How to Translate Your SPM Certificate
What overseas universities and employers actually require when you submit your Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, step by step.
What SPM is, for context
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is Malaysia's national secondary-school examination, typically sat at age 17. It is a school-leaving qualification, distinct from a university degree transcript — if you are applying somewhere that also wants your degree-level academic records, you will need those translated separately. See our academic transcript translation page if you also need a university transcript translated.
Who needs an SPM translation
- Students applying to overseas universities or foundation/diploma programmes that require secondary-school records in English
- Applicants for overseas scholarships or exchange programmes
- Job applicants overseas whose employer requires proof of secondary education
- Immigration or visa applications that ask for educational history documentation
What to submit for translation
Provide clear scans or photos of both the SPM Certificate (Sijil) and the Statement of Results (Slip Keputusan) — the certificate alone does not show your individual subject grades, which most university admissions offices want to see. If you are missing either document, it can be reissued through your former school or the Malaysian Examinations Council (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia).
The translation process
Once we receive clear copies of both documents, translation typically takes 24–48 hours. Subject names, grade scales (A+, A, A-, and so on), and the school/examination board details are all translated and formatted to match the original layout, since some receiving institutions cross-check the translation against the original document's structure.
Get started
See our academic document translation page for pricing and to get a free quote for your SPM Certificate and Statement of Results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to translate both the certificate and the results slip?
In most cases yes — the certificate confirms completion, while the results slip lists your actual subject grades, and admissions offices typically want to see both.
Is SPM the same as a university transcript?
No. SPM is a secondary-school (high-school level) qualification. A university transcript is a separate, degree-level academic record — if you need both translated, they are handled as separate documents.
Will the translated grades be converted to a foreign grading scale?
No, a certified translation renders the original grades and terms accurately (for example, A+, A, A-) rather than converting them to another country’s grading system — grade conversion, if needed, is typically handled by the receiving institution’s own admissions office.
What if my SPM certificate is damaged or lost?
You can request a replacement or an official transcript directly from the Malaysian Examinations Council (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia) or your former school before proceeding with translation.
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