CAMBRIDGE EXAMS

Cambridge Exams for Children (Young Learners English - YLE)

Cambridge exams for children are known as Young Learners English (YLE) exams. They are designed for children aged 7 to 12 and encourage language learning in a fun and motivating way. These exams have no pass or fail grade - every child receives a certificate with "shields" (up to 5 per skill: reading/writing, listening, speaking).

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The levels are:

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Pre A1 Starters

• For children aged 7–8 (around 100 hours of English learning)

• A basic level for getting familiar with English in everyday situations

• Tests basic skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking

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A1 Movers

• For children aged 8–11 (around 175 hours of learning)

• A beginner level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

• Children show the ability to understand simple instructions and take part in basic conversations

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A2 Flyers

• For children aged 9–12 (around 250 hours of learning)

• Corresponds to CEFR level A2

• Shows that a child can use English in simple, everyday situations

• Cambridge Exams for Adults (and Older Children/Teens)

 

For older children (12+), teens, and adults, there are higher-level exams that require more advanced language knowledge. These exams have pass grades (A, B, C) and fail grades (D, E). The levels are as follows:

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A2 Key (KET – Key English Test)

A basic level (A2 according to CEFR)

For teens (12–13) or adults with elementary language knowledge

Tests the ability to manage everyday situations (e.g. reading notices, writing short messages)

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B1 Preliminary (PET – Preliminary English Test)

• A lower-intermediate level (B1 according to CEFR)

• Suitable for older elementary students (14+), high school students, and adults

• Shows practical language skills for everyday use (e.g. writing letters, understanding instructions)

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B2 First (FCE – First Certificate in English)

• An upper-intermediate level (B2 according to CEFR)

• For high school students, university students, and adults

• Recognized by many employers and educational institutions for work or study

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C1 Advanced (CAE – Certificate in Advanced English)

• An advanced level (C1 according to CEFR)

• For adults, students, and professionals who want to prove a high level of language knowledge

• Recognized by universities and employers worldwide

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C2 Proficiency (CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English)

• The highest level (C2 according to CEFR)

• For people with near-native language proficiency

• Suitable for academic or professional purposes (e.g. English teachers or specialists)

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Where and How to Take Them in Serbia

The British Council is the main organizer of Cambridge exams in Serbia. Exams are held several times a year (e.g. March, May, June, October, November, December), and registration deadlines are usually about a month before the exam. Both paper-based and computer-based versions are available.

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Preparation: Many language schools offer preparatory courses for all levels. For children, preparation is often included free of charge alongside regular courses, while for adults it depends on the course length (group or individual).

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Special Features

• Young Learners exams are designed for children and have no pass/fail grade, while adult exams have stricter criteria

• Certificates for levels A2 to C2 are valid for life, unlike TOEFL or IELTS, which are valid for only 2 years

• In Serbia, B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) are especially popular among high school and university students, while younger children often take Flyers as preparation for higher levels​