A2 LEVEL • THE EVERYDAY ENGLISH FOUNDATION
Your guide to A2 Key
Understand every part of A2 Key (KET), build a sensible study plan and know what to expect on exam day.
What A2 Key measures
A2 Key is a qualification in practical, everyday English at CEFR level A2. It asks you to understand simple written and spoken messages, write short texts and take part in straightforward conversations. KET is an older abbreviation that learners and teachers still use.
There are three papers. Reading and Writing form one combined paper; Listening and Speaking are separate. Digital and paper versions use the same exam format. Practise language skills first, then get comfortable with the controls or answer sheet for your booked version.
| Paper | Time | Parts / questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1 hour | 7 parts / 32 questions | 50% |
| Listening | About 30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ answer transfer | 5 parts / 25 questions | 25% |
| Speaking | 8–10 minutes per pair; 13–15 for three | 2 parts | 25% |
Transfer time relates to transferring answers on paper. Follow the instructions for your delivery mode and your centre’s timetable. Facts checked against the official pages on 31 October 2026.
Reading and Writing: all seven parts
The hour is shared between reading tasks and two pieces of writing. Avoid spending so long on one vocabulary gap that you rush the story. In practice, record how long you need for each section and leave time to check both writing tasks.
| Part | Questions | What you do | A useful practice habit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Multiple choice | 6 | Six short real-world notices or messages. Choose the main message. | Ask who the message is for and what that person should do. Notice negatives and changes of plan. |
| 2 · Multiple matching | 7 | Read three short texts on the same topic and match seven questions to them. | Underline the requirement in each question, then find the same meaning in different words. |
| 3 · Multiple choice | 5 | Read one longer text for detail and main ideas. | Read the whole text first. Check the sentence around your evidence before choosing. |
| 4 · Multiple-choice cloze | 6 | Choose vocabulary items to complete a factual text. | Look at the words on both sides of the gap. Learn useful word partnerships, such as catch a bus. |
| 5 · Open cloze | 6 | Complete gaps in an email, sometimes including a reply, with one word each. | Identify the job of the missing word: article, preposition, pronoun, auxiliary or linker. |
| 6 · Guided writing | 1 task | Write a short email or note of 25 words or more. Maximum 15 marks. | Answer every prompt clearly. Write connected sentences and check basic verb forms. |
| 7 · Picture story | 1 task | Write a story of 35 words or more based on three pictures. Maximum 15 marks. | Include all three stages. Keep the same main characters and use a clear sequence of events. |
Listening: all five parts
You hear each recording twice. Before it starts, read the question and predict the kind of information you need. Use the second listening to confirm an answer or resolve uncertainty. If you miss something, move to the next question and return when possible.
| Part | Questions | What you do | A useful practice habit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Picture choice | 5 | Five short dialogues; choose the correct picture. | Listen for the final arrangement. A speaker may mention a different time or object first. |
| 2 · Note completion | 5 | A monologue; fill gaps in notes. | Predict whether each gap needs a name, time, number or ordinary word. Check spelling. |
| 3 · Multiple choice | 5 | A dialogue with five three-option questions. | Use the first listening to decide, then listen again for evidence rather than familiar words. |
| 4 · Multiple choice | 5 | Five short monologues or dialogues; identify gist or main idea. | Focus on why the speaker is talking. A repeated word alone does not prove an option. |
| 5 · Matching | 5 | A dialogue; match five items. | Read both lists first and track who or what each comment refers to. |
A useful home routine is to listen once without a transcript, write down the main message, then listen again. Afterwards, check the transcript and collect two or three phrases you could use yourself. Listening repeatedly without checking understanding is less helpful.
Speaking: a conversation with support
The test is face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners; the interlocutor may join remotely. You are assessed on your own performance. Your task is to communicate, listen and respond, rather than compete with the other candidate.
Part 1 · Interview
3–4 minutes. Answer questions about factual and personal information, such as your daily life, studies, work or interests.
Practise giving a direct answer plus one useful detail: “I usually walk to college because it’s near my home.” Avoid memorising a speech that does not answer the question.
Part 2 · Discussion
5–6 minutes. Discuss likes and dislikes and give reasons. Listen to the other candidate and respond naturally.
Build a small bank of phrases: “I prefer… because…”, “What do you think?” and “I agree, but…”. Practise changing the reason so your answer stays flexible.
Standard or A2 Key for Schools?
The versions target the same level and skills and follow the same format. For Schools topics are designed around younger learners’ experiences; the standard version uses contexts suitable for a broader audience. The A2 Key for Schools certificate is the same as A2 Key: it does not say “for Schools” and has the same recognition.
Confirm eligibility, local dates, delivery mode and access arrangements with an authorised centre before paying. Fees and availability vary; a general study guide cannot confirm a particular booking.
Understand the result, then plan the next step
Your Statement of Results reports Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking separately, even though Reading and Writing share a paper. The overall scale score averages the four skills. A score of 120–139 demonstrates A2, with Grade C at 120–132 and Grade B at 133–139. Grade A at 140–150 demonstrates B1. Scores of 100–119 receive Level A1; 80–99 are reported without a certificate.
Digital results usually arrive 5–10 working days after the session; paper results normally take 4–6 weeks. Certificates do not expire, although a receiving organisation may set its own recency requirements. Use our score converter and complete bands table to interpret a score; it cannot predict a result from a home practice percentage.
A study plan you can repeat
- Find one small weakness. Review a short task and name the problem: vocabulary, grammar, timing or understanding the instructions.
- Practise that skill deliberately. Try an original mini practice set, write a brief email or record a one-minute conversation.
- Review the reason. Keep corrected examples in a notebook and return to them after a few days. Use the verbs drill for a short retrieval session.