Official Cambridge certification proving a basic command of English for everyday situations.
The A2 Key exam, formerly known as KET (Key English Test), is an official Cambridge English certification that proves a basic command of English. It shows you can communicate in everyday situations, understand simple texts and make basic requests.
Exam structure
The exam lasts about 2 hours and assesses the four language skills in three main sections:
- Reading & Writing (60 min): read short texts and answer multiple-choice questions; write a short message or email (min. 25 words) and a short story based on three pictures.
- Listening (30 min): everyday audio at a slow pace with multiple-choice and gap-fill questions.
- Speaking (8-10 min): taken in pairs in front of two examiners.
Scoring (Cambridge English Scale)
- 140-150: Grade A (Pass with Distinction) — certified B1 level.
- 133-139: Grade B (Pass with Merit).
- 120-132: Grade C (Pass).
- 100-119: A1 level certificate.
