Real-life language skills	Key leaflet
	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: understand simple written English communicate in familiar situations. understand short notices and simple spoken directions. It shows that you are able to communicate at a basic level in English. For example, at A2 level, you can expect to: understand and use basic phrases and expressions introduce yourself and answer basic questions about your personal details interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly write short, simple notes.
	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:

Reading & Writing: 1 hour The A2 Key Reading & Writing paper has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1-5 are about reading and Parts 6 and 7 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.  Nunber of parts: 7  Number of questions: 32  Tests length: Variable  Type of questions - Reading tasks: Part 1: Multiple choice shot texts Understanding six short messages. Part 2: Matching Read three short texts for specific information and detailed comprehension. Three texts and A, B, C multiple-choice options (not Right, Wrong or Doesn’t Say). Part 3: Multiple choice long text Read one longer text for detailed understanding and main ideas. Part 4: Multiple-choice gap fill Read a text and choose missing words (A, B, C) to fill in the gaps. Part 5: Open gap fill Read a text and write words in the gaps. Part 6: Writing a short message Write a message in response to information given. Candidates write 25 words or more. Part 7: Writing a short story Write a short story based on three pictures, 35 words or more.

Listening: about 30 minutes (+ 8 minutes transfer time) The A2 Key Listening paper has five parts (25 questions). 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.  Number of parts: 5  Number of questions: 25  Texts length: Variable  Type of tasks: Part 1: Multiple choice short texts Listen to five short texts for specific information and choose the right picture (A, B, C). Part 2: Gap fill isten to a longer text and write down missing information in the gaps (a word, number, date or time). Part 3: Multiple choice long text Listen to a longer text for specific information, feelings and opinions. Part 4: Multiple choice Listen to five short texts for the main idea or message. Part 5: Matching Listen to a longer text for specific information.

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.  Number of parts: 2  Type of tasks: Part 1: Introductory phase Interactional and social language. Candidates give factual information of a personal kind and answer examiner questions about their daily life, interests, likes, etc., followed by a longer ‘Tell me something about …’ question. Part 2: Collaborative task Compare, describe and express opinions. Discussion between candidates based on picture prompts on a topic, e.g. ‘holidays’ and follow-up discussion led by the examiner on the same topic. 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.

Paper and pencil tests Try a paper-based sample Key exam paper  Download the A2 Key sample test  Download A2 Key vocabulary list Computer based exams Watch thisTutorial before to start to help you understand what you need to do. Try a Reading & Writing sample test Try a Listening sample test Answer keys Reading & Writing answer key Listening answer key There is no answer key for Reading and Writing Part 9, but there are sample answers and examiner comments Information for Candidates A guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.  Download Information for Candidates Guide to exam day tips Practical information about the session.  Paper-based exams  Computer-based exams Summary Regulations for Candidates All the important information you need to know when taking the exam.  Download Summary regulations for candidates Cheating warning Cheating is treated very seriously by Cambridge English and if you cheat you will not get a result or a certificate.  Please view this poster and make sure that you understand what it says.

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:

Useful resources to help you to prepare for your A2 Key exam

Are you a private candidate? It’s easy to register for A2 Key in just three steps:

Registration for schools and academies