The second Cambridge English Young Learners exam
A1 Movers, also known as Cambridge English: Movers (YLE Movers), is the second of three qualifications designed specifically for children between the ages of 7 and 12. It builds on the foundations developed at Pre-A1 level and supports children as they progress in their English language learning journey. This exam develops confidence in everyday spoken and written English and prepares learners to move on to A2 Flyers.
Two formats, the same exam
Cambridge English Young Learners exams are available in two formats: paper-based and digital. Whichever format you choose, the exam content, level, skills tested and certification are exactly the same — only the way children interact with the test differs.
Paper-based A1 Movers
A familiar and reassuring option for many children. Candidates work with pencil and paper, focusing fully on the language. This format is often preferred by learners who are more comfortable with traditional exam settings.
Digital A1 Movers
An interactive version designed for today’s learners. Children complete the exam on a computer using headphones, with engaging on-screen tasks, clear navigation and supportive design features that help build confidence and independence.
Both formats:
- Assess Listening, Reading & Writing, and Speaking
- Are aligned to the same CEFR level (A1)
- Follow the same assessment standards
- Lead to the same Cambridge English certificate, with no pass or fail
Choosing the format simply depends on what best suits the child, the school and the testing environment.
Explore the new Young Learners Digital with the Interactive Walkthrough
Why take the A1 Movers?
Designed for school-aged children, A1 Movers builds on familiar themes and everyday situations. It helps learners develop greater independence in English and supports them in:
• understanding simple instructions, descriptions and short stories
• reading and understanding signs, notices and short messages
• asking and answering simple questions in everyday situations
• writing simple words, phrases and short sentences
• describing people, objects, pictures and actions using basic language
At A1 Movers there is no pass or fail. Each child receives a Cambridge English Certificate celebrating their achievement, reinforcing confidence and recognising progress in English. Results are shown using shields:
- 1 shield shows a child can improve a lot in that skill
- 5 shields show a child performed very well and answered most questions correctly
The back of the certificate shows how results align to the CEFR. Children who achieve 4 or 5 shields in each skill are ready to start preparing for the next Cambridge English level – A2 Flyers.
What is the structure?
There are three parts in both paper-based and digital formats: Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking test is carried out face to face with one examiner and one candidate.
Listening
- Duration: about 25 minutes (paper-based) / up to 50 minutes (digital)
- Marks: maximum of 5 shields
- Focus: listening for specific information, descriptions, numbers, spelling, dialogues, instructions and everyday situations
Reading and Writing
- Duration: 30 minutes (paper-based) / up to 40 minutes (digital)
- Marks: maximum of 5 shields
- Focus: reading short texts, messages and stories, completing sentences, spelling words, and writing short answers and simple sentences
Speaking
- Duration: 5 to 7 minutes
- Marks: maximum of 5 shields
- Focus: understanding and responding to spoken questions, describing pictures, telling simple stories and answering personal questions
Preparation material
A wide range of official preparation materials and Cambridge English free resources and samples is available to support learners in both formats.
If you are not sure whether A1 Movers is the right level for your child, you can:
How to enrol a child?
Any child can be enrolled directly through our website, or can take the exam through their language school if they already have English lessons.
For individual enrolments, school registrations or special conditions, please contact us. Confirmed exam dates are available in our Exam Calendar.
How to assess your child's English level?
The Cambridge English Placement Test for Young Learners is an online diagnostic test designed for children between the ages of 6 and 12. It takes around 30 minutes and helps identify the most suitable Cambridge English exam level.
You can find out more by contacting us or by purchasing it directly here.
More information
How to Register for your Exam
Results and Certificates