Cambridge English Qualifications · A2 Key

A2 Key (KET)

Build Strong English Fundamentals

A Cambridge English qualification at CEFR Level A2, assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

The exam includes three components, with scores of 120–139 corresponding to CEFR A2.

A2
Corresponding CEFR Level
120-139
CEFR A2 Score Range
3
Test Components
~1h40m
Total Test Duration
Articles

Latest Articles

Cambridge English exam guides, preparation strategies, and study tips.

How to Choose Between KET and PET: How Score Ranges Overlap, Key Difficulty Differences, and How to Determine Which Test is Right for Your Child
Guides

How to Choose Between KET and PET: How Score Ranges Overlap, Key Difficulty Differences, and How to Determine Which Test is Right for Your Child

KET (A2 Key) and PET (B1 Preliminary) are two adjacent levels in Cambridge English, with scores reported on the same scale and overlapping score ranges. Based on the official Cambridge English website and conversion guides, this article compares their score ranges, certificates, and difficulty differences, and provides methods for using official practice tests to assess proficiency levels, along with test selection advice.

2026-09-27Read more →
How to Take the KET (A2 Key) Speaking Test: Procedures for the Two Parts, Examiner Grading Criteria, and Preparation Strategies
Guides

How to Take the KET (A2 Key) Speaking Test: Procedures for the Two Parts, Examiner Grading Criteria, and Preparation Strategies

The KET Speaking test is taken in pairs with two examiners, lasts 8–10 minutes, and is counted as a separate component. Based on the Cambridge A2 Key Teacher's Manual and official conversion guides, this article breaks down how the test is conducted, what is tested in the Part 1 Q&A and Part 2 picture discussion, the four assessment criteria and their band descriptors, score-to-level conversions for practice tests, and common reasons for losing marks along with practice strategies.

2026-09-27Read more →
How to approach the KET (A2 Key) Listening test: Question types for the 5 parts, answering strategies, and the differences between the computer-based and paper-based exams.
Guides

How to approach the KET (A2 Key) Listening test: Question types for the 5 parts, answering strategies, and the differences between the computer-based and paper-based exams.

The KET Listening test takes about 30 minutes, features 5 parts and 25 questions, with each audio track played twice, and is counted as a separate component. Based on the Cambridge A2 Key Teacher's Manual and official conversion guides, this article breaks down what each part tests, official listening strategies, answering and spelling rules for Part 2, differences between computer-based and paper-based tests, score-to-level conversions for practice tests, and common reasons for losing marks along with practice strategies.

2026-09-27Read more →
How to Tackle KET (A2 Key) Reading and Writing: Question Types, Answering Strategies, and Writing Grading Criteria Across 7 Parts
Guides

How to Tackle KET (A2 Key) Reading and Writing: Question Types, Answering Strategies, and Writing Grading Criteria Across 7 Parts

The KET Reading and Writing test is 1 hour long, with 7 parts and 32 questions. Reading is worth 30 marks and Writing is worth 30 marks, each counting as a separate score. Based on the Cambridge A2 Key Teacher's Manual and official conversion guide, this article summarizes what each part tests, officially recommended answering methods, the Content/Organization/Language grading criteria for Writing, the proficiency levels corresponding to practice test scores, as well as common reasons for losing marks and practice methods.

2026-09-27Read more →
How the KET (A2 Key) Test Works: A Complete Guide to the Three Parts, Question Types, Scoring, and Certificates
Guides

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.

2026-09-27Read more →

Course Features

Initial Assessment and Personalized Planning

Assess students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to develop personalized study plans based on their current proficiency levels.

Preparation for A2 Key for Schools

Targeted preparation for A2 Key for Schools, with practice based on official question types and everyday situations relevant to school-aged learners.

Simulate the Real Speaking Test

Practice speaking in pairs using the official test format, including examiner questions and interactive tasks, to build familiarity and confidence.

Periodic Assessments and Feedback

Monitor progress in all four language skills through regular assessments and practice tests, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting instruction as needed.

A2 Key Course Options

A1 Level / Building Toward A2

A2 Key Foundation Course

48 Lessons

Starting with foundational vocabulary, grammar, and everyday English expressions, this course gradually builds the language skills required for the A2 level while introducing core exam question types.

  • Building a Core Vocabulary of 1,500 Words
  • Foundational Grammar Focus
  • Graded Reading Practice
  • Unit Quizzes
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For Students with an A1–A2 Foundation

A2 Key Intensive Course

36 Lessons

Centered around the three main exam modules—Reading & Writing, Listening, and Speaking—this course provides targeted training to strengthen test-taking strategies and practical language application.

