Introduction The decline in protective antibody titers and efficacy over time of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-based RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M vaccines highlights the need for improved vaccines. Sporozoite microneme protein essential for cell traversal-1 (SPECT-1) is a conserved Plasmodium falciparum ( Pf ) antigen that plays a key role in parasite movements while traversing host cells. Targeting SPECT-1 as an addition to the CSP in the same vaccine may enhance immune response and protection. Methods We engineered a series of recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) virus-like particles (VLPs) displaying Pf SPECT-1 alone or in combination with NANP repeats and C-terminal region of Pf CSP. These monovalent and bivalent VLP vaccine candidates were evaluated alongside R21 in a prime-boost regimen which was followed by challenge with transgenic P. berghei parasite expressing the same P. falciparum antigens. We also assessed the quality of the antibody response following vaccination. Based on the antibody titers and protective efficacy, one bivalent VLP construct was selected for further evaluation with different adjuvant formulations. Results All bivalent VLPs formed to display antigenic epitopes that were accessible to antigen-specific antibodies. Bivalent VLPs induced IgG responses against both NANP and Pf SPECT-1 epitopes, confirming in vivo co-display of the target antigens. One of the bivalent candidates (N4) provided similar efficacy to R21 in formulation with Matrix-M adjuvant in BALB/c mice, whereas addition of Pf SPECT-1 significantly reduced efficacy of another candidate (N2). NANP-specific IgG response negatively correlated with blood stage parasite load. When N4 was formulated with LMQ or SMNP adjuvants, measured humoral responses or protective efficacy did not improve. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the immune response persists over time. Discussion Our findings show that Pf SPECT-1 can be effectively incorporated into the HBsAg VLPs and co-displayed with CSP epitopes without impairing immunogenicity. Although protection was evaluated using transgenic P. berghei parasites expressing P. falciparum antigens, the modular HBsAg VLP platform theoretically allows incorporation of antigens from other Plasmodium species such as P. vivax .