Cambridge Movers is the second exam in the Cambridge English Qualifications for Young Learners (Cambridge YLE), designed at the A1 level of English. This article provides parents with clear answers to two common questions: What is Cambridge Movers? And is this exam suitable for your children? Let’s find out!
1. What is Cambridge Movers and Is it Right for Your Children?
Cambridge Movers is the second level in the three levels of the Cambridge Young Learners English (YLE) system for students aged 6-11. Also known as A1 Movers, this exam is typically designed for students aged 8-10 who have completed around 90-100 hours of guided English learning. It covers familiar topics and focuses on developing children’s Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills in a practical way.
Cambridge Movers is a good fit if parents and children aim to build a strong foundation in English, prepare for more advanced learning, or ensure children can communicate with confidence in daily life.
To check readiness, parents can use the FLYER Virtual English Testing Platform for a quick level test. This will show whether children should continue with Starters, move on to Movers, or progress to Flyers.
Note: Depending on their current English level, children may start directly at Movers or a higher level without beginning with Starters.
2. Why the A1 Movers Certificate Is a Valuable Step in Learning English
2.1. Globally Recognized Certificate
Cambridge English certificates, including A1 Movers, hold international value as they are accepted in numerous countries and trusted by schools worldwide. This global recognition ensures that children’s English achievements are measured reliably and acknowledged across borders, creating a solid foundation for future academic opportunities.
2.2. No Expiration, Lifelong Recognition
The lifelong value of this certification means parents and children can treat it as a solid foundation throughout the English learning journey. It avoids unnecessary repetition, motivates learners to move forward, and stands as a lasting record of accomplishment.
2.3. Assessment of All Four English Skills
A1 Movers evaluates children’s English abilities across four essential skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This balanced assessment gives parents a clear picture of children’s learning journey, making it easier to identify both strengths and areas that need improvement. With such insights, parents can design effective study routines, motivate children to stay engaged, and celebrate progress step by step.
2.4. Build a Strong English Foundation
After completing this level, children build a strong vocabulary of around 700 words covering familiar topics such as school supplies, colors, family, friends, animals, and daily routines. They also develop confidence with key grammar points, including comparatives and superlatives, the simple past tense, conjunctions, and relative pronouns.
This foundation allows children to use English more fluently in real-life situations, making everyday conversations smoother and more meaningful.
3. Movers Test Format
Cambridge Movers can be taken either on a computer (A1 Movers Digital) or on paper. Here are the key similarities and differences between Digital and Paper-based Movers:
| Feature | Digital Format | Paper-based Format |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based | Paper-based |
| Listening | Headphones, interactive tasks | Speakers |
| Writing | Typing | Handwriting |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner | Face-to-face with an examiner |
| Duration | ~97 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Results | 5-10 working days | 4-6 weeks |
| Certificate | ~3 weeks after results | ~8 weeks after exam |
| Engagement | Interactive, gamified experience | Traditional format |
4. Movers Cambridge Test Structure
The test covers three sections: Listening, Reading & Writing, and Speaking.
| Section | Detail |
|---|---|
| Listening | – Test time: 25 minutes – Number of parts: 5 – Number of questions: 25 – Maximum score: 5 shields – The audio is played twice. |
| Reading & Writing | – Test time: 30 minutes – Number of parts: 6 – Number of questions: 35 – Maximum score: 5 shields |
| Speaking | – Test time: 5-7 minutes – Number of parts: 4 – Maximum score: 5 shields |
5. A1 Movers Exam Results
The scores for the 3 parts of the A1 Movers exam are calculated using shields (the Cambridge logo). The maximum number of shields for each part is 5 shields, as illustrated on the certificate. The total number of shields a candidate can achieve for one certificate is 15.
The Movers exam does not distinguish between passing or failing; every child participating in the exam will receive a certificate that reflects the number of shields they have achieved.
In addition to the certificate, candidates also receive a Statement of Results that comes with a detailed description of their corresponding English language proficiency based on the number of shields achieved.
6. Study Materials for The 2025 Cambridge Movers Exam
6.1. 200+ practice Movers exams on the Virtual Testing Platform
The FLYER Virtual English Testing Platform offers 200+ Cambridge Movers exam practice tests (covering all parts: Listening, Reading & Writing, and Speaking) to provide your child with preparation for the Cambridge Starters exam.
- These exams have been carefully compiled to match the format (up to 90%) following Cambridge’s latest standards.
- The automatic scoring system and answer key will help students review and study effectively at home.
- Interactive exercises and game simulations stimulate children’s brain activity and interest in learning.
- It offers various fun learning features such as challenges with friends, short practice exercises, and vocabulary reviews.
Moreover, a helpful feature for parents is the Learning Report, which makes it easy to track the progress of their children’s studies. The system automatically stores all test results and uses them to provide feedback on the student’s current proficiency level, strengths, and areas that require improvement.
More significantly, parents who use FLYER’s virtual testing platform can save up to 80% on their kids’ exam preparation expenses!
6.2. FREE Cambridge Movers Practice Materials for Home Study
Parents often look for clear and reliable materials to support children’s exam journey. On FLYER, all Cambridge Movers practice resources are brought together in one place, from sample papers to practice exercises, making it easier for families to guide learning at home.
6.3. Other resources
Here are some A1 Movers exam preparation books:
- Fun for Movers book series
- Story Fun Books 3 and 4
- A1 Movers – 3 Practice tests book
7. FAQs about Cambridge Movers
The Cambridge Movers exam is set at A1 level on the CEFR. It is designed for children who can use simple English to talk about everyday topics and situations.
The Cambridge Movers test is typically for children aged 7 to 12. If a child is outside this age range but has the equivalent English level, they are still encouraged to take the exam.
The A1 Movers exam does not use a pass or fail system. Instead, children receive Cambridge shields (from 1 to 5 for each skill: Listening, Reading & Writing, and Speaking) to show their level of achievement.
The Cambridge Movers test lasts about 60 minutes in total, including Listening (about 25 minutes), Reading & Writing (30 minutes), and Speaking (5-7 minutes).
There is no limit. Children can retake the exam as many times as needed until they achieve their desired results or are ready to progress to a higher level.
Conclusion
After exploring “What is Cambridge Movers?”, parents can see how this certificate supports children in building confidence and steady progress in English. The Cambridge curriculum is more than just an exam; it creates a strong foundation that opens doors to higher levels and long-term learning success. With resources and guidance from FLYER, hopefully parents can make preparation at home effective for children.
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