The tests are designed to assess the English of primary learners of all nationalities, whatever their first language, between the ages of 7 and 12. The material is intended to be relevant and interesting to all. A great deal of thought has gone into designing the tests for children in this age group. They are just as reliable as the Cambridge tests for adults, but they are based on the kinds of topics and activities, which are familiar to children. All three components are attractively illustrated in full-colour.
Texts are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures.
Candidates perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions. As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the test specifications. Candidates listen to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Children perform various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual stimuli, and give simple information about themselves. Trained oral examiners assess the children's performance in the Speaking Test.