Starters, Movers and Flyers: a plain guide
Cambridge's three English tests for primary-age children are taken all over the world. Here is how to pick a level, what each test contains, what the shields on the certificate mean, and how to prepare without drilling.
The short version
- Pre A1 Starters
- First test. Names, colours, numbers, simple sentences.
- A1 Movers
- Everyday topics, short stories, simple past tense.
- A2 Flyers
- Longer texts, more writing, conversations with detail.
- Pass or fail?
- Neither. Every child gets a certificate with up to 5 shields per skill.
- Next level
- 4 or 5 shields in every skill means a child is ready to start preparing for the next one.
Which level is right?
Choose by what the child can do, not by age. Children do not have to start at Starters. Answer these quick questions about your child or class.
Quick level finder
Tick what they can do confidently, without help.
What is in each test
Each level has three papers: Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. Speaking is a short, friendly one-to-one with an examiner.
| Level | Listening | Reading and Writing | Speaking | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre A1 Starters | About 20 min, 4 parts, 20 questions | 20 min, 5 parts, 25 questions | 3 to 5 min, 4 parts | About 45 min |
| A1 Movers | About 25 min, 5 parts, 25 questions | 30 min, 6 parts, 35 questions | 5 to 7 min, 4 parts | About 60 min |
| A2 Flyers | About 25 min, 5 parts, 25 questions | 40 min, 7 parts, 44 questions | 7 to 9 min, 4 parts | About 74 min |
Tasks are designed for children: colouring, matching, choosing pictures and spotting differences. There is also a digital version on tablets or computers, where children play as an avatar. Both give the same certificate. The current format dates from 2018, and the word lists were refreshed in 2025.
Shields explained: there is no pass mark
Every child who takes the test gets a certificate. Each of the three skills is scored out of 5 shields, so the maximum is 15. One shield means the child took the test but has a lot of room to grow. Five means they did very well. A Statement of Results lists shields for each part of the test, with strengths and suggestions.
| Shields | How we would read it |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | The level is still new. Keep working at this level. |
| 3 | Good progress. A little more practice at this level. |
| 4 to 5 | Secure. In every skill, this means the child is ready to start preparing for the next level. |
When to move up a level
Cambridge's current guidance is simple: look for 4 or 5 shields in every skill. Older advice you may see online talks about a total of 10 or more shields; use the newer rule, because a child with 5, 5 and 1 still needs work on that one skill.
Our free programmes plan for roughly one level per school year, but real progress depends on how much English they hear and use outside class. Cambridge does not publish an official number of study hours, so be wary of anyone who promises one.
Test day tips
- Coloured pencils. The listening test asks children to colour. Bring red, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, black, brown and grey.
- Spelling counts. In most writing parts, words must be spelled correctly.
- Either English. British and American spelling and words are both accepted, and listening uses both accents.
- Speaking is friendly. One examiner, picture cards, simple questions. Practise answering in short sentences, not single words.
- Check centre rules. Ask the test centre what ID and equipment they need.
Preparing at home in 15 minutes a day
- 5 minutes of words. Use the free official word list for the level; pick one topic a week.
- 5 minutes of talk. Describe a picture together: "There is a dog. It is under the table."
- 5 minutes of reading. A short story or the free activities from Cambridge or the British Council.
Once a month, try one part of a free sample paper. Keep it a game, not a test.
Shield tracker. After each practice paper, write the shields for Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. When all three show 4 or 5 two months in a row, start looking at the next level.
For teachers: a year towards the tests
Our free programmes follow these levels week by week: Level 1 runs from Starters to Movers, and Level 2 from Movers to Flyers. Each has 36 weeks of topics and grammar, a placement check, a term project and assessment at weeks 12, 24 and 36. Use the free sample papers at each review week as a mock.
Free official resources
- Starters, Movers and Flyers word lists (2025, PDF)
- Handbook for teachers (2024, PDF)
- Sample papers, volume 1 (PDF)
- Information for candidates and parents (PDF)
- Free online activities for children
- British Council LearnEnglish Kids: games, songs and printables
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pass mark for Starters, Movers and Flyers?
No. Every child receives a certificate showing up to 5 shields for each of the three skills.
How many shields are good?
5 is the maximum per skill. 4 or 5 in every skill means a child is ready to start preparing for the next level.
Does my child have to start with Starters?
No. Children can take any level. Choose by ability, not age.
Is British or American English used?
Both are accepted, and the listening test includes both accents.
Paper or digital test?
Both are the same level and give the same certificate. The digital version suits children who are used to tablets.
How long does each test take?
About 45 minutes for Starters, 60 for Movers and 74 for Flyers, across all three papers.
Are the word lists free?
Yes. The 2025 word list for all three levels is a free PDF on the Cambridge English website.
Teaching towards Movers or Flyers?
Our free Level 1 and Level 2 programmes plan every week for you. Litlings adds class tracking and homework, free for up to 40 pupils.
See the free plansRelated
- Starters results and shields (Cambridge English)
- Pre A1 Starters FAQs (PDF) (Cambridge English)
- Young learners qualifications overview (Cambridge English)
- Format pages for Starters, Movers and Flyers