A1 Movers, formerly known as YLE Movers, is the second of three Young Learners English exams designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12. This Cambridge level A1 qualification encourages children to use English in a practical way, fostering a positive and proactive attitude towards international language exams.
What is the Cambridge A1 Movers exam?
The A1 Movers exam is the next step in your child’s language learning journey after Pre A1 Starters. It is a great way to help children build on their skills and make further progress in English.
Note on Progression: Typically, candidates for A1 Movers exam are between 8 and 11 years old and have completed approximately 175 hours of English lessons. It is designed to be a bridge towards more advanced communication.
What skills will your child develop?
Preparing for the Cambridge A1 level helps your child communicate in real-life situations. By studying for this level, your child will learn how to:
- Understand basic instructions and follow simple conversations in English.
- Fill out simple forms or respond to questions about themselves.
- Answer questions and write down simple facts (such as days of the week, times, or names) they hear or read in a children’s story.
- Participate in basic factual conversations on familiar topics.
A1 Movers exam format and duration
The A1 Movers exam is designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, ensuring children feel successful and supported. Check A1 current pricing, specific dates and more.
Important Format Note: Following our educational standards for younger learners, the A1 Movers exam is available exclusively in a paper-based format. This approach is ideal for children in this age group, providing a familiar and comfortable environment similar to their daily schoolwork.
| Listening | Reading and writing | Speaking |
| 25 min | 30 min | 5-7 min |
| Maximum five shields | Maximum five shields | Maximum five shields |
In the Young Learners suite, there is no pass or fail. Every child’s progress is recognised to ensure they remain motivated for their future studies.
Your child will receive a certificate showing a number of "shields" (up to five for each part of the exam).
- Five shields: Indicates that your child is ready to begin preparing for the final YLE step: A2 Flyers
- A global view: The certificate provides a clear picture of their strengths in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Certificates are usually awarded approximately one month after the exam date.
A1 Movers preparation and support for parents
Registering with the British Council means partnering with global experts committed to your child's progress. We provide a suite of top tier resources to help them feel comfortable and motivated for their next level in English:
- Official Sample Papers: Help your child familiarise themselves with the fun format of the exam to reduce anxiety.
- The Parents Guide: Check our expert guide for tips on how to support your child learning journey at home and manage exam stress.
Explore A1 Movers preparation materials