Key English Test (KET)
Information for candidates
Practical preparation tips, information on what to expect on test day and useful links.
Exam Format
The A2 Key is made up of three parts in order to assess your English skills.
Reading & Writing
1 Hour
The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper has seven parts with different types of texts and questions. Parts 1-5 are related to reading comprehension and parts 6 and 7 focus on written expression. This test accounts for 50% of the final grade.
Listening
30 minutes, including 6 minutes to transfer answers
The A2 Key Listening paper has five parts. In each part, candidates must listen to one or more recorded texts and answer various questions. Each part of the recording is heard twice. This test accounts for 25% of the final grade.
Speaking
8–10 minutes for each pair of candidates
The A2 Key Speaking Test has two parties and develops face to face with one more candidate. There are two examiners: one of them talks to the candidate and the other just listens. Both examiners decide the grade. The Speaking Test accounts for 25% of the final grade.
Choosing your partner for the Speaking Test
If you want to take the Speaking Test with a friend or classmate, you can request it when registering for the exam. In any case, keep in mind that research carried out on the experience of thousands of exams has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages when taking the test with someone you know and that in the end this factor does not influence the candidate's performance. . It is important to understand that what is valued is your own language skills.
Groups of three candidates
Almost all the A2 Key are done in groups of two candidates. However, in sessions with an odd number of candidates there will be a test with a group of three candidates, usually at the end of the day or just before a long break. The test format is exactly the same, but it lasts slightly longer. Please note that you cannot request to take the test in a group of three candidates.
Frequent Questions
Tips for exam day:
Paper Based
Computadora/Digital
Answer Sheet
Vocabulary list
This list is a teacher's guide to the vocabulary needed to prepare students for the A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools tests.
Example of the Speaking Test
This video helps you understand what a Speaking test for the Cambridge Assessment English A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools exams is like.