A2 · KETCambridge English
A2 Key (KET) — Complete Exam Guide
Exam format, paper-by-paper breakdown, scoring explained, and friendly tips for every section — perfect for first-time Cambridge candidates.
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
Total time
~2h
across 3 papers
Papers
3
Reading & Writing, Listening, Speaking
Cambridge Scale
120–150
to pass (Grade C or above)
CEFR level
A2
Elementary
Exam structure at a glance
Reading & Writing
1h 10m
50% of final mark
7 parts combining reading comprehension and two short writing tasks. Worth half of your total marks.
Listening
~30m
25% of final mark
5 parts, 25 questions. Each recording is played twice.
Speaking
8–10m
25% of final mark
2 parts, taken in pairs with an interlocutor and assessor. Designed to feel like a friendly conversation.
Papers — tap to explore each one
Scoring & results
140–150
A
B1
Exceptional — certificate shows B1 ability (one level above A2)
133–139
B
A2
Strong pass — solid elementary level
120–132
C
A2
Pass — achieves the A2 target level
100–119
Level A1
A1
Below target — results slip shows A1, no A2 certificate
Below 100
—
—
Unsuccessful — more preparation recommended
School
Recognised by many secondary schools as proof of basic English ability. Often used as a stepping stone toward B1 Preliminary.
Everyday English
Shows you can communicate in simple everyday situations: travelling, shopping, meeting people, and writing short messages.
Progression
A great foundation for moving on to B1 Preliminary (PET) and eventually B2 First (FCE) later in your studies.
Tips & tricks by section
Time management
Reading parts 1–5: about 40 min combined
Writing part 6 (25 words): about 10 min
Writing part 7 (35 words): about 15 min
Save 5 min at the end to check your writing for mistakes
Most common mistakes
Writing too few words — always aim for the suggested word count or slightly more
Forgetting to include all 3 points in the short message (part 6)
Leaving gaps empty — always write something, even if you're not sure
Spelling mistakes in common words like "friend", "because", "beautiful"
Examiner tips
In writing, use simple sentences you know are correct — don't try to be too fancy
Check your basic grammar: capital letters, full stops, -s on plurals
In reading, the answer is always in the text — trust what you read
No penalty for wrong answers — always guess if you don't know
Common questions
Ready to practise?
Take a full A2 Key pre-test
Same format, same timing, same question types as the real Cambridge exam. Writing and Speaking marked by certified examiners.