YLE (Young Learners English Tests) Starters, Movers and Flyers

The Cambridge Young Learners Tests were introduced in 1997 and have rapidly established their popularity around the world and are continuing to show good growth year on year. They are taken by hundreds of thousands of children all over the world.

The Cambridge YLE Tests are designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12. YLE Tests consist of three key levels of assessment: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The aims of the tests are to present a positive impression of international tests and encourage future learning and teaching.

The Cambridge YLE Tests are an excellent way of motivating children and showing how much progress they have made. The YLE Tests are not stressful for children, they are fun and stimulating. The positive experience of taking tests builds confidence and is a firm foundation for their studies.

These tests are not pass/fail examinations. Results are reported in a way designed to provide positive encouragement to the learners. All candidates who complete their test receive an Award. The award shows how well the child has done in each of the three components- Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. They can be awarded a maximum of five shields for each paper. Five shields are awarded only to candidates who gain full or almost full marks.

There is no fixed timetable of administration for any of the Young Learners English Tests. Cambridge ESOL Centres administer the tests on dates chosen to fit in with local conditions.

The Young Learners English Tests are aligned to the Council of Europe’s Common Framework for Modern Languages , at levels A1 and A2. The Flyers test is roughly equivalent to KET in terms of difficulty.

Find out more about YLE Tests