Highs and lows of PTK

Dec 2003: About 30,000 senior graduate and non-graduate teachers were exempted from taking the PTK. Senior teachers, namely graduate teachers with at least 18 years of service and non-graduates with 20 years of service, need not sit for the examination. 

Dec 2003: Over 100,000 teachers became the first batch to sit for the PTK, with mixed views being expressed. Although some said it had improved their knowledge, others felt that there was too much to study. Under the SSM, all civil servants must sit for, and pass, the test to qualify for vertical and horizontal salary increments as well as promotions.