The Malaysian Skills Certificate is also called Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM). It is Malaysia’s national certificate for hands-on work skills. The Department of Skills Development awards it. This department is also called JPK (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran). Levels 1 to 3 are under SKM. Levels 4 and 5 are skills diplomas. You can get this certificate in three ways. You can study at a JPK-accredited centre. You can join industry-based training. You can also show proof of skills you already have.
This is the simple answer. The sections below explain the five levels and three available routes. They also cover enrolment rules. You will learn how to check if a course truly provides SKM. The JPK details below come from JPK’s SKM service page. The page was last updated in July 2024 (JPK, Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia).
The five levels of Malaysian skills certification
JPK’s page lists five levels of Malaysian skills certification:
| Level | Name | Short form |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Tahap 1 | SKM 1 |
| 2 | Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Tahap 2 | SKM 2 |
| 3 | Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Tahap 3 | SKM 3 |
| 4 | Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia | DKM |
| 5 | Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia | DLKM |
Strictly speaking, "SKM" only covers Levels 1 to 3. However, people often use "SKM" for the full certification system. This includes DKM and DLKM. If a course offers SKM, check which level it provides.
Each level is for a certain skills field. There is no general SKM for "film". The certificate states both the field and level. Its field name is as important as its level.
Three ways to earn SKM
JPK lists three routes to Malaysian skills certification.
1. Training at an accredited centre (SLaPB)
Sistem Latihan Program Bertauliah is known as SLaPB. In this route, you train at a JPK-accredited centre. The centre must be approved for a certain field and level. Most school leavers choose this option.
2. National dual training (SLDN)
Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional is also called SLDN. It combines workplace learning with lessons at a skills centre. Industry leads this route. It suits people who prefer to learn while working.
3. Recognition of prior achievement (PPT)
Pentauliahan Pencapaian Terdahulu is known as PPT. It is for people with skills from past work or training. You give proof of what you can do. An assessor checks this proof. An external verifier chosen by JPK then confirms it.
PPT may give an experienced video editor or camera operator a faster route. They may not need to start a course from the beginning.
Who can enrol
JPK has two basic rules for the accredited-centre route. Candidates must:
- know how to speak and write Bahasa Melayu or English, and
- have the lower SKM level before starting the next level in the same field.
JPK also says each accredited centre may set extra rules for trainees. The rules may differ between centres. Ask each centre for its enrolment rules in writing.
JPK’s page does not list academic results as a minimum rule. That is one reason SKM programmes are open to school leavers. Some film and video schools accept learners from age 16. This includes students who leave school before SPM. Our guide to starting film making school at 16 explains what parents should check.
How an SKM course is usually assessed
SKM confirms your skills in a stated field. So, much of the assessment will likely use hands-on tasks. One JPK service is the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS). It sets the standards used to create skills programmes. JPK’s page also explains the prior-achievement route. People on this route give proof of their skills to an assessor.
In a creative field, you may need to complete work from a brief. Tasks differ by level and field. Ask the centre for details. Do not make guesses.
Ask these three questions about assessment:
- What tasks are assessed, and when does each assessment happen?
- Will assessment happen after every module, or only at the end?
- If you fail a task on your first attempt, what happens next?
The answers help you understand the course schedule. They also show how much practice you may need.
Is SKM recognised?
JPK’s page says skills certification is "diiktiraf oleh industri di Malaysia". This means Malaysian industry recognises it. The page also says this certification offers a career path. This path is similar to one based on academic qualifications.
What SKM does not mean:
- It is not SPM. SPM tests school subjects. SKM tests work skills in one field.
- It is not a university degree. JPK awards DKM and DLKM as skills diplomas. A university does not award them.
- It is not only a certificate made by a private school. A school may also offer its own certificate. However, only JPK can award SKM.
Some creative schools offer another qualification with SKM. For example, one Johor film school offers a dual certificate. It includes a UK Advanced Diploma and Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia for relevant modules. The programme is explained on its course page. Before joining any school, check the SKM field and level for each module.
How to check a course really leads to SKM
This check is useful and takes only a few minutes.
- Visit myspike.my, JPK’s MySPIKE online system. JPK’s SKM page sends users there to find accredited programmes and centres.
- Search for both the programme and the centre’s name.
- Check the programme’s listed level and field name.
- Ask the centre which level comes from each module. Also ask when assessment takes place.
If a programme is not in the system, ask the centre why. Do this before making payment. A programme without SKM may still be good. However, you must know which certificate it gives.
SKM and other film course certificates
SKM is one of several certificates a film course can lead to. Others include diplomas and degrees on the Malaysian Qualifications Framework, and qualifications awarded by bodies in other countries. We compare them in what a film production course in Malaysia covers.
Where SKM fits in a film career
Clients usually look at the showreel first. This applies when they choose a video editor or camera operator. However, certification has other benefits. It shows an employer that your skills were tested using a national standard. It may also let you move to the next level. The next level may be a skills diploma.
Students should see SKM as one of several points when comparing courses. Other points include access to equipment and hands-on learning time. They also include real work made by students. Read how to compare cinematography courses in Malaysia before you pay for more help. To learn about certificates from one Johor film making school, visit its home page.
Frequently asked questions
What does SKM stand for?
SKM means Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia. It is also called the Malaysian Skills Certificate. The Department of Skills Development (JPK) awards it. It confirms hands-on skill in a stated field.
How many levels of SKM are there?
The JPK skills certification system has five levels. Levels 1 to 3 are under SKM. The Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) is Level 4. The Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) is Level 5.
Do I need SPM to take an SKM course?
JPK has two basic rules. You must speak and write Bahasa Melayu or English. You also need the lower level before moving to a higher level. Each accredited centre may set extra rules. Ask every centre about its rules.
How do I check if an SKM course is real?
Use myspike.my to find the programme and centre. MySPIKE is JPK’s online system. Check that the listed level and field match the centre’s information.
Can I get SKM for skills I already have?
Yes. Recognition of Prior Achievement (PPT) lets you show proof of your current skills. An assessor checks the proof. A verifier chosen by JPK then confirms it.
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