  • Targeted Reading & Writing Training
  • Intensive and Extensive Listening Practice
  • Paired Speaking Practice
  • 3 Full-Length Practice Tests
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4–6 Weeks Before the Exam

A2 Key Final Prep Course

20 Sessions

Focuses on practice tests, targeted review, time management, and test-taking strategies to help students prepare for exam day.

  • 5 Full-Length Mock Tests Before the Exam
  • Detailed Breakdown of Scoring Criteria
  • Practice with Common Mistakes and Scoring Criteria
  • Test-Day Preparation and Confidence Building
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Test Format

A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools have the same test format (see the official Cambridge English website for details)

1

Reading and Writing (1 hour)

7 parts, 32 questions, 50% of the total score. Tests the ability to understand short written texts and complete simple writing tasks.

2

Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes to transfer answers)

5 parts, 25 questions, 25% of the total score. Tests understanding of everyday spoken English. Each recording is played twice.

3

Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates)

2 parts, 25% of the total score. Conducted face to face with another candidate and two examiners, assessing the ability to communicate through simple questions and interactive tasks.

Our Teaching Team

Faith

Faith

Senior Instructor in English Literature and Debate
  • •Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of British Columbia, certified by the International TEFL Academy
  • •Extensive experience in comprehensive K-12 English teaching and personalized tutoring, covering English language, literature, close reading and writing, debate, and IB, TOEFL/TOEFL Junior test preparation.
  • •K-12 English Literature and Language, Close Reading and Writing Instruction, Critical Thinking and Debate, Public Speaking Tutoring, TOEFL / TOEFL Junior Test Preparation Strategies
  • •Has guided numerous elementary school students in writing and public speaking competitions, winning multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards; systematically tutored many students for efficient TOEFL and TOEFL Junior preparation, achieving significant score improvements and skill breakthroughs in vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.

Ms. Faith graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in English Literature and holds a teaching certification from the International TEFL Academy. She has extensive K-12 English teaching experience, having taught students of various ages. Her instruction covers English language, English literature, reading comprehension, writing, grammar, critical analysis, debate, and preparation for English proficiency exams. Ms. Faith has a solid background in teaching English literature and language, with particular expertise in reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing instruction. In her K-12 teaching, she has taught English, reading, literature, and debate courses at the elementary and middle school levels, flexibly adjusting her teaching content to accommodate students' varying ages, academic foundations, and curriculum requirements. She focuses on helping students build a strong English foundation through close reading, grammar training, and writing exercises, while gradually developing their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and expressive skills. In terms of English exam tutoring, Ms. Faith has practical teaching experience with the TOEFL and TOEFL Junior. She has provided systematic tutoring tailored to students' specific needs in vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and test-taking strategies, helping them improve their overall English proficiency and exam performance. Leveraging her solid foundation in English language, literature, and writing, she can also extend these skills to reading and writing training for other English proficiency exams, helping students develop more comprehensive language abilities. Beyond daily English teaching, Ms. Faith has extensive experience in tutoring writing, public speaking, and debate. She has guided elementary school students in writing and speech competitions, helping them improve their essay structure, language expression, idea organization, and public speaking skills through targeted feedback, revisions, and repeated practice. Many of her students have won gold, silver, and bronze awards. In debate instruction, she guides students in gathering information, constructing arguments, conducting logical analysis, and practicing expression, helping them learn to organize and support their viewpoints and express them more clearly and systematically. In addition to classroom teaching, Ms. Faith has accumulated extensive experience in personalized tutoring. She has provided English reading, language, writing, and IB tutoring for K-12 students, adjusting her teaching methods based on their academic foundations and specific goals to help them gradually improve their English proficiency. She is familiar with the common difficulties students of different ages face in learning English and is skilled at building their confidence through step-by-step explanations and targeted practice. Ms. Faith's teaching philosophy emphasizes clear explanations, personalized feedback, and independent thinking. She believes that learning English is not just about mastering vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills, but more importantly, about cultivating students' abilities to understand, analyze, write, and express themselves. During the teaching process, she values building good communication and trust with her students, encouraging them to ask questions and express their opinions proactively, and flexibly adjusting her teaching methods according to each student's characteristics. While maintaining academic standards, she aims to help students truly understand what they learn and gradually develop confident, independent, and effective English learning skills.