Mar/08

How To Retake O Level As a Private Candidate

60 Comments · Posted by alwaysLovely in Exam Matters

2009 Update: Registration for private candidates will be from 9 March to 21 March 2009. (Refer to 2009 GCE O Level Timetable here.) I will be updating this post once MOE releases the instructions for registration for private candidates.

Kindly call 6872 2220 – MOE Customer Service Hotline for any questions regarding Private O level candidate registration.

Update: Instructions for 2009 GCE N/O/A Level Private Candidates. Click here to download the file.

Update: For students who have missed the registration period for retaking O Level, read the following:

Prospective candidates who have not registered but wish to register under late registration may write in to SEAB through either email(SEAB_ContactUs_Operations@seab.gov.sg) or posted mail to (298, Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, Singapore 169565 Attn: Operations Division)from 26 March 2008 onwards. A late entry fee of S$50.00 is payable.For more info, check out ==> Singapore Examination Assessment Board

Update : The detailed information for all private candidates is available at SEAB site now. Be early to register for your GCE O Level 2008! All The Best!

With the release of GCE O Level 2007 results, I received 2 phonecalls from parents whose children did not perform well asking me about how to go about registering as private candidate to retake the O Levels as well as if I could providing some coaching for their children so that they can do much better for this year O Levels.

So I thought I might as write about how to retake O Level as a private candidate. (:

As a private candidate, I would suggest you enroll in one of the private schools providing full time education for preparation of O Level examinations. These schools have their teaching systems structured to teach the subjects so that you are more readily prepared for your second chance.

Examination Entry Requirements

You may register as a private candidate if you satisfy the minimum age requirement of 15 on 1st January of the examination year.
Private candidates may enter up to a maximum of nine subjects.
Registration for exam is 10-22 March 2008. You may register online at SEAB site

These logistics matters should be well taken care by the private centres when you sign up with them.

Things to note as a private candidate

Be discplined towards your learning. Ensure that you work hard and achieve your goals.
Treasure your 2nd chance.
Ensure that you are taking the correct syllabus since there are changes in syllabus recently. Check out the syllabus 2008 here

“The end is yet another new beginning.”

after o levels · moe · O Level Exams Timetable · O Level Programmes · O Level students · private candidates

60 comments

cynthia lim · January 27, 2008 at 10:27 pm

how to retake the june o level paper in singapore and how to register

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · January 28, 2008 at 12:51 pm

Hi Cynthia, from my understanding, retake of O Level papers is usually Oct/Nov period.
O Level June papers are for other countries; unless you are taking specific, unique subjects.
You might want to contact MOE for clarifications

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Wan Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
June is for Brunei i guess..

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qn · January 31, 2008 at 12:32 pm

how to retake one sub for o level?

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Jessica · February 2, 2008 at 6:46 pm

I’ve graduated from poly last year.. however i wish to retake my O-level English..

Can i just apply for one subject?

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · February 3, 2008 at 12:21 am

hmm… seems like there is a common question. Retake for 1 Subj and the how…

I should think that if SEAB has yet to provide any info. You can pick up of a copy Strait Times Classified Education Section. Call up any private schools. I am certain that they will do to help you..

Cheers!

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Patrick · February 18, 2008 at 2:32 am

How many O level credits is considered O level graduate? Minimum, is it 3 sudject?

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singaporeolevelmaths | Instructions For GCE O Level 2008 Private Candidates · March 21, 2008 at 11:21 pm

[...] have written previously in How To Retake O Level As A Private Candidate on some of the steps involved in the [...]
Criz · March 30, 2008 at 2:18 pm

is there any way to apply for retake?… i didn’t know the registration period was so short…

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micheal · April 4, 2008 at 4:52 pm

is there anyway to apply now??? cuz i only wan to retake english only. But didnt know the the registration period was so short…

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · April 4, 2008 at 5:07 pm

“I hope the following information is useful”
for more info, Check out ==> http://www.seab.gov.sg/SEAB/eservices/iERS/Registration.html

Prospective candidates who have not registered but wish to register under late registration may write in to SEAB through either email

(SEAB_ContactUs_Operations@seab.gov.sg) or posted mail to (298, Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, Singapore 169565 Attn: Operations Division)
from 26 March 2008 onwards. A late entry fee of S$50.00 is payable.

