Parent frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from parents. Can't find yours? Jump to the bottom to ask us directly.
About ICAS
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an international academic competition and assessment in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies, for students from Year 2 to Year 12 (Primary 2 to Secondary 6).
Is ICAS a pass/fail exam, and does it affect my child's school record?
No to both. It's a low-stakes competition, not a school exam — every child receives a certificate, top performers earn a medal, and results are separate from your child's report card.
How is my child's result graded?
Against other students who sat the same paper, not a fixed pass mark. Roughly: top 1% = High Distinction, next 10% = Distinction, next 25% = Credit, next 10% = Merit, and everyone else receives Participation.
Registration
How do I register my child?
Only through your child's school — EATS can't register individual students directly. See our 3-step How to Register guide for the exact process.
My child's school doesn't offer ICAS — can they still take part?
Yes. We can help petition your school to bring ICAS on board — start with the short request form on the For Parents page.
Which subjects and year levels can my child take?
ICAS covers English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies, mapped to your child's year level. See the full Subjects & Year Levels and Format page for the Malaysia-specific breakdown.
When do registration and testing open? Pending
Key dates are confirmed on our Calendar and Fees and dates pages — check there for the current registration and test windows before making plans.
Payment
How do I pay for ICAS?
Either your school pays on your behalf, or — where your school has it enabled — you can pay directly online. Your school's coordinator will confirm which option applies.
Is online payment secure?
Yes. Payments are processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway supporting major cards and local payment methods.
Can I get a refund? Pending
For refund requests, please contact your child's school coordinator or reach out to us directly via the Contact us page and we'll advise on the next steps.
Test day & technical
Where does my child take the test?
At school, under teacher supervision — ICAS can't be taken at home or off-site.
Can my child use their own device?
Yes — desktop, laptop, iPad or tablet all work, as long as it passes the technical readiness check beforehand. See Technical Requirements.
What can my child bring into the test?
Blank paper and a pen or pencil for working out. Dictionaries, phones and other devices aren't allowed.
Results
When and how will we get results?
Certificates and reports are released after the results window closes. Parents can view results anytime by logging in to the Student Result Portal.
I've lost my child's TAP-ID or PIN — what do I do?
It's printed on the back of last year's ICAS certificate. If you can't find it, request a replacement via the form on the Results page — please allow 5–10 business days.
