A2 Key is the lowest level General English exam in the Cambridge Qualifications range. It shows that you can communicate in basic English in everyday situations.
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.
Level of qualification: Elementary = A2 on the Common European Framework.
Who should take this exam?
You should take the A2 Key/A2 Key for Schools if you have done about 250 hours of study or practice and can speak, write and understand basic English. This exam is the first step in building your English language skills for work or study in the future. To take the exam you should be able to:
- ask and answer questions about yourself and others
- understand announcements and instructions when people speak slowly and clearly
- tell people what you think about something you read or hear.
What is the exam format?
There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
| A2 Key/A2 Key for Schools | READING AND WRITING | LISTENING | SPEAKING |
| Time allowed | 1 hour | 30 minutes | 8–10 minutes per pair of candidates |
| Marks (% of total) | 50% | 25% | 25% |