Pre A1 Starters
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ExploreAbout this exam
Pre A1 Starters is the first of three Cambridge English Qualifications for young learners. It is designed for children taking their first steps in English, introducing them to everyday written and spoken English and helping them build language skills and confidence. The test is written around familiar topics and focuses on the skills needed to communicate effectively in English through listening, speaking, reading and writing. According to the official key facts, the CEFR level is Pre A1, the test format is paper-based with a face-to-face Speaking test, there are 3 papers, and the test length is approximately 45 minutes. There is no pass or fail: every child receives a Cambridge English certificate to celebrate their achievements. The test uses realistic everyday situations, covers all major varieties of English such as British and American English, and includes familiar, enjoyable tasks such as colouring, finding differences and matching. Candidates and parents can find dedicated information and FAQs on the official site. To prepare, children should practise understanding simple instructions, descriptions and questions; naming familiar people and things; describing objects and animals; following very short, simple stories; spelling very simple words; copying words, phrases and short sentences; and responding to very simple questions. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with Cambridge.
What you'll study
About Pre A1 Starters preparation
What is Pre A1 Starters?
It is the first of three Cambridge English Qualifications for young learners. It introduces children to everyday written and spoken English and focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing. The official key facts list the CEFR level as Pre A1.
What is the test format?
The official key facts state the test is paper-based, with a face-to-face Speaking test. There are 3 papers. Separate digital exams for young learners are also listed on the official site.
How long is the test?
The official key facts give the test length as approximately 45 minutes. This is an overall figure for the three papers, so plan for the Speaking test to be arranged separately as a face-to-face session.
Is there a pass or fail?
No. The official site states there is no pass or fail, and every child gets a Cambridge English certificate to celebrate their achievements. The certificate is a record of what the child can do at this level.
What can children learn to do with Starters?
The official list includes understanding simple instructions, descriptions and questions; naming familiar people or things; describing objects and animals; following very short, simple stories; spelling very simple words; copying words, phrases and short sentences; and responding to very simple questions.
What kind of tasks appear?
The official site describes the tasks as familiar and enjoyable, such as colouring, finding differences and matching. The test is written around familiar topics and uses realistic everyday situations to contextualise the language.
Which variety of English is used?
The official site states the test covers all major varieties of English, for example British English and American English. Children do not need to learn a single accent or spelling system to do well.
How should a child prepare?
Build the skills listed officially: understanding simple instructions and questions, naming familiar things, describing objects and animals, following very short stories, spelling simple words, copying words and short sentences, and answering very simple questions. Practise little and often with familiar topics.
Where can I find official preparation and FAQs?
The official Pre A1 Starters page has sections for exam format, preparation, and information for candidates and parents, including Pre A1 Starters FAQs. Use those official pages for current preparation materials and centre arrangements.