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Key Facts: A2 Key for Schools Exam
A2 Key for Schools is a Cambridge English qualification at CEFR Level A2 for school-age learners.
The exam has three components: a Reading and Writing paper, a Listening paper and a face-to-face Speaking test.
Reading and Writing has 7 parts and 32 questions and counts for 50% of the total marks.
Listening has 5 parts and 25 questions and counts for 25% of the total marks.
Results use the Cambridge English Scale from 100 to 150, with 120-139 confirming Level A2.
A Grade A (Cambridge Scale 140-150) shows the learner has ability at CEFR Level B1.
A2 Key for Schools uses the same format as A2 Key but with topics suited to younger learners.
A2 Key for Schools remains available in both paper-based and digital formats throughout 2026, unlike the adult A2 Key paper exam.
A2 Key for Schools is Cambridge English's elementary (CEFR A2) qualification for school-age learners, testing reading, writing, listening and speaking on school-relevant topics, with results on the Cambridge English Scale (120-139 earns the A2 certificate).
Sample A2 Key for Schools Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the A2 Key for Schools exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A school notice says: 'Library closed Friday. Return all books to the office instead.' What should students do on Friday?
2A text message reads: 'Hi Mia, football practice is moved to 4 pm, not 3 pm. Tell Sam!' Why did the writer send this message?
3A sign in the science lab says: 'Do not eat or drink in this room.' What does the sign mean?
4An email from a teacher says: 'Bring your art project tomorrow. If you forget it, you will lose marks.' What is the teacher warning students about?
5A notice on the school door reads: 'Visitors must report to reception before entering.' What must visitors do first?
6A message from Greta to Fiona says: 'Did you write down the maths homework? I missed the end of the lesson.' What does Greta want?
7A notice says: 'School trip tickets are sold out. Add your name to the waiting list at the office.' What can students do now?
8A note from Mum says: 'Your football boots are clean and by the front door. Don't forget them!' Why did Mum write the note?
9A poster says: 'Music club meets every Wednesday at lunchtime in Room 12. New members welcome!' What does the poster tell students?
10A message reads: 'Sorry, I can't come to your birthday party on Saturday. I have a swimming competition. Hope it goes well!' What is the writer doing?
About the A2 Key for Schools Exam
Cambridge English A2 Key for Schools, also known as KET for Schools, is an elementary-level English qualification at CEFR Level A2 for school-age learners. It follows the same format and scoring as A2 Key but uses topics, texts and situations tailored to the interests and experience of younger students, such as school life, friends, hobbies, sports and family. The exam has three components: Reading and Writing (7 parts, 32 questions, 1 hour), Listening (5 parts, 25 questions, about 30 minutes) and a face-to-face Speaking test (2 parts, 8-10 minutes per pair). Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale from 100 to 150, with scores of 120-139 confirming Level A2 and 140-150 showing ability at B1. It is offered in both digital and paper-based formats at authorised exam centres and is a popular first step towards B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Exam sponsor: Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge Assessment English). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Question count varies by module
Time Limit
Reading and Writing 1 hour; Listening about 30 minutes (including transfer time); Speaking 8-10 minutes per pair. Total about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Passing Score
Cambridge English Scale 100-150; 120-139 earns the A2 certificate, 140-150 (Grade A) shows B1 ability, and 100-119 receives an A1-level certificate.
Exam / Certification Fees
Set by each authorised exam centre; for example, Principals Academy in Singapore lists S$410 (before GST) for paper-based or digital A2 Key for Schools.
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Reading
Reading and Writing Parts 1-5: short texts, three-text matching, a longer text, a vocabulary cloze and an open cloze (30 marks).
Writing
Reading and Writing Parts 6-7: a guided email or note and a three-picture story (15 marks each).
Listening
Five parts: picture multiple choice, note completion, a conversation, short gist recordings and matching (25 marks).
Speaking
Two parts with a partner: personal questions, then a picture-based discussion (8-10 minutes per pair).
Preparing for the A2 Key for Schools Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Cambridge English Scale 100-150; 120-139 earns the A2 certificate, 140-150 (Grade A) shows B1 ability, and 100-119 receives an A1-level certificate.
- Assessment: Question count varies by module
- Time limit: Reading and Writing 1 hour; Listening about 30 minutes (including transfer time); Speaking 8-10 minutes per pair. Total about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Exam / certification fees: Set by each authorised exam centre; for example, Principals Academy in Singapore lists S$410 (before GST) for paper-based or digital A2 Key for Schools. Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
A2 Key for Schools: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cambridge A2 Key for Schools exam?
A2 Key for Schools (KET for Schools) is an elementary English qualification at CEFR Level A2 from Cambridge English. It tests reading, writing, listening and speaking using topics designed for school-age learners, such as school life, hobbies and sports.
How is A2 Key for Schools different from A2 Key?
Both exams are at the same CEFR A2 level and use exactly the same format and scoring. The difference is content: A2 Key for Schools uses texts and situations tailored to younger learners, while A2 Key is designed for adults.
How many questions and parts are there?
Reading and Writing has 7 parts with 32 questions, Listening has 5 parts with 25 questions, and Speaking has 2 parts. Reading Parts 1-5 and all five Listening parts are multiple-choice, matching or gap-fill items.
How is A2 Key for Schools scored?
Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale from 100 to 150. A score of 120-139 confirms Level A2 and earns the certificate, 140-150 (Grade A) shows ability at B1, and 100-119 receives an A1-level certificate.
How long is the A2 Key for Schools exam?
Reading and Writing lasts 1 hour, Listening takes about 30 minutes including transfer time, and Speaking lasts 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates. The whole exam takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Is A2 Key for Schools available in 2026?
Yes. A2 Key for Schools remains available in both paper-based and digital formats in 2026. The adult A2 Key paper-based exam was withdrawn after its last session in June 2026, but the for-Schools version continues in both formats.