How the KET (A2 Key) Test Works: A Complete Guide to the Three Parts, Question Types, Scoring, and Certificates
KET is the Cambridge English A2 Key exam, corresponding to CEFR Level A2. Based on the official Cambridge English website, this article outlines the three parts of the test, including the question types, duration, and weighting of each part, the Cambridge English Scale scoring and grades, policies on score and certificate issuance, the differences between the two versions, and test preparation tips.
The KET is Cambridge English's A2 Key exam, administered by Cambridge Assessment English, corresponding to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It has two versions: A2 Key for Schools (for school students) and A2 Key (for adults). Both share the same level and exam format, with the only difference being the content: the Schools version features topics more relevant to the interests and experiences of school-aged students. Based on information published on the official Cambridge English website (cambridgeenglish.org), this article explains what the KET tests, how it is scored, and how the certificate is used. For an introduction to our KET courses, see KET Training.
1. Basic Information
- CEFR Level: A2 (also reliably assesses the higher B1 and lower A1 levels);
- Cambridge English Scale Score: 120–139 corresponds to A2;
- Exam Components: 3 parts—Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking, testing all four language skills;
- Exam Duration: Approximately 2 hours;
- Exam Format: Computer-based or paper-based, with the same question types in both formats. The official website states that the paper-based A2 Key (for adults) will be discontinued after the last exam in June 2026, leaving only the computer-based format; A2 Key for Schools will continue to offer both paper-based and computer-based formats.
The official website states that passing the A2 Key shows a candidate can: understand and use basic phrases and expressions; read simple written English; introduce themselves and answer basic questions about themselves; and interact in simple ways using basic English.
2. The Three Parts
| Part | Duration | Number of Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1 hour | 7 parts, 32 questions | 50% |
| Listening | Approx. 30 minutes (including 6 minutes transfer time) | 5 parts, 25 questions | 25% |
| Speaking | 8–10 minutes per pair of candidates (13–15 minutes for groups of three) | 2 parts | 25% |
Reading and Writing: 7 Parts
Parts 1–5 test reading, while Parts 6–7 focus on writing:
- Part 1 Multiple-choice (6 questions): Read 6 short real-world texts (e.g., notices, notes) and understand the main message;
- Part 2 Matching (7 questions): Read 3 short texts on the same topic and match 7 questions to the correct text;
- Part 3 Multiple-choice (5 questions): Read a longer text and understand details and the main idea;
- Part 4 Multiple-choice cloze (6 questions): Read an informational text and choose the correct word to fill in each gap;
- Part 5 Open cloze (6 questions): Fill in one word in each gap of an email (and sometimes a reply);
- Part 6 Guided writing: Write a short email or note of at least 25 words, scored out of 15;
- Part 7 Picture-based story: Write a short story of at least 35 words based on 3 pictures, scored out of 15.
Parts 1–5 are worth 1 mark each. For answering strategies and writing assessment criteria, see How to Tackle KET Reading and Writing.
Listening: 5 Parts, Each Recording Played Twice
- Part 1 (5 questions): Listen to 5 short conversations, identify key information, and choose the correct picture;
- Part 2 (5 questions): Listen to a monologue and complete a page of notes;
- Part 3 (5 questions): Listen to a conversation and answer 5 multiple-choice questions;
- Part 4 (5 questions): Listen to 5 short monologues or conversations and identify the main idea, intention, or topic;
- Part 5 (5 questions): Listen to a conversation and complete 5 matching tasks.
Each question is worth 1 mark. For listening strategies and the differences between computer-based and paper-based exams, see How to Ace KET Listening.
Speaking: 2 Parts, Taken with Two or Three Candidates
- Part 1 Interview (3–4 minutes): Answer the examiner's questions, providing factual or personal information;
- Part 2 Collaborative Task (5–6 minutes): Discuss likes and dislikes with other candidates and give reasons.
The official website states that the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with one or two other candidates, with two examiners: one who interacts with the candidates (possibly online) and one who only listens; both examiners award marks. For the exam procedure and assessment criteria, see How the KET Speaking Test Works.
3. Results and Certificates
A2 Key results are reported using the Cambridge English Scale: each skill is scored individually, and the average gives the overall score, along with a grade and CEFR level.
| Cambridge English Scale Score | Grade | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 140–150 | A | B1 |
| 133–139 | B | A2 |
| 120–132 | C | A2 |
| 100–119 | Level A1 | A1 |
- 80–99: The scale score will appear on the statement of results, but no certificate is issued;
- Results Release: Usually 5–10 working days after the computer-based exam, and 4–6 weeks for the paper-based exam;
- Certificate Delivery: Paper certificates for the computer-based exam are usually sent to the exam center within 3–4 weeks, and 7–10 weeks after the paper-based exam;
- Validity: Cambridge English certificates never expire, but institutions may decide how long they accept results for;
- Results Enquiry: Candidates can register for the official online results service, and institutions can verify results online using the candidate's ID number and date of birth.
4. KET and Other Cambridge English Exams
Cambridge English qualifications, from lowest to highest, are: Young Learners (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers), A2 Key, B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency. The official website states that A2 Key helps learners build confidence to prepare for higher-level exams, such as B1 Preliminary. As shown in the table above, scoring 140 or above on the A2 Key earns a Grade A, corresponding to a B1 level, at which point candidates might consider preparing directly for the PET (based on experience). For an introduction to the PET, see How the PET Works; for advice on choosing between the two, see How to Choose Between KET and PET.
5. How to Prepare
Here are some practical tips based on experience:
- Take a placement test first: Understand your child's current vocabulary and proficiency in the four skills before deciding on a study schedule;
- Build a foundation before practicing question types: The A2 level tests basic English for daily life, so vocabulary, grammar, and everyday expressions must be solid first;
- Follow word counts and content points in writing: Write at least 25 words for Part 6 and at least 35 words for Part 7, making sure to cover all the points given in the prompt;
- Practice the "listen twice" rhythm for listening: Catch the main idea on the first listen, and check the details on the second;
- Practice speaking in pairs: Since the Speaking test is taken with other candidates, practice taking turns, responding to others, and giving reasons;
- Use official sample papers to get familiar with the format: The Cambridge English website provides sample papers for each part; complete at least a few full sets before the exam;
- Confirm the exam format: Before registering, check with the exam center whether it is computer-based or paper-based, as well as the exam date and results release date.
Conclusion
The KET (A2 Key) is the A2-level Cambridge English qualification, testing all four language skills across 3 parts in about 2 hours. Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale, with 120–139 corresponding to A2, and the certificate is valid for life. Understanding the exam structure and practicing specific question types is the first step in preparing for the KET. If you want to find out if your child is ready to take the KET now, you can book our free assessment.
Verification Note: This article was verified in September 2026. Information regarding the levels, differences, components, duration, scale score ranges, and formats of A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools; the discontinuation of the paper-based A2 Key after June 2026; what passing the exam demonstrates; the duration, number of questions, weight, and question types of the three parts; the Speaking test format; results reporting, the correspondence between scale scores, grades, and CEFR levels, and the non-issuance of certificates for scores of 80–99; results and certificate delivery times, certificate validity, and online verification; as well as the sequence of Cambridge English qualifications, are all sourced from the A2 Key overview, format, and results pages on the official Cambridge English website (cambridgeenglish.org). The preparation tips are based on our practical experience.
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