A2 Key for Schools

A2 Key for Schools (KETfS)

A2 Key for Schools (KETfS), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. This basic-level qualification is a great exam to take if you're new to learning English and a good place for older children to start learning English too. An A2 Key for Schools qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.

It should give you the confidence to go on and study for higher-level exams such as B1 Preliminary for Schools and B2 First for Schools.

An A2 Key for Schools qualification shows that a student can:

understand and use basic phrases and expressions
understand simple written English
introduce themselves and answer basic questions about themselves
interact with English speakers at a basic level.

Exam Format

A2 Key for Schools is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills. The formats below are the same for both the paper-based and computer-based exams.

Reading & Writing

Listening

Speaking

The A2 Key for Schools 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 shows that you can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.

1 hour

32 questions

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Download A2 Key for Schools Handbook Differences sample test and exam

There is no answer key for Reading and Writing Parts 6-7, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the A2 Key for Schools Handbook

The A2 Key for Schools 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 test requires you to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly.

30 minutes (including 6 minutes’ transfer time)

25 questions

Multiple choice, gap fill and matching exercises

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Differences between sample test and exam

The A2 Key for Schools 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 test shows that you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions.

8–10 minutes per pair of candidates

One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens

Two or three candidates, two examiners

Check out this example video to see what happens during a A2 Key for Schools Speaking test

A2 Key for Schools test examiner comments

A2 Key for Schools Digital tutorial

Please watch the tutorial to familiarise yourself with the functions of the platform and to be well prepared for the exam day.

Preparation needed?

Are you interested in a proper preparation for the exam? Simply give us a call or fill out the contact form to make a free appointment for a detailed consultation. You can do a full course to increase your language level or just a few hours to prepare for the exam. Together we will find out your right level and can start planning your course immediately!

Dates and Fees

Click to expand and see all exam dates as well as the registration deadlines and prices. Please note that real-time availability will only be checked once you clicked on the button “Registration”.

A2 Key for Schools (KET)

Date

Type

Registration Deadline

Results Release Window

Price

Details

Date:
Wed 12.03.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
28.02.2025

Results:
19.03.2025 -
26.03.2025 19.03 - 26.03

Price:
210 €

Registration

Date:
Thu 22.05.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
12.05.2025

Results:
29.05.2025 -
05.06.2025 29.05 - 05.06

Price:
210 €

Registration

Here you can book your Cambridge English exam in Vienna. Please note that you will need a valid ID document to complete your booking. You will get all payment details to pay the exam fee (via bank transfer) at the end of this booking process.

A2 Key for Schools Scores

You will receive a separate score for each of the three papers (Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking), giving you a clear understanding of your performance.

The weighting of all three papers is the same. These three scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam.

Depending on which university, college or organisation you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. For A2 Key, the following scores will be used to report results:

Cambridge English Scale Score	Grade	CEFR Level
140–150	Grade A	B1
133–139	Grade B	A2
120–132	Grade C	A2
100–119	Grade D (Level A1)	A1

The exam is targeted at Level A2 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above A2 (Level B1) and the level below (Level A1).

Scores between 100 and 119 are also reported on your Statement of Results, but you will not receive the Key English Test certificate.

Results and Certificates

Your results will be available online within 5-10 working days for digital exams and approximately 4-6 weeks after paper-based exams. About 2-3 weeks later, your certificate will be sent from Cambridge/UK to Vienna – you will be automatically informed once your certificate has arrived and is ready to be picked up at the Institute.

To access your results, you have to register using the ID Number and Secret Number provided on your Confirmation of Entry. After that you can login and check as well as share your results. Online Results Service for Candidates

Standardised Exams

Cambridge exams are designed to ensure standardised test conditions for people of all linguistic backgrounds and nationalities and are supported by a dedicated global research programme.

The exam covers all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking).

Worldwide Recognition

Cambridge English certificates are recognised by Universities and leading employers globally. For example: Deloitte. Ernst and Young, Marks and Spencer, HSBC, Juilliard and Freie Universität Berlin.

The A2 Key for Schools certificate is evidence that a student can use English to communicate in simple situations. It is an exam for school-age learners which will help prepare them for higher-level English language qualifications, such as B1 Preliminary for Schools.