The Cambridge YLE Starters exams introduces children to everyday written and spoken English, helping them gain confidence and establish a steady foundation for their language skills. The tests are written around everyday concepts and focus on the skills needed to communicate effectively in English through listening, speaking, reading and writing. These exams specifically designed for young children consists of three levels: Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers.
Pre A1 Starters
The Pre A1 starters exam is the first of three Cambridge English Qualifications designed for young learners, most candidates are between the ages of 4 and 6 (Kindergarten 2 and Primary 1).
Key Information
- CEFR level: Pre-level A1
- Test format: Paper-based
- No. of papers: 3
- Test length: About 45 minutes
| Paper | Content | Marks |
| Listening (about 20 minutes) | 4 parts/ 20 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Reading and Writing (20 minutes) | 5 parts/ 25 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Speaking (3–5 minutes) | 4 parts | a maximum of five shields |
Expectations from candidate
- understand simple sentences
- respond to simple questions
- follow very short stories in simple language
- understand and follow simpleInstructions
- understand some very simple descriptions of everyday objects
- recognise and write the letters of the English alphabet
- spell her/his name and simple words
- name some familiar people and things
- understand some very short conversations
- copy words, phrases and short sentences
A1 MOVERS
The A1 starters exam is the second of three Cambridge English Qualifications designed for young learners, most candidates are between the ages of 6 and 8 (Primary 1 and Primary 3). This exam is equivalent to the beginner level of qualification on the Common European Framework. A computer-based version of this exam is also available for candidates.
Key Information
- CEFR level: A1
- Test format: Paper-based
- No. of papers: 3
- Test length: About 1 hour
| Paper | Content | Marks |
| Listening (about 25 minutes) | 5 parts/ 25 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Reading and Writing (30 minutes) | 6 parts/ 35 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Speaking (5–7 minutes) | 4 parts | a maximum of five shields |
Expectations from candidate
- agree/disagree with someone
- ask someone how they are and what they like doing, and answer similar questions
- give simple descriptions of objects, pictures and actions
- answer questions about school activities
- understand simple written sentences
- write simple sentences giving personal details
- understand simple stories with the help of pictures
- write short sentences about what they like or dislike
- understand simple signs and notices
- tell a very simple story with the help of pictures
A2 Flyers
The A2 Flyers exam is the last stage of Cambridge English Qualifications designed for young learners, most candidates are between the ages of 8 and 12 (Primary 3 and Primary 6). This exam is equivalent to the Cambridge English: Key for Schools (A2 KETfS), a computer-based version of this exam is also available for candidates.
Key Information
- CEFR level: A2
- Test format: Paper-based
- No. of papers: 3
- Test length: About 1 hour 15 minutes
| Paper | Content | Marks |
| Listening (about 25 minutes) | 5 parts/ 25 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Reading and Writing (40 minutes) | 7 parts/ 44 questions | a maximum of five shields |
| Speaking (7–9 minutes) | 4 parts | a maximum of five shields |
Expectations from candidate
- understand instructions given in more than one sentence
- understand simple conversations on everyday topics
- ask basic questions about everyday topics
- talk briefly about things they have done
- understand short texts, even if they do not know every word
- understand simple written descriptions
- write simple descriptions of objects and people
- link sentences with connectors (and, because, then)
- write short simple stories using pictures
- tell a story using pictures or their own ideas