Which grading system Malaysia schools use? TP1 – TP6, or ABCDEF?
Malaysian schools now show both systems: A-to-F for UASA (Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik) exam, and TP1 – TP6 for Classroom-based Assessment (Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah, PBD).
You should see both grades in the report card: letter grade for UASA result, TP level for PBD.
Have you ever opened your child’s report card and spotted two different marks—an A-F letter grade and another code like “TP3”? This article clears up the confusion.
We’ll explain what the TP system is, how it’s graded, what each TP level means, and which grades appear on the report card.
We’ll also show you where to find past year UASA papers so your child can practise at home.
1. What is UASA and how is it graded?
UASA (Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik) is the end-of-year exam for every Standard 4 – Standard 6 (SJKC/SK) and Form 1 – Form 3 (SMK) students.
As of July 2025, the Ministry of Education Malaysia has decided that UASA papers are marked out of 100, then converted to A–F scale as below:
| % score | Grade | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 82 – 100 | A | Cemerlang (Excellent) |
| 66 – 81 | B | Kepujian (Distinction) |
| 50 – 65 | C | Baik (Good) |
| 35 – 49 | D | Memuaskan (Satisfactory) |
| 20 – 34 | E | Mencapai Tahap Minimum (Meets minimum level) |
| 0 – 19 | F | Belum Mencapai Tahap Minimum (Does not meet minimum level) |
Note: 20% is now the official passing mark for UASA 😅
2. What is the TP grading system?
You may also see TP1 to TP6 (TP = Tahap Penguasaan) in the report card. Tahap Penguasaan (TP) is the grading system of PBD (Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah), or Classroom-based Assessment.
TP grading is based on teacher’s observation of student’s classwork, quizzes, project and the UASA result. The teacher decides the student’s final grade (from TP1 to TP6).
3. What does TP1 or TP6 mean?
Tahap Penguasaan is the Ministry of Education’s six-level mastery ladder for tracking a student’s learning progress across the whole year. Each level blends the knowledge, skills and values set out in the curriculum:
| Tahap Penguasaan | Interpretation |
| TP 1 | Students know the basics or are able to perform basic skills or respond to basic concepts. |
| TP 2 | Students able to demonstrate understanding by explaining something they have learned in the form of communication. |
| TP 3 | Students use their knowledge to perform a skill or task in a particular situation. |
| TP 4 | Students use their knowledge to perform a skill or task according to procedures or in an analytical and systematic manner. |
| TP 5 | Students use their knowledge to perform a skill or task in a new situation according to procedures or in an analytical and systematic manner, while being persistent and maintaining a positive attitude. |
| TP 6 | Students are able to use their existing knowledge and skills to be applied in new situations analytically, systematically, positively, creatively, and innovatively in generating new ideas that can be emulated. |
Translated from guideline issued by MoE, link to source here.
If you want to learn more about the TP system, check out our article here: TP, the new grading system for Malaysian schools.
4. Which grade will be shown in the report card? ABC grade, or TP?
Both are shown in the report card, under different column.
5. Does scoring “A” in UASA means we will get a “TP6” automatically?
No. On top of UASA result, TP grading system also consider other aspects such as student involvement in class activities, quizzes, projects, and others. While UASA grade is based ONLY on the exam.
6. Where can I find UASA past year papers?
Zekolah is a platform for all your needs for educational products! Here’s links to UASA past year papers from SJKC Standard 4 to Standard 6, and SMK Form 1 to Form 3:
- SJKC Standard 4 UASA
- SJKC Standard 5 UASA
- SJKC Standard 6 UASA
- SMK Form 1 UASA
- SMK Form 2 UASA
- SMK Form 3 UASA
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