Cambridge Exams for Children (YLE) in Bratislava – Starters, Movers, Flyers
Who are Cambridge exams for children suitable for?
Cambridge YLE exams are intended for children aged 7 to 12 who are learning English. The exams are assessed by the independent institution Cambridge English, which guarantees complete objectivity. Children cannot fail – their performance in each part is shown by the number of shields (from 1 to 5), so every child leaves with a certificate and a sense of achievement.
We organise the exams directly on the premises of the language school International House Bratislava as an authorised Cambridge exam centre.
3 levels of Cambridge exams for children
| Pre A1 Starters | A1 Movers | A2 Flyers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended age | 7 – 10 years | 8 – 11 years | 9 – 12 years |
| CEFR level | Pre A1 | A1 | A2 |
| Reading and Writing | 20 min / 25 questions | 30 min / 35 questions | 40 min / 50 questions |
| Listening | 20 min / 20 questions | 25 min / 25 questions | 25 min / 25 questions |
| Speaking | 5 min / 5 parts | 7 min / 4 parts | 9 min / 4 parts |
| Assessment | 1 – 5 shields | 1 – 5 shields | 1 – 5 shields |
View current exam dates for children
An exam date will only take place if the minimum number of 4 candidates is reached.
Why register your child for a Cambridge exam?
- Internationally recognised certificate – valid worldwide with no expiry date
- Motivation to keep learning – children gain a sense of achievement and the desire to continue
- No stress – the exams are designed with the child's age in mind and include fun, age-appropriate tasks
- Objective assessment – the tests are assessed directly by Cambridge English, not by the teacher
- Every child receives a certificate – there is no "failing"; performance is shown by the number of shields
- Preparation for the future – exam experience helps with higher Cambridge certificates later on (A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First)
How does a Cambridge exam for children work?
The exam takes place at International House Bratislava. The child completes three parts – Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking. Reading/Writing and Listening are taken in a group, while Speaking is conducted individually with a qualified examiner. The whole exam lasts from 45 to 74 minutes, depending on the level.
Results usually arrive within 4 – 6 weeks of the exam. You can collect the certificate in person at our language school.
You can find a detailed description of the exam process on the page Exam process – how to obtain a Cambridge certificate.
How to prepare your child for a Cambridge exam
The best preparation is a regular English course combined with practice using sample tests. At International House Bratislava we offer English courses for children which develop all language skills and naturally prepare children for Cambridge exams.
Sample tests and materials for each level
Official website: Cambridge – Pre A1 Starters
Exam content
- Reading and Writing – 20 minutes / 5 parts, 25 questions
- Listening – 20 minutes / 4 parts, 20 questions
- Speaking – 5 minutes / 5 parts
Preparation materials
Official website: Cambridge – A1 Movers
Exam content
- Reading and Writing – 30 minutes / 6 parts, 35 questions
- Listening – 25 minutes / 5 parts, 25 questions
- Speaking – 7 minutes / 4 parts
Preparation materials
Official website: Cambridge – A2 Flyers
Exam content
- Reading and Writing – 40 minutes / 7 parts, 50 questions
- Listening – 25 minutes / 5 parts, 25 questions
- Speaking – 9 minutes / 4 parts
Preparation materials
Overview of children's skills (Can Do statements) at each level.
Cambridge YLE exams for schools
If at least 25 children register (across all three levels), we will be happy to arrange a YLE exam date of your choice directly at our language school in Bratislava.
If you are interested in a preparation course or a group Cambridge exam for pupils at your school, please contact us at exams@ihbratislava.sk.
Important documents before the exam
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge exams for children
No. Cambridge YLE exams are designed so that every child receives a certificate. There is no "failing" – the result is shown by the number of shields (from 1 to 5) in each part of the exam (Reading and Writing, Listening, Speaking). This means every child leaves with a positive experience.
The lowest level, Pre A1 Starters, is recommended for children from the age of 7. A child should have basic English – understand simple instructions, know colours, numbers and everyday objects. They must be able to read and write independently. No previous exam experience is required.
It depends on the level. Pre A1 Starters lasts approximately 45 minutes, A1 Movers about 62 minutes and A2 Flyers around 74 minutes. Reading/Writing and Listening are taken in a group, while Speaking is conducted individually with the examiner.
The choice depends on the child's age and level of English. As a guide: Pre A1 Starters is suitable for children who have been learning English for 2 – 3 years. A1 Movers is for children with 3 – 4 years of study. A2 Flyers is for children who have been learning for 4 or more years. If you are not sure, contact us – we will be happy to advise.
YLE exam dates are scheduled several times a year. You can find current dates on the page Exam dates for children. Exams take place at International House Bratislava. For schools, we can also arrange an individual date with a minimum of 25 children.
Select a date on the page Exam dates for children and complete the application form. If you have any questions, please contact us at exams@ihbratislava.sk.
It is important for the child to become familiar with the exam format and task types, which significantly reduces stress on the exam day. We offer preparation as part of our regular English courses for children, where in certain school years we also include targeted exam preparation.
Results are usually available within 4 – 6 weeks of the exam. The certificate shows performance in three areas (Reading and Writing, Listening, Speaking), expressed as a number of shields (1 – 5). You can collect the certificate in person at International House Bratislava.