How to Prepare for A2 Key (KET): The Exam Format and What to Study First
Hiroki Obara · DeveloperAlphaGeorgeHow-To
A2 Key (KET) is the first of the main Cambridge English Qualifications for adults, and it is designed to test CEFR level A2. It has three papers, Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking, and takes about two hours in total. There is a paper-based and a digital version, and the format is the same in both (A2 Key on the Cambridge English site).
I wrote about the Cambridge exams in general in Cambridge English Exams vs IELTS and TOEFL, and about choosing a level in Which Cambridge English Exam Should You Take?. This post is for people who have decided on KET, and for parents of children taking it: what is in the exam, and what order to study in. I checked every number on the official site and in the handbook for teachers in October 2026.
Two things worth knowing first
First, the paper-based A2 Key is ending. The official site says the A2 Key paper-based exam will be withdrawn after the last session in December 2026 and will remain available as a digital exam. A2 Key for Schools will stay available in both formats. If you take the adult A2 Key from 2027 on, you will read and type on a screen.
Second, the format changed in 2020. The revised A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools went live in January 2020 (Cambridge’s announcement). According to the official 2020 update summary, Reading and Writing went from nine parts and 56 questions to seven parts and 32 questions, and a new task asks you to write a short story from three pictures. The second part of the Speaking test became a discussion between candidates. Results changed from Pass with Distinction, Pass with Merit and Pass to Grades A, B and C. Older prep books and second-hand practice tests may use the pre-2020 format, so check the publication date before you use them.
A2 Key vs A2 Key for Schools
The official site says the two are at the same CEFR level and follow the same format. The difference is the topics: A2 Key for Schools is tailored to the interests and experience of school-age learners, and A2 Key is designed for adults. Children take for Schools, adults take A2 Key. For younger children there are separate exams: Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers.
The format
Here is the official exam format as a table.
| Paper | Time | Content | Share of marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1 hour | 7 parts, 32 questions | 50% |
| Listening | About 30 minutes (including 6 minutes to transfer answers on paper) | 5 parts, 25 questions | 25% |
| Speaking | 8 to 10 minutes per pair, 13 to 15 minutes per group of three | 2 parts | 25% |
Reading and Writing
Parts 1 to 5 are reading. Parts 6 and 7 are writing.
- Part 1: six short real-world texts, choose the main message (3 options, 6 questions)
- Part 2: three short texts on one topic, match seven questions to the texts (7 questions)
- Part 3: one longer text, detail and main ideas (3 options, 5 questions)
- Part 4: a factual text, choose the word for each gap (3 options, 6 questions)
- Part 5: an email (sometimes with a reply), write one word in each gap (6 questions)
- Part 6: write a short email or note of 25 words or more (up to 15 marks)
- Part 7: write a short story of 35 words or more from three pictures (up to 15 marks)
Listening
You hear every recording twice.
- Part 1: five short dialogues, choose the right picture from three (5 questions)
- Part 2: a monologue, fill gaps in a page of notes (5 questions)
- Part 3: a dialogue, five 3-option questions (5 questions)
- Part 4: five short monologues or dialogues, choose the main idea or topic (3 options, 5 questions)
- Part 5: a dialogue, match five items (5 questions)
Speaking
You take it with one or two other candidates, and there are two examiners. One talks to you and the other listens, and both give marks. The examiner who talks to you may be taking part online.
- Part 1: answer questions about yourself and your daily life (3 to 4 minutes)
- Part 2: discuss likes and dislikes with your partner and give reasons (5 to 6 minutes)
Some people worry that a weak or strong partner will change their score. The handbook for teachers says candidates are assessed on their own individual performance, not in relation to each other.
How results work
Results are given on the Cambridge English Scale. 120 to 132 is Grade C, 133 to 139 is Grade B and 140 to 150 is Grade A, and all of these get an A2 Key certificate. Grade A is reported as level B1. 100 to 119 is reported as level A1. Scores from 80 to 99 appear on the Statement of Results, but no certificate is given (results page). I wrote more about levels above and below in Which Cambridge English Exam Should You Take?.
What to study first
From here on this is my own view, based on the numbers in the handbook.
1. Do one official sample test, timed
Start with the free sample tests on the preparation page, and time yourself. Don’t worry about the score. The point is to see which parts you run out of time on and where you get stuck. A study plan made after this is less likely to waste time.
2. Start writing early
According to the handbook, Reading and Writing is marked out of 60, and Parts 6 and 7 carry 30 of those marks. Two tasks make up half of the paper. They are marked on content, organisation and language.
I think writing takes longer to improve than reading or listening. So I would start writing short emails and picture stories in the first week. The handbook suggests aiming for roughly the required number of words, because writing too little makes it easy to leave out something the task asks for.
3. Use the vocabulary list to see the range
The same page has the A2 Key vocabulary list, and the handbook says it is updated every year. I would read through it once, less to memorize every word than to see the range of words the exam uses.
4. Practise with a time plan
The handbook suggests spending about 40 minutes on reading and about 20 minutes on writing in the one-hour paper. On paper, there is no extra time for filling in the Reading and Writing answer sheet: it has to be done within the hour. Listening is different. The paper-based test includes 6 minutes to transfer answers, and the digital test includes 2 minutes to check them.
5. Practise speaking with a partner
In Speaking Part 2 you discuss with another candidate, not only with the examiner. Ask a family member or friend to be your partner. Say one thing you like and why, then respond to what your partner says. Repeating that simple exchange is good practice.
Where people lose marks
The point that stood out to me in the handbook is spelling. In Reading and Writing Part 5, an answer is only correct if it is spelled correctly. In Listening Part 2, words that are spelled out in the recording must be spelled correctly, and correct spelling of common words is also required. You can understand the word and still lose the mark.
The other is time for writing. If reading takes too long, you are left writing 30 marks’ worth in a hurry at the end. I would practise leaving 20 minutes for writing from the very first sample test.
Preparing for KET with AlphaGeorge
AlphaGeorge, an app I make for iPhone and iPad, is for preparing for the Cambridge exams. The course has six levels from A1 to C2, with 66 units in total, and the 12 units of the A2 Elementary level match A2 Key (KET). A diagnostic test of about five minutes decides where you start. The app’s interface and explanations are in English and Japanese.
Each unit has lessons in grammar and reading, vocabulary, everyday conversation, writing and speaking, followed by a review and a progress check. As in the real exam, listening questions are played twice before you can continue.
The questions were all written for the app. It is not a Cambridge publication, so use the official sample tests above to get used to the real format. AlphaGeorge is free to start, with ads and a limit of hearts. AlphaGeorge Premium, a monthly or yearly subscription, removes ads, makes hearts unlimited and lets you replay finished lessons. Getting Started with AlphaGeorge walks through the first session.