Candidates who have registered during the registration perod but wish to make amendments may write in to SEAB through either email

(SEAB_ContactUs_Operations@seab.gov.sg) or posted mail to (298, Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, Singapore 169565 Attn: Operations Division).
However, candidates have to make all their outstanding payments at any Singapore Post or through S.A.M prior to making any
amendments. An amendment fee of S$20.00 is payable.

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rizlan · April 11, 2008 at 1:18 pm

i do not have any cert…but wish take private o level….
is it possible….?

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · April 11, 2008 at 5:42 pm

Refer to MOE site as provided in the top section of this post for all enquiries.

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Gulan · April 15, 2008 at 12:39 am

hello, I have register for one of the O level exams, however, where do I go to take the examination? Thanks.

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Fikri · April 22, 2008 at 11:29 pm

Do you think it is possible to improve some of my grades by taking private although Ive managed to pass my O levels.

I want some of my B3s to get A1s

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Fikri · April 22, 2008 at 11:30 pm

and can my olevel cert be combined?

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · April 24, 2008 at 1:15 pm

Fikri: Everything is possible if you want it to be.
Now if you have registered for the retake of O Level this year then work hard and consistently towards what you want to achieve. I am sure your consistent efforts will pay off.
If you have not registered, you would need to check with MOE on registering now as well as if your O Level Cert can be combined.

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Admin comment by alwaysLovely · April 24, 2008 at 1:21 pm

There are examination centres for private candidates. Please refer to the instruction for 2008 private candidates ==> http://www.seab.gov.sg/SEAB/oLevel/2008InstructionsForPrivateCandidates.pdf

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Abigail · July 3, 2008 at 4:54 pm

Hi,
I took my O levels in year 2000, with only 4 passes.
I failed my Science D7
If I were to retake my O levels next year, can I retake science w/o having to attend a school? Can I take subjects that were previously not available to us?
like Literature?
Will combine cert be recogised for the seating that is 10 years apart?
Thanks

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Fazlina · July 9, 2008 at 3:36 pm

Is it possible if I stop school at Sec 3Express , and then I study by myself or have a tutor .

And by next year , I can register for Private O level .
Which simply means I’m taking O level as an O level candidate and not an O level retaker . Is it possible .. ?

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need to improve · July 27, 2008 at 12:14 pm

If i want to retake my 0 level next year, how is it possible as i have only 3 passes now. i would like to have 3 more passes eg, history maths and geography and english. how and where can i find the right text to prepare sturdying for them. thanks alot.

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need to improve · July 27, 2008 at 12:16 pm

If i want to retake my 0 level next year, how is it possible as i have only 3 passes now with a c6 in english. i would like to have 3 more passes eg, history maths and geography and get a better grade in english. how and where can i find the right text to prepare sturdying for them. thanks alot.

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sadia · August 23, 2008 at 4:01 pm

how and when do i apply to retake it next year january? i onli want to retake science in Hong kong.. IGCSE double science…

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sadia · August 23, 2008 at 4:02 pm

thank u..

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Iwanttoachieve! · September 22, 2008 at 12:23 am

izzit possible for a N(T) level student to take O level as a private candidate? :)

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melz · September 23, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Hie the problem is why nobody want to tell us how much it costs for us to retake the o levels? does anybody have any idea?
Also, is there such a thing as we retake but do not have to enrol at a private school ?

Reply
alwaysLovely Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Hi Melz,

Examination fees are found in this file which I have included in the blog post above
http://www.seab.gov.sg/SEAB/oLevel/2008InstructionsForPrivateCandidates.pdf

It’s not compulsory to enrol in any private school but most private candidates want to have a refresher course to prepare themselves fully for the GCE ‘O’ exams.

