A2 Key facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A2 Key, also known as Cambridge English: Key, is an English language exam. It was previously called the Key English Test (KET). This exam is offered by Cambridge Assessment English.

This test is for students who are just starting to learn English. It checks if you can communicate simply at Level A2. This level is part of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

There are two versions of the A2 Key exam. One is for students still in school. The other is for adults and general education.

What is A2 Key?
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What is A2 Key?

The A2 Key exam helps you show that you can use English in basic, everyday situations. It's a great first step if you want to get an official English language certificate.

A Brief History of the Exam

The A2 Key exam was created between 1991 and 1994. Its main goal was to give students a basic English qualification. It also helps students prepare for more advanced English exams. These include B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency. The exam was updated in March 2004 to make it even better.

Two Versions: A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools

Cambridge Assessment English offers two types of A2 Key exams. Both lead to the same certificate.

How They Are Similar

Both exams have the same structure. They have the same number of parts and questions. The time you get for each part is also the same. They both help you improve your English communication skills.

How They Are Different

The main difference is the topics and content.

A2 Key uses topics that interest adults. These topics might be about university, starting a business, or careers.
A2 Key for Schools uses topics for school-aged students. The tasks and subjects are designed to match what you learn in class.

What Does the Exam Look Like?

Both versions of the A2 Key exam have three main parts. These parts test all four important language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

You take the Speaking part of the exam with an examiner. For the Reading and Writing, and Listening parts, you can choose to take them on a computer or with paper and pencil.

Paper 1: Reading and Writing Skills

This part takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. It counts for 50% of your total score. It has nine sections and 56 questions. You will read simple things like signs, brochures, and magazines.

The first five sections test your reading. They also check your vocabulary and grammar. You might fill in missing words or match statements. You will also answer multiple-choice questions about texts.

The last two sections test your writing. You will write a short email (at least 25 words). Or you can write a short story (at least 35 words) based on pictures. You choose one of these two writing tasks.

Paper 2: Listening Skills

This part takes about 30 minutes. It counts for 25% of your total score. It has five sections with 25 questions. You will listen to everyday conversations and talks. These will be spoken at a normal, clear speed.

In Part 1, you hear five short talks. You choose the correct picture from three options. You listen for details like prices, times, or places.

In Part 2, you hear one longer talk. You write down information to complete a message or notes.

Part 3 has a longer conversation. You listen for key ideas and answer five multiple-choice questions.

Part 4 has five short talks or conversations. You find the main idea or message. Then you answer five multiple-choice questions.

Part 5 has another long conversation. You match information, like people's names with their favorite foods.

Paper 3: Speaking Skills

This part takes 8 to 10 minutes. It counts for 25% of your total score. You will talk with one or two other students and two examiners. You will show that you can ask and answer simple questions.

Part 1 is a chat with an examiner. You will share facts about yourself. This could be about your daily life or your hobbies.

Part 2 has two steps. First, you talk with the other student(s). The examiner gives you a card with ideas. You ask and answer questions about it together. Then, the examiner asks you more questions about the card.

Understanding Your Scores

Since February 2016, your results are shown using the Cambridge English Scale. This scale gives you a score for each part of the exam.

How Scores Work Now (Since 2016)

Your Statement of Results and certificate show:

A score for each paper (Reading and Writing, Listening, Speaking).
An overall score for the whole exam.
A grade (A, B, C, or Level A1) for your overall performance.
Your CEFR level for the exam.

Your overall score is an average of your scores from all three papers.

The A2 Key exam is designed for CEFR Level A2. However, it can also show if you are at Level B1 (higher) or Level A1 (lower).

Grade	Cambridge English Scale Score (100–150)	CEFR Level
A	140–150	B1
B	133–139	A2
C	120–132	A2
CEFR Level A1	100–119	A1

If your score is below 100, it will be on your Statement of Results. But you will not get the A2 Key certificate.

Older Scoring System (Before 2016)

Before 2016, scores were different. Your Statement of Results showed a grade (Pass with Distinction, Pass with Merit, or Pass). It also showed a total score out of 100 and your CEFR level.

Grade	Score (total mark out of 100)	CEFR Level
Pass with Distinction	90–100	B1
Pass with Merit	85–89	A2
Pass	70–84	A2
CEFR Level A1	45–69	A1

Students who scored 45 or more (out of 100) received a certificate.

When and How You Get Your Results

You take the Reading and Writing and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking paper might be on a different day, or sometimes on the same day.

You can take the exam on paper or on a computer. Both ways give you the same official certificate. The Speaking test is always face-to-face with an examiner.

You can find exam dates throughout the year at test centers.

If you pass, you get two documents. These are a Statement of Results and a certificate. Schools, jobs, and other groups might ask for these. They prove your English skills.

You can see your results online about two weeks after a computer-based exam. For a paper-based exam, it takes four to six weeks. If you pass, you get your paper certificate later. This is usually within four weeks for computer-based exams. For paper-based exams, it's within two months.

Why Take A2 Key?

The A2 Key exam shows you have English skills at CEFR Level A2. This means you can handle basic situations. For example, you can:

Understand simple written English, like short notes.
Follow simple spoken directions.
Talk in everyday situations.
Use basic English phrases.
Write short, simple messages.
Talk with English speakers who speak slowly and clearly.

This qualification can help you with school or future jobs. It also helps you move on to higher English exams. These include B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency.

Many schools and universities around the world accept A2 Key. They see it as proof of your English ability. Some companies also use it when they hire people.

Getting Ready for Your Exam

You can find a list of official exam centers on the Cambridge Assessment English website. They also offer free practice materials. These include sample tests for both A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools. You can also find many official study books and materials. These are made by Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge University Press.