical & Pharmaceuticals
Hospitality & Tourism
Souvenir & Small Enterprise
Building & Construction
Landscaping & Environment
Interior Decoration
Business Management
Textile & Apparel
Agriculture & Agrobased Technology
Resource Based Technology
Biotechnology
Education & Training Services
Others
According to the Malaysian Qualifications Framework, the Malaysian Skills Certification System is mapped to the following equivalents in the higher education and academic sector:
Malaysian Skills Certificate (Levels 1,2 & 3)
Certificate awarded by a recognised institution of higher education accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Malaysian Skills Diploma
Diploma awarded by a recognised institution of higher education accredited by the MQA.
Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma awarded by a recognised institution of higher education accredited by the MQA.