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Siti · September 24, 2008 at 12:30 pm

Hi. I just want to ask. I do not have PSLE. I have never taken PSLE before. And I have never been in Sec sch education due to some reasons. Can I still take O levels without a PSLE cert and without a Sec Sch edu? How is it going to be done? Please advise. Thank you.

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alwaysLovely Reply:
September 30th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Kindly call 6872 2220 – MOE Customer Service Hotline

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Nur Effidah · October 16, 2008 at 10:15 am

I’m currently in ITE in 2007-2008, graduating this december, holding a NITEC certificate in digital media design. I’am from normal Technical. I’m am planning to take privately.I want to sit for the O. I have a tutor already. When can i enroll?
How much is the examination fees?

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Luna · February 22, 2009 at 1:08 pm

Hi! I would like to retake my ‘O’ level English as a private candidate… I want to find out what’s the exam fee costs like? Still tinkin if i should join the ite for classes too. (I do realis tt their fees does not include exam fees)

Reply
singaporeolevelmaths | GCE O Level A-Math, E-Math, Chemistry Coaching, Tuition, Tutor, Class, Revision, Notes, Tips, Concepts, Questions · February 23, 2009 at 11:13 pm

[...] have written previously in How To Retake O Level As A Private Candidate on some of the steps involved in the [...]
gy · March 22, 2009 at 1:17 am

can poly students retake o lvl ? pls reply asap. thanks so so much …

Reply
alwaysLovely Reply:
March 31st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
@gy, Luna: Kindly call 6872 2220 – MOE Customer Service Hotline

Reply
Grace Tam · May 6, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Hi,

my bro is taking his O’levels as a private candidate and has registered for all 5 subjects. However, im trying to find a private school for him to do his Science Practical. But, i cant find any! BMC and Eddigton only offer combined Phy/Chem.. whereelse, my bro is taking bio/chem. any schools you can recommend? :)

*running out of time*

cheerios

Reply
alwaysLovely Reply:
May 13th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hi Grace,

To be honest, I’m not able to recommend you any private schools as I am not familiar with private schools. Based on my knowledge, BMC seems to be the more reputable one.

You can always search online or Strait Times Classified or post your questions on popular forums.

These should help.

Cheers!

Reply
Asad Mehmood Reply:
November 7th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Dear,
Hoe are you? Hope you will be in a good health.
I need your help.Can you please help me, i want to study in O Leval as a private candidate,but i am a poor boy i can not bear the expenses of study.Will you plz help me? I waill never forget your this brilliant help up as long as i live.
Plz help me yhis is my e-mail address,
atoy_20032003@yahoo.co.uk
Awaiting for your reply anxiously.
Your’s Truely,
Asad Mehmood.

Reply
Wan Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Try Singapore Institute of Science (SIS)..

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Soon · May 14, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Hi,
I understand that the syllabus for 2004 “O” level ENGLISH is different as conpared to this year’s paper. Is it necessary to enrol in private sch to learn the new syllabus?

And 1 thing is that, if i re-take my”O” level ENGLISH this year, is it still applicable to sign up for part-time degree (PSB)? As PSB states that the applicant are required to take IELTS (British council) as i didn’t get C6 for my ENGLISH.

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christine · August 28, 2009 at 1:05 pm

hi ai ling huh i want to knwo is there any place that i can study and retake my n levels

haha

i am 27 this year

Reply
Wan · October 28, 2009 at 10:47 pm

Hai, I will graduate from my current school with O Level certificate in hand.. However, I only taking 5 subjects and my current school(private) did not offer Bio, Chemistry and any Humanities subject. How I want to take them next year as I want to enter JC (Science stream) and combined them with my this year result? Any instituiton offer those subjects seperately?

Thank you for your help..

Reply
Asad Mehmood · November 3, 2009 at 2:46 pm

Hy Dears
I am Asad Mehmood from Pakistan.My collification is F.A (12 classess).I want to get higher education but i can not bear the expenses of education bcoz i am a poor boy.I need your help.Is there anybody who can help me and save my future.I aslo want to study in O-Level.
Awaiting for yours reply anxiously.
Your’s Truely,
Asad Mehmood.

