Exam preparation

A2

Key

Exam preparation

A2 Key

Exam preparation

A2 Key

Information for candidates

A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.

Exam format

A2 Key is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills:

1 hour

The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1–5 are about reading and Parts 6–7 are mainly about writing. This paper accounts for 50% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Multiple choice)
Part 2 (Multiple matching)
Part 3 (Multiple choice)
Part 4 (Multiple-choice cloze)
Part 5 (Open cloze)
Part 6 (Guided writing)
Part 7 (Picture story)

30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time

The A2 Key Listening paper has five parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Multiple choice)
Part 2 (Gap fill)
Part 3 (Multiple choice)
Part 4 (Multiple choice)
Part 5 (Matching)

8–10 minutes per pair of candidates

The A2 Key Speaking test has two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Interview)
Part 2 (Discussion)

Choosing your Speaking Test partner

If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note however that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.

Groups of three candidates

Almost all A2 Key Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.

Frequently asked questions and exam day tips

Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.

KET1_candidates

Sample test

Paper based

Paper-based A2 Key will be withdrawn from June 2026

There will be two alternatives:

  • A2 Key Digital
  • A2 Key for Schools (both paper-based and Digital)

Paper-based A2 Key exam dates have already been published for 2024 and 2025. In 2026 there will be two sessions, one in May and a final session in June (exact dates to be confirmed).

Digital

Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Answer keys

There is no answer key for Reading & Writing Part 9, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the A2 Key handbook.

Vocabulary list

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.

Download A2 Key vocabulary list

Speaking test video

These video will help you to understand what happens during the A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.

Examiner comments > Heidi and Iris
Examiner comments > Humay, Noah and Lucas
Examiner comments > Wensley and Janson

Information for candidates

A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.

Exam format

A2 Key is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills:

1 hour

The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1–5 are about reading and Parts 6–7 are mainly about writing. This paper accounts for 50% of the total mark.

Parts:

Part 1 (Multiple choice)
Part 2 (Multiple matching)
Part 3 (Multiple choice)
Part 4 (Multiple-choice cloze)
Part 5 (Open cloze)
Part 6 (Guided writing)
Part 7 (Picture story)

30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time

The A2 Key Listening paper has five parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Parts:

Part 1 (Multiple choice)
Part 2 (Gap fill)
Part 3 (Multiple choice)
Part 4 (Multiple choice)
Part 5 (Matching)

8–10 minutes per pair of candidates

The A2 Key Speaking testhas two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Parts:

Part 1 (Interview)
Part 2 (Discussion)

Choosing your Speaking Test partner

If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note however that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.

Groups of three candidates

Almost all A2 Key Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.

Frequently asked questions and exam day tips

Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.

KET1_candidates

Sample test

Paper based

Paper-based A2 Key will be withdrawn from June 2026

There will be two alternatives:

  • A2 Key Digital
  • A2 Key for Schools (both paper-based and Digital)

Paper-based A2 Key exam dates have already been published for 2024 and 2025. In 2026 there will be two sessions, one in May and a final session in June (exact dates to be confirmed).

Digital

Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Answer keys

There is no answer key for Reading & Writing Part 9, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the A2 Key handbook.

Vocabulary list

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.

Download A2 Key vocabulary list

Speaking test video

These video will help you to understand what happens during the A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.

Examiner comments > Heidi and Iris
Examiner comments > Humay, Noah and Lucas
Examiner comments > Wensley and Janson