![Cambridge Flyers Exam Format & Shields Scoring [2026]](/assets/blog/og-exam-format-shields.png)
Overview: The 3 Cambridge Flyers Papers
Wondering what Cambridge Flyers is? The exam has 3 papers totalling approximately 75 minutes.
| Paper | Time | Questions | Maximum Shields |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 40 minutes | 44 questions (7 parts) | 5 shields |
| Listening | ~25 minutes | 25 questions (5 parts) | 5 shields |
| Speaking | 7–9 minutes | 4 parts | 5 shields |
| Total | ~75 minutes | 15 shields |
Paper 1: Reading & Writing — 40 Minutes
| Part | Task Type | Skills Assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Match sentence descriptions to the correct person or object in a picture | Vocabulary, sentence-level reading |
| Part 2 | Read a dialogue and fill in missing words (3 options given) | Contextual vocabulary, grammar |
| Part 3 | Read a passage — answer True / False / Not mentioned | Extended reading comprehension |
| Part 4 | Read a passage and fill in gaps (no options given) | Grammar, vocabulary production |
| Part 5 | Read a passage and answer open questions | Reading comprehension, written expression |
| Part 6 | Read information and complete a passage | Reading comprehension, sentence writing |
| Part 7 | View 3 sequential pictures and write a story (20+ words) | Creative writing, grammar, vocabulary |
Important Note on Spelling
Spelling must be completely accurate across all parts of Reading & Writing — Cambridge does not accept spelling errors, including on basic YLE vocabulary such as "school", "friend" or "because".
Paper 2: Listening — Approximately 25 Minutes
| Part | Task Type | Skills Assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Listen and draw lines to match names to people in a picture | Identifying names and descriptions |
| Part 2 | Listen and write information in a form or table | Listening for specific information |
| Part 3 | Listen and choose the correct picture (5 items) | Distinguishing detailed descriptions |
| Part 4 | Listen and choose the correct answer (A/B/C) | Understanding dialogue, inference |
| Part 5 | Listen and colour / write a name or word on a picture | Listening for colour, location, labels |
The Shields Scoring System — Fully Explained
Cambridge Flyers does not use numerical marks (0–100) or a pass/fail system. Instead, each skill area is awarded shields. Every candidate receives a Cambridge A2 Young Learners certificate regardless of their shields total.
| Skill | Maximum Shields | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 5 shields | 5/5 = Excellent; 4/5 = Good; 3/5 = Satisfactory |
| Listening | 5 shields | 5/5 = Excellent; 4/5 = Good; 3/5 = Satisfactory |
| Speaking | 5 shields | 5/5 = Excellent; 4/5 = Good; 3/5 = Satisfactory |
| Total | 15 shields |
What Is a Strong Result?
- 12–15 shields (4–5 per skill): Excellent — child is ready to progress to A2 Key for Schools
- 9–12 shields (3–4 per skill): Good — continue building on weaker skill areas
- Below 9 shields: Encouragement to keep studying and consider timing of the next attempt
Summary
Understanding the Cambridge Flyers exam structure makes preparation purposeful — children and their teachers know exactly what to work towards, and parents can track progress meaningfully. Combining structured centre learning with daily practice aligned to the exam format gives children genuine confidence walking into the test room.