A2 Key for Schools | Cambridge English (2024)

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A2 Key for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key for Schools (KET for Schools), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is an exam for school-age learners which will help prepare them for higher-level English language qualifications.

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An A2 Key for Schools qualification shows that a student can use English to communicate in simple situations. It’s a logical next step after our Cambridge English Qualifications designed for young learners and a good place for older children to start learning English too.

The exam gives students the confidence to go on to study for higher-level English exams, such as B1 Preliminary for Schools.

A2 Key for Schools is targeted at the same CEFR level as A2 Key, but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.

Key facts

CEFR level:A2 What's this?
Scale score:120–139 What’s this?
Test format:Computer or paper-based
No. of papers:3
Exam length:About 2 hours

Exam updates 2020

To make sure our exams are up to date with the latest research in language learning and teaching, we update them regularly. A2 Key, A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools have undergone a thorough review to ensure that our exams continue to remain relevant to the needs of schools and learners.

The new exam formats will start being used from January 2020. The changes include:

  • new and updated tasks across all of the papers
  • better alignment between the exams, showing clearer progression from one exam to the next
  • an update to the way that grades are reported, bringing the exams in line with higher level Cambridge English Qualifications
  • the separation of the Reading and Writing papers in B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.

A2 Key for Schools | Cambridge English (6) 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.

A2 Key for Schools | Cambridge English (7) Reasons to choose A2 Key for Schools:

  • Helps students gain the language skills they need to succeed in study and work, at home or abroad.
  • Easily integrated into a school’s curriculum.
  • Part of a suite of exams that offer step-by-step progression for students.
  • Comprehensive support with exam preparation and administration.

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A2 Key for Schools | Cambridge English (2024)

FAQs

What is the A2 Key for Schools level? ›

A2 Key for Schools is an English-language exam at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). There isn't a specific age for taking A2 Key for Schools but the content of the exam suits school-age candidates' interests and experience.

What is the A2 Key level of English? ›

A2 Key, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key (KET), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. This basic-level qualification is a great exam to take if you're new to learning English. An A2 Key qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.

What's the difference between A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools? ›

A2 Key for Schools is at the same level as A2 Key and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the exam content is targeted at the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

What is the A2 test for Schools? ›

A2 Key for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key for Schools (KET for Schools), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is an exam for school-age learners which will help prepare them for higher-level English language qualifications.

What does A2 mean in school? ›

A2-levels are taken in the second year of sixth form, which is known as year 13. A2-levels are the second part of the full A-level course and build on the knowledge and skills acquired during the AS-level year. These qualifications also typically consist of exams taken at the end of the year.

What are A2 English levels? ›

Level A2 corresponds to basic users of the language, i.e. those able to communicate in everyday situations with commonly-used expressions and elementary vocabulary.

What are the skills for A2 Key? ›

About the exam A2 Key is a rigorous and thorough test of English at Level A2. It covers all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Candidates need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs and newspapers, and produce simple written English.

Is A2 level elementary? ›

English test A2 (Elementary English)

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

Is A2 Key good? ›

Learners can use this qualification for education or work purposes, as well as to progress to higher-level English language qualifications, such as B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Many higher education institutions around the world recognise A2 Key as an indication of English language ability.

What is A2 English exam? ›

An A2 English language test is a type of Secure English Language Test (SELT) that is needed for a visa extension on a Family partner or Family parent visa. A2 refers to the level of English you have, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

What is the pass mark for A2 English test? ›

If you achieve a scale score of 120–139 (Pass, Pass with Merit) in your exam, you will receive the Key English Test certificate at Level A2. We believe it is important to recognise your achievement, even if you do not reach Level A2.

How long does A2 English test take? ›

It is a 7-minute speaking and Listening Test. How long is A2 English test? The duration of the A2 English test is 2 hours. This qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in everyday life.

What does A2 level stand for? ›

English level A2 is the second level of English in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be described as “basic” as in “I speak basic English”.

What key is A2? ›

It's between one and two octaves below middle C: the first A under middle C is A3, and A2 is an octave below that. The note A2 on the piano corresponds to the A below middle C, which is the second A key to the left of middle C on a standard piano keyboard.

What grade is A2? ›

Grade A2, or as commonly known as stainless steel 304 is highly valued for its economical cost and delivering a good performance. Likewise, grade A4, or as known as grade 316 is referred to as marine grade stainless steel.

Is A2 a good score? ›

If you just started recently learning English, achieving an A2 score is very impressive. If you are looking for work, many employers are happy to hire at a B1 or B2 level.

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