A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
Information for candidates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sample test
Paper-based A2 Key will be withdrawn from June 2026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).
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.
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.
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
Sample test
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).
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.
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.
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.
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