Young Learners Exams

The Cambridge ESOL Young Learners Exams (YLE) are intended for children aged 7 to 12.

They are designed to make learning English fun as well as to motivate young learners by having them work towards obtaining certificates and earning the 'shields' that record their progress.

There are three levels for children, Starters, Movers and Flyers, with Starters being the first, aimed at young children with very basic skills.

Examination content

Each test consists of three papers:

• Listening (20-25 minutes)
• Reading and Writing (20-40 minutes)
• Speaking (4-8 minutes).

Results are given as grades out of 5 for each of the three papers. The grades appear as shields on an Award. There is no pass/fail, with every child attempting all the papers obtaining an Award.

Find out more

General information | Past papers, etc | YLE resources for teachers