Cambridge A2 Key (KET): 9 Things to Know Before You Sit the Exam in 2026

If you’ve searched “Cambridge A2 Key exam” and come back more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. KET sits in an odd spot: official enough to matter for schools and some entry requirements, but far less talked-about than its bigger siblings, B2 First or C1 Advanced. Here’s what the exam actually involves, what’s changing in 2026, and how to walk in prepared.

1. What the A2 Key (KET) Actually Is (and Who It’s For)

A2 Key is a Cambridge English Qualification that certifies basic, practical English at CEFR level A2 — think greetings, shopping, giving directions, and writing a short email to a friend. It’s a popular first “real” certificate for school-age learners and for adult beginners who want proof of their level before moving up to B1 Preliminary (PET). The certificate doesn’t expire, and schools and some employers recognise it as evidence you can get by in everyday English.

2. The Three Papers, Broken Down

• Reading and Writing (1 hour, 7 parts, 32 questions, 50% of your score): the first five parts test reading comprehension and grammar in context; the last two ask you to write a short message and a short story from three pictures.
• Listening (30 minutes plus 6 minutes to transfer your answers, 5 parts, 25 questions, 25% of your score): short recordings — announcements, phone calls, conversations — each played twice.
• Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates, or 13–15 minutes for a group of three): face to face with two examiners. You’ll answer personal questions, then work with another candidate on a short task together.

3. How It’s Scored — and What Counts as a Pass

Your three papers are combined into a single score on the Cambridge English Scale. Roughly 120 points or above gets you an A2 certificate. Score high enough — close to B1 level — and Cambridge will actually issue you a certificate stating you performed at B1, even though you sat the A2 exam. Fall a little short, between 100 and 119, and you still receive a certificate, but one reporting A1 level; below 100 you get a statement of results rather than a certificate.

4. Digital vs Paper-Based: What’s Changing in 2026

Cambridge has been phasing out the paper-based version of the standard adult A2 Key exam in favour of the digital format, while A2 Key for Schools keeps both options available for longer. Exact withdrawal dates vary by test centre and country, so check directly with your local centre or Cambridge English before you register — don’t assume paper is still on offer.

5. A2 Key vs A2 Key for Schools: Which One to Book

Both versions test the exact same level and have the same structure. The difference is the content: A2 Key for Schools uses topics and images aimed at younger teens, while the standard A2 Key uses more general, adult-oriented material. If you’re booking through a school, they’ll usually tell you which one to register for. If you’re choosing for yourself as an adult, go with the standard A2 Key.

6. The Parts That Catch Learners Off Guard

Three spots trip people up again and again. Reading and Writing Part 5 is a multiple-choice cloze that tests grammar in context — small words like prepositions and articles, which rewards slow, careful reading over speed. Writing Part 7 asks for a short story based on three pictures, and many candidates freeze because they haven’t practised simple past-tense narration out loud. And in Listening Part 2, candidates lose marks on spelling and numbers — names, times, and prices go by fast, so practise writing down what you hear in real time, not just understanding it.

7. How to Prepare for the Speaking Test With a Stranger

Part of what makes KET Speaking nerve-wracking is that you’re paired with a candidate you’ve never met. The format is predictable, though: the examiner asks you both personal questions (your home, your routine, your likes), then gives you a simple joint task, like comparing two pictures or planning something together. The best preparation is rehearsing with an unfamiliar partner, not just a friend — a tutor who can play the role of a stranger, and push you to keep talking instead of answering in one word, makes a real difference here.

8. A Realistic Study Timeline From A2 Level

If you’re genuinely sitting comfortably at A2, 8 to 12 weeks of regular practice is usually enough: two or three short sessions a week, mixing one past paper, a round of vocabulary review, and one speaking practice session. If you’re still shaky between A1 and A2, give yourself longer and focus on building core vocabulary and basic verb tenses first — rushing the exam from too low a level only wastes the entry fee.

9. Where (and How) to Book It

You book through an authorised Cambridge exam centre or a partner like the British Council — not directly through Cambridge’s own website. Search for centres near you, compare fees (they vary by country and format), and book early: digital exam slots fill up faster than people expect, especially close to school term deadlines.

Not sure if A2 is even the right level for you yet? Take Parlazo’s free level test first, then book a few lessons with a native English teacher focused specifically on the Speaking test and that tricky Part 7 story-writing task — the two places most A2 Key candidates lose points they didn’t need to lose.