Cambridge English qualification

Cambridge A2 Key

formerly KET

An elementary-level qualification showing that a learner can understand straightforward written and spoken information and communicate in simple everyday situations.

Explore format and tasks Official Cambridge overview ↗

Exam format

Format and part-by-part tasks

Three papers and about 1 hour 40 minutes. Adult A2 Key remains digital; its adult paper-based version ended after June 2026. A2 Key for Schools keeps the same level and exam format with school-age topics and remains available in paper and digital forms.

Reading and Writing

Parts 1–5 test reading; Parts 6–7 require short original writing.

60 minutes · 7 parts · 32 questions · 50%

Task map

  1. Part 1: identify the main message in six real-world short texts.
  2. Part 2: match seven questions to three short texts on one topic.
  3. Part 3: read one longer text for detail and main ideas.
  4. Part 4: complete a factual text using multiple-choice vocabulary.
  5. Part 5: supply one word in each gap of a short text.
  6. Part 6: write an email or note of at least 25 words covering three prompts.
  7. Part 7: write a story of at least 35 words from three pictures.

Listening

Candidates hear each recording twice and extract gist, detail, numbers, dates and opinions from everyday speech.

About 30 minutes · 5 parts · 25 questions · 25%

Task map

  1. Part 1: choose the correct visual after five short recordings.
  2. Part 2: complete five gaps from a monologue.
  3. Part 3: answer five multiple-choice questions about a conversation.
  4. Part 4: identify the main idea in five short dialogues.
  5. Part 5: match five speakers or items to information.

Speaking

One examiner conducts and another assesses while candidates answer personal questions and interact with each other.

8–10 minutes per pair · 2 parts · 25%

Task map

  1. Part 1: answer examiner questions about personal details, daily life, interests and preferences.
  2. Part 2: discuss a visual prompt with the other candidate, compare options and express preferences.

Results and scoring

How the result is reported

Cambridge reports separate skill scores on the Cambridge English Scale and averages them for the overall result. The target level is not the only possible outcome: performance in the adjacent reported level is also shown on the Statement of Results or certificate.

Scale scoreGrade/resultCEFR
140–150AB1
133–139BA2
120–132CA2
100–119Level A1A1

Candidate experience

What happens on the day and afterwards

Digital and paper formats use the same task types, but adult paper-based A2 Key is no longer available after June 2026.
Speaking remains face-to-face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.
Digital results are normally available in 5–10 working days; paper results normally take 4–6 weeks.
The for Schools exam is the same level and format; only topics and situations are adapted for school-age learners.

Preparation guidance

Prepare for the tasks candidates actually complete

  1. 1Use the current seven-part sample paper; reject older nine-part KET materials.
  2. 2Practise both writing outputs to the minimum length while covering every content point.
  3. 3Build a checking routine for spelling in Listening and one-word Reading answers.
  4. 4Prepare for interaction: respond to the partner, ask simple questions and extend beyond one-word answers.

Official resources

Format, samples, preparation and results

Understand the qualification

Cambridge’s current qualification overview and part-by-part format.

Official preparation material

Sample tests, audio, Speaking videos, wordlists and teacher/candidate support.

Results and delivery

How results work, expected release windows, and paper/digital delivery.

Format and results information checked 12 August 2026 against current official Cambridge English pages. Confirm dates, local format availability, identification and access arrangements with an authorised centre. EduZMS is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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