Cambridge English qualification

Cambridge A2 Flyers

The highest paper-based Cambridge English qualification for young learners, aligned to CEFR A2. It expects children to link sentences, understand longer stories and communicate with more independence.

Explore format and tasks Official Cambridge overview ↗

Exam format

Format and part-by-part tasks

Three paper-based components with face-to-face Speaking, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes in total. Cambridge currently presents A2 Flyers as a paper-based qualification.

Listening

Every recording is heard twice; tasks move from names and note completion to matching, picture choice, colouring and labelling.

About 25 minutes · 5 parts · 25 questions

Task map

  1. Part 1: match names to people in a busy scene.
  2. Part 2: write missing words or numbers in notes.
  3. Part 3: match named items to a second set of pictures.
  4. Part 4: choose pictures showing specific information from five conversations.
  5. Part 5: colour three objects and write two words in a large picture.

Reading and Writing

Candidates work with definitions, dialogue, factual and narrative texts, then finish with an original three-picture story.

40 minutes · 7 parts · 44 questions

Task map

  1. Part 1: match ten definitions to a larger word set.
  2. Part 2: choose five replies to complete a conversation.
  3. Part 3: complete a text from a word box and choose its title.
  4. Part 4: choose grammar and vocabulary for ten text gaps.
  5. Part 5: complete seven sentences about a full story.
  6. Part 6: supply five missing words in a letter or diary.
  7. Part 7: write a short story from three pictures.

Speaking

The test adds information exchange and a sustained picture story to description and personal questions.

7–9 minutes · 4 parts · one child with one examiner

Task map

  1. Part 1: describe four differences between two similar pictures.
  2. Part 2: answer questions about one picture, then ask parallel questions about another.
  3. Part 3: continue a four-picture story after the examiner introduces it.
  4. Part 4: answer questions about school, hobbies, holidays and everyday life.

Results and scoring

How the result is reported

Young learner qualifications do not use pass or fail. The certificate shows one to five shields separately for Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking; the Statement of Results also identifies strengths and areas to develop.

Candidate experience

What happens on the day and afterwards

There is no pass or fail; every child receives a certificate and Statement of Results.
Up to five shields are awarded separately for Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking.
Speaking is individual and face-to-face; the candidate must both answer and ask questions.
Four or five shields in each component is Cambridge’s indicator that the child is ready to prepare for the next qualification.

Preparation guidance

Prepare for the tasks candidates actually complete

  1. 1Build accurate control of the official A2 Flyers wordlist, including spelling and common collocations.
  2. 2Practise reading complete stories for sequence, reference words and detail before filling gaps.
  3. 3Write short three-picture stories with a clear beginning, development and ending.
  4. 4Use official sample papers and Speaking videos; check that the child can ask questions as well as answer them.

Official resources

Format, samples, preparation and results

Understand the qualification

Cambridge’s current qualification overview and part-by-part format.

Official preparation material

Sample tests, audio, Speaking videos, wordlists and teacher/candidate support.

Results and delivery

How results work, expected release windows, and paper/digital delivery.

Format and results information checked 12 August 2026 against current official Cambridge English pages. Confirm dates, local format availability, identification and access arrangements with an authorised centre. EduZMS is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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