Young Learners English


These tests are an enjoyable and non-threatening way of assessing the English of children between the ages of 7 and 12. The tests are currently taken by over 310,000 children in about 55 countries around the world.

 
Why take YLE?

The tests provide a gentle introduction to public exams and research shows that children find the tests highly motivating. They aim to:
• sample relevant and meaningful language use
• measure ability accurately and fairly
• present a positive impression of international tests
• promote and encourage effective learning and teaching
The tests can act as a stepping stone to other Cambridge ESOL exams. As the highest level test, Flyers is roughly equivalent in language level to KET (Key English Test). It can serve as an appropriate bridge to KET or a step leading to PET (Preliminary English Test), as learners move into adolescence.


Young Learners English

Main Suite
Young
Learners
English

What do the tests involve?

Reading and Writing

This is a paper and pencil test which lasts 20 minutes (Starters), 30 minutes (movers) and 40 minutes (Flyers). Texts are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures. Children perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions. Papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking.


Listening

This is also a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters) and 25 minutes (Movers and Flyers). As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the test specifications. Children listen to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking.


Speaking

This is a face-to-face test which lasts between 5 and 10 minutes with suitably qualified, experienced and trained Examiners. Children perform various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual prompts, and give simple information about themselves.
Test dates
Dates are set by centres, taking into account local needs and conditions. Contact your local centre for details of next test dates.


How to register

To register for the exam, you need to contact a Cambridge ESOL exam centre, authorised to run YLE - entries cannot be made directly to Cambridge. The centre will give you full information about the fees for taking YLE, the dates of the tests and other arrangements.


Results

There is no pass or fail. Every child who attempts all three components will receive an Award showing a number of shields (Cambridge crests) up to five for each component. For example, a child may obtain three shields for Reading and Writing, four shields for Listening and five shields for Speaking. The minimum Award for children who have attempted all three components is an Award with one shield for each component.
Marking is completed at Cambridge ESOL within two weeks of receiving the children's completed answer booklets. So children should receive their Awards within one month of taking their test, allowing for despatch time.
Once awarded Cambridge ESOL YLE certificates are valid for life.