The third Cambridge English: Young Learners exam
A2 Flyers, also known as Cambridge English: Flyers (YLE Flyers), is the third step in a child's English Language learning journey and is the highest level of all Cambridge English: Young Learners exams before moving on to more demanding qualifications. It is preceded by Pre-A1 Starters and A1 Movers, and is an excellent steppingstone towards more cognitively challenging exams, such as A2 Key for Schools, or more advanced exams, such as B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Aligned with A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is a great way to continue developing childrens’ linguistic skills around everyday written and spoken English.
Why take A2 Flyers?
Designed for school-aged children between the ages of 7 and 12, this exam helps to build up their confidence through familiar topics and situations, developing the skills needed to communicate in English and teaching them to:
• understand instructions given in more than one sentence and understand simple conversations on everyday topics
• ask basic questions about everyday topics and talk briefly about things they have done
• understand short texts, even if they do not know every word and understand simple written descriptions
• write simple descriptions of objects and people and link sentences with connectors (and, because, then
• write short simple stories using pictures and tell a story using pictures or their own ideas
At A2 Flyers there is no pass and fail. Each child receives a Cambridge English Certificate celebrating the exam's completion, building their confidence and rewarding them for the development of their English skills. A result of one shield means a child can improve a lot in that skill. Five shields mean that a child did very well in that skill and answered most questions correctly.
The back of the certificate shows how results align to the CEFR. If a child has achieved 4 or 5 shields in each skill, they are ready to start preparing for the next Cambridge English exam - B1 Preliminary for Schools.
What is the structure?
There are three parts: Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. This last test is done with one examiner and one candidate.
Listening
- Duration: about 25 minutes
- Content: 5 parts with 25 questions
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Listening for names and descriptions, Listening for names, spellings and other information, Listening for words and detailed information, Listening for colours and specific information
Reading and Writing
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Content: 7 parts with 44 questions
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Reading definitions and matching to words. Copying words, Reading and completing a continuous dialogue. Writing letters, Reading for specific information and gist (the main idea of a text). Copying words, Reading and understanding a factual text. Simple grammar. Copying words, Reading a story. Completing sentences, Reading and understanding a short text. Writing short stories
Speaking
- Duration: 7 to 9 minutes
- Content: 4 parts
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Understanding and talking about differences between pictures. Talking about colour, size, number, position, how people/things look, what people are doing, etc.
Feel free to browse our range of official preparation materials and also the Cambridge English free resources and samples.
Are you not sure if this exam is right for your child? Test their level.
How to enrol a child?
Any child can be enrolled individually directly through us, or they can take the test in their language school in case they're already taking English lessons. For more information on individual enrolments and special conditions for schools, please contact us. For confirmed exam dates, please visit 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 positions them at the correct English level in about 30 minutes. You can learn more about the diagnostic test by contacting us, or purchasing it directly here.