| Cambridge Assessment English: A2 Key |
A2 Key is a basic level qualification that shows you can use English to communicate in simple situations and have achieved a good foundation in learning English.
| Important: In 2020 Cambridge Assessment English will be updating A2 Key, A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools. Click here for more information... |
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A2 Key is set at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Preparing for A2 Key will give you the practical English skills to:
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| Reliable Backed by the largest research programme of its kind, Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable reflection of your language skills. | ||
| Choice Choose when and how you take your exam - A2 Key is available as either a paper-based or computer-based exam, allowing you even more choice over how you take your test. | ||
| Fair Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of English and are designed to be fair to users of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds. | ||
| Globally Accepted More than 3,000 employers, universities and colleges, government departments and other organisations around the world rely on A2 Key. | ||
| Fast results Get your results in just two weeks with our computer-based exams. | ||
| A Cambridge English qualification Once you have earned a Cambridge English certificate, you hold one of the most valuable English qualifications in the world. | ||
What does A2 Key involve?
A2 Key is an elementary level assessment of English. It consists of three papers: Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Speaking test uses a face-to-face test with two candidates and two assessors. This creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to communicate.
A2 Key has three papers:
A2 Key is an elementary level assessment of English. It consists of three papers: Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Speaking test uses a face-to-face test with two candidates and two assessors. This creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to communicate.
A2 Key has three papers:
 Reading & Writing: 1 hour 10 minutesThe A2 Key Reading & Writing paper has nine parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1-5 are about reading and Parts 6-9 are mainly about writing. Candidates are required to show that they can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. This paper accounts for 50% of the total mark. | ||
| Listening: about 30 minutes (+ 8 minutes transfer time) The A2 Key Listening paper has five parts. For each part candidates have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. Each part of the recording is heard twice. Candidates are required to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly. There are some regional British accents and occasionally Irish, American or Australian speakers and recordings are delivered clearly at slightly slower than natural speed. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark. | ||
| Speaking: 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates The A2 Key Speaking has two parts and will be conducted face-to-face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner just listens. Both examiners decide your grade. The Speaking test accounts for 25% of the total mark.
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Your results
If you are successful in the exam you will receive two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Universities, employers and other organisations you apply to may ask you for either of these documents as proof of your English language skills.
'Statement of Results'
Your Statement of Results contains the following information:
Your certificate
If a candidate demonstrates that he/she has achieved level A1 or above of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), one of the following certificates will be awarded:
If you are successful in the exam you will receive two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Universities, employers and other organisations you apply to may ask you for either of these documents as proof of your English language skills.
'Statement of Results'
Your Statement of Results contains the following information:
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For A2 Key, the following scores will be used to report results:
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 | The exam is targeted at Level B1 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above (Level B1) and the level below (Level A1). Scores between 100 and 119 are also reported for A2 Key. You will not receive a certificate, but your Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on your Statement of Results. Please click on the image to the left of this text to find out the relationship between the CEFR levels, the Cambridge English Scale and the grades awarded in A2 Key.
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Your certificate
If a candidate demonstrates that he/she has achieved level A1 or above of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), one of the following certificates will be awarded:
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B1 Key Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond A2 level. If you achieve a Pass with Distinction in your exam, you will receive the Key certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B1. |
| A2 Key If you achieve a Pass with Merit or Pass in your exam, you will be awarded the A2 Key certificate at Level A2. | |
| Level A1 Certificate If your performance is below Level A2, but falls within Level A1, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at A1 level. |
 If you want a university, employer or other organisation to verify your
result, you must provide them with the information on your Statement of
Results and two additional pieces of information:1.- Your ID Number (a sequence of nine letters and numbers). 2.- Your Secret Number (a four-digit number). Both of these pieces of information can be found on your Confirmation of Entry, which you receive when you register for the exam. They can then verify your result by logging in to www.cambridgeenglish.org/verifiers |
Useful resources to help you to prepare for your A2 Key exam
| Free Practice Tests | |||
 | Computer tests Try a computer-based sample A2 Key exam paper: Reading & Writing Listening | ||
| Paper and pencil tests Try a paper-based sample A2 Key exam paper: Download the A2 Key sample test Download A2 Key vocabulary list | |||
| Preparation resources, games and Cambridge activities |
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| Social media |
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 |  Exams Catalunya FacebookJoin Exams Catalunya on Facebook: Exams Catalunya Facebook... | ||
 | Cambridge English Facebook Join The Cambridge English dedicated Advanced Facebook page for help with exam preparation. | ||
 |  Exams Catalunya YouTube ChannelWatch videos featuring English learning and exam tips on our Exams Catalunya YouTube channel | ||
 | Cambridge English YouTube Channel Watch videos featuring English learning and exam tips on Cambridge English TV YouTube channel | ||
| Visit the Cambridge English: Key support page here:
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/key/how-to-prepare/ |
| Are you a private candidate? It’s easy to register for A2 Key in just three steps: |
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