Registering for the Exam
Entry qualifications for SCMP HKDSE English Language Mock Exam 2026/27?
- Only students studying in Form 5 and 6 at registered secondary schools may be entered.
- For Self Registration, students must also present proof of their student status (e.g. student ID).
Can students repeating Form Six apply for the Mock Exam?
Yes, students repeating their year at registered secondary schools are welcome to apply. However, the Mock Exam will not be accepting any self-studying students.
How can I settle the examination fee for the September registration?
- For School Registration, students should submit their examination fee through the schools.
- For Self Registration, students should pay the examination fee by credit card via our official event website.
- Products sold are non-refundable and non-exchangeable in any circumstances.
Is the Mock Exam able to address my special requirements?
Applications for special arrangements will be assessed individually. Students with special educational needs or other special requirements are strongly advised to check with the SCMP Learn Team (email: ypevent@scmp.com) before applying for the exam.
Students must indicate their requirements when completing the Student Information and provide relevant supporting documentation for assessment. Requests made after submission or on the exam day will not be accommodated. By registering, students declare their readiness to complete the exam independently under the arrangements confirmed in advance.
Exam Regulations and Irregularities
I cannot attend the examination due to sickness. Will there be a supplementary examination/ make-up examination?
No supplementary examination nor refund will be arranged for the Mock Exam.
What are the rules regarding personal electronic devices at the examination centre?
Before the start of an examination, please make sure that articles such as notes, books and all kinds of electronic devices (including tablets, mobile phones, multimedia players, smart watches, electronic dictionaries or other wearable device with communication or data storage functions) are taken out from your pockets/your body or removed from your desk. If these articles are found on your desk, in your pockets or on your body during an examination, you may be disqualified from the whole examination. In case of doubt, the centre supervisor or invigilators may collect the device from you for further inspection.
What happens if I forgot to write question numbers, or have written an incorrect question number on my answer books/supplementary answer sheets?
If you fail to write a correct question number, you will run the risk of your answers NOT being marked. Candidates are advised to check carefully whether they have filled in the correct question number box on each used page of the answer book/supplementary answer sheet. Candidates will NOT be allowed to write question numbers after the ‘end of exam’ announcement. Candidates who approach SCMP for the aforementioned matter will NOT be followed up individually.
How should I report irregularities on the examination?
If you notice any irregularities (e.g. equipment failure, cheating) during the exam, please notify the centre supervisor or invigilators at the exam premise. Reports of irregularities will not be accepted once the centre supervisor has left the exam centre.
What happens when I arrive late?
- Late-comers will be allowed entry during the exam (no extra time will be given), but will not be granted entrance as soon as the English listening exam has started.
- Candidates who arrive late will be required to explain their tardiness and present evidence to the centre supervisor or the Organiser after the exam.
Can I leave before the exam ends?
Candidates can leave the exam between 30 minutes after it starts, and 15 minutes before it ends. Candidates are not allowed to leave early during the English listening exam.
What are the bad weather arrangements?
The Mock Exam will be cancelled when the black rainstorm signal or typhoon signal No. 8 or above was issued. Please note that Young Post will not be able to arrange refunds or re-arrangement of the exam.
Preparing for the Exam
What should I bring for the exam?
Candidates are expected to bring their admission form hard copy and HKID card for inspection purposes, and essential stationery.
Should I prepare any electronic device for the listening exam?
SCMP will deploy a professional audio system for the examination, there is no need to bring any electronic device to the exam venue.
Am I allowed to bring a mobile phone to the examination centre? Will the Centre Supervisor collect my mobile phone before the examination?
Centre supervisors will not be collecting candidates’ mobile phones before the examination. If you have a mobile phone with you, it must be turned off (including any alarm function) and put under your chair in a position clearly visible to the invigilators. If any of your mobile phone/devices emit sound during the examination, you will be subject to a mark penalty or subject downgrading.
If your mobile phone rings during an examination, the invigilator will ask you to show the call record/SMS/instant message log etc. and record the relevant information for further investigation by SCMP. If you refuse to cooperate, the invigilator will report to the SCMP for further action.
When should I arrive at the exam venue?
Candidates are strongly advised to arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the start of each exam.
Candidates taking “English Paper 3 - Listening and Integrated Skills” should report at 14:50.
Admission Form
If I do not receive my admission form after the dates mentioned above, what should I do?
Candidates who do not receive their admission form within the specified period (see section 1) should notify our SCMP Learn Team and apply for a re-issue of their admission form. Students who are registered via Schools will receive the re-issued admission form via post while self-registration will receive e-copy via email. The service is free and will be available until 20 November 2026 or before the examination. Please also check your junk box for the email.
SCMP Learn Team
- (T) 2680 8822 (Press 3)
- (E) schoolsub@scmp.com (School Subscription) or
- (E) ypevent@scmp.com (Self Registration)
If I have lost my admission form, how can I apply for a replacement?
If you have lost your admission form and wish to apply for a replacement, you should notify our SCMP Learn Team on or before the Exam. Candidates applying for a replacement of their admission form will be required to pay a supplementary fee of HK$100.
If my name appears incorrectly on my admission form, or if I have changed my name, how can I make the amendment?
You should ensure the personal information you provided is correct when you proceed with your registration. You should apply for an update on your admission form on or before 18 November 2026. Please send a scan/ photograph of your admission form, and a copy of your HKID to the SCMP Learn Team at ypevent@scmp.com. There is no charge for this service yet each candidate can only apply for info change once.
Gradings
Is there any prescribed percentage for each level (grade)? How are these percentages set?
The Mock Exam grading system adheres strictly to the HKDSE standards.
Under standards-referenced reporting (SRR), candidates’ performances are reported with reference to a set of defined standards. Levels obtained by candidates reflect their performance and ability as matched against the defined standards. Therefore, each year the percentage of candidates attaining different levels will depend on the performance of candidates of a particular year, and there is no pre-set percentage.
Level 5* and 5** provide finer discrimination of candidates’ ability at the top end to facilitate tertiary institutions and employers to select suitable candidates. The top 10% level 5 candidates will be awarded level 5** while the next 30% of them will obtain level 5*.
Rechecking and Remarking
Can I request for rechecking and remarking if I am dissatisfied with the marking and grades?
Rechecking and remarking services will not be offered.
COVID-19 Arrangement
In light of the Covid-19 situation, what is the policy regarding potential outbreaks?
The Mock Exam arrangements may change according to the latest advice and guidelines provided by the Education Bureau. In the event that the HKSAR government requires all education-related events to be cancelled due to an outbreak of Covid-19 or other issues, SCMP will consider postponing the Mock Exam or delivering it online.
For the full list of FAQs, please visit HERE.