Reply
Wan Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
O level in government school is much cheaper. My advice is, I think you can just study in your country, where local people only need to pay a small amount of money.

Reply
Asad Mehmood Reply:
November 7th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Dear Wan,
How are you?
Hope you will be in a good health.
Will you please guide me how i can study as O Level private candidate in my country?
Awaiting for your response!
Your’s Sincerely,
Asad

Reply
Isabella · November 12, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Hi. I am an IP student who will be in Sec 4 in 2o10.
(1)I want to take the ‘O’ levels as a private candidate and use the L1R5 to go to another JC. This is possible, right?
(2)All IP students have to take Higher Mother Tongue ‘O’ level exam at end of Sec 4. Hence, I’m planning to take 8 subjects as a private candidate and HMT in my sec school. MOE will combine the results for the 9 subjects into a single certificate, I believe?
Btw, I know the differences b/w the IP and ‘O’ level syllabuses. I understand that there are limited places in the top JCs so I’ve started serious studying already.
Thanks!=))

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Cynderellacai · November 16, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Hi always lovely,

I am helping my sister to look for private schools but I’m a bit helpless…
I have read your replies to all queries. I know that you have no idea of the private schools…
However, are you able to help to search for some good private schools & recommend? (I only know BMC)
This would be of great help to many!!!

Thanks and best regards,
Cynderellacai

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Ginchy · December 2, 2009 at 11:25 am

Hi, will there be any test or case by case basis if I to take this O level? im from ITE and i only have N level.

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Vincent · December 6, 2009 at 3:07 am

I am malaysian, I will like to take O level singapore. Any private school recommended for my preparation?

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michelle · December 18, 2009 at 9:41 pm

Hello, i am age 16 this year and have failed my N levels ny 1 point and thus wish to take private Os next yr.I would be going to tution instead of going private school. How to apply to take private O next yr and do you have any suggestion?

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alwaysLovely Reply:
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Details would be released in late feb & early march period for private candidate registration.

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Bella Tan · December 31, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Hey I’m gona be Secondary 3 and currently in Double Science Express studying Physics and Bio. Due to not meeting up the requirement to study all 3 Sciences, I would like to take Biology as a private candidate inorder to be able to study 1 when i go to Junior college or Poly.
Do u tink it;s possible to just take 1 subject as a private candidate without private schooling? I can be tutored instead. I understand that private candidates are mainly to retake their exam but isit possible for someone who has not took 1 before to sit for the exam as one?

Reply
alwaysLovely Reply:
January 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Bella Tan, For science exams, there could be a practical component which makes it a little tricky. I would suggest you call SEAB for advice.

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Bella Tan · December 31, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Erm srry, Im currently studying Physics and Chemistry,NOT BIO. Error..srry.

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sara · January 3, 2010 at 7:05 pm

if i retake a certain subject, will my grade on the original marksheet be replaced?

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Max · January 11, 2010 at 10:57 pm

How do i combine my results of 2009 and 2010?coz i only get 2010 result slip…

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Ally · January 13, 2010 at 6:06 pm

hi ai ling,

please advice how many o level subjects are required for entry into JC in singapore. I’m a malaysian and have been reading your blog and found it very useful. please advice. many thanks.

have a nice day!

ally

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Alan Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
6 subjects.. visit Singapore Ministry of Education website for details on those subjects.. or JAE website..

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W. · February 8, 2010 at 2:06 am

Hey sorry , I called but where can I sign up for science , because i heard it must go for a school for Science subject.

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Alan Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Just visit http://www.bmc.edu.sg

u can study there part-time too.. Just visit the centre directly for help n inquiry..

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joanne · February 8, 2010 at 9:41 pm

hi
i want to know sth abt o level
if i am a private candidate, can i take my science as one pure science and one combine scinece like pure physics and combined chem/bio?

Reply