MUET explained: the 360-point score, bands 1.0 to 5+, the CEFR table, five-year validity and the fee
The MUET (Malaysian University English Test) is run by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC, Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia). It has four papers worth 90 points each, 360 in all, and your total becomes a band from 1.0 to 5+ tied to a CEFR level.
Results last five years from the date of issue, and anyone can sit it: the council sets no entry condition. Everything below is from the council's own portal and its regulations (updated January 2021), read on 5 November 2026.
The four papers
Each paper counts for 25%. Listening, reading and writing are on one day; speaking can fall on another day in a two-week period.
The speaking paper has an individual presentation (2 minutes to prepare, 2 to talk) and a group discussion (3 minutes to prepare, 8 to 12 to discuss).
Besides the three regular sessions a year, the council runs MUET on Demand, where all four papers can be on one day, depending on numbers and rooms.
- Listening50 min90 points
- Speaking30 min90 points
- Reading75 min90 points
- Writing75 min90 points
Bands, scores and CEFR
This is the council's band table. The regulations we read set out scores and bands, and we found no single pass mark in them. Our reading: the band that matters is the one your university, course or employer names, so get that number from them.
Older results use a different scale. The council's 2015 specification reported 0 to 300 on bands 1 to 6. A Band 4 from before the change is not the same thing as a Band 4.0 today.
- 331–360Band 5+C1+
- 294–330Band 5.0C1
- 258–293Band 4.5B2
- 211–257Band 4.0B2
- 164–210Band 3.5B1
- 123–163Band 3.0B1
- 82–122Band 2.5A2
- 36–81Band 2.0A2
- 1–35Band 1.0A2
Fee and registering
The council's fee page (July 2026): RM150 for citizens, RM350 for non-citizens.
Individual private candidates no longer need a MEC PIN: since 2024 they register and pay by internet banking at muet.mpm.edu.my. School and institution candidates have their own route, through a PIN, myBSN or ATM.
Session dates are on the council's MUET calendar. Check them there, not on a tuition centre's page.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Sending a result older than five years.
Checking the issue date first.
The council says results from 2009 on last five years from the date of issue.
Comparing an old band directly with a new one.
Checking which scale the certificate uses.
The 2015 specification used 0 to 300 and bands 1 to 6; the current one uses 1 to 360 and bands 1.0 to 5+.
Treating speaking as a minor paper.
Preparing it like the other three.
Speaking carries 25%, the same 90 points as every other paper.
Questions
How long is a MUET result valid?
Five years from the date of issue, for results issued from 2009 on.
What CEFR level is MUET Band 4.0?
B2. In the council's table, Band 4.0 is 211 to 257 of 360.
How much does MUET cost?
RM150 for citizens and RM350 for non-citizens, on the council's fee page dated July 2026.
How is MUET scored?
Listening, speaking, reading and writing are worth 90 points each, 360 in all, and the total gives a band from 1.0 to 5+.
Who can take MUET?
Anyone. The council imposes no eligibility condition.
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