Cambridge English: Key (KET)

Exam overview

What's in the exam?

Paper	Content	Marks (% of total)	Purpose
Reading and Writing (1 hour 10 minutes)	9 parts/56 questions	50%	Shows you can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.
Listening (30 minutes, including 8 minutes' transfer time)	5 parts/25 questions	25%	Requires you to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly.
Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates)	2 parts	25%	Tests your ability to take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Your Speaking test will be conducted face-to-face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.

A great first step in learning English

Real-life language skills

The Cambridge English: Key is set at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). A2 is the level of English needed 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.

Preparing for Cambridge English: Key will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

Reliable

Backed by the largest research programme of its kind, Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable reflection of your language skills.

Choice

The Cambridge English: Key exam is available internationally. Also, with paper-based and computer-based exam options, you can choose when and how you take your exam.

Fair

Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of English and are designed to be fair to users of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.

Support

A wealth of materials is available to help you prepare for your exam.

A Cambridge English qualification

Once you have earned a Cambridge English certificate, you hold one of the most valuable English qualifications in the world.

Exam format

• Reading and Writing

  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

  The Cambridge English: Key Reading and 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. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour 10 minutes
  Number of parts:	9
  Number of questions:	56
  Marks:	50% of total

  ---

  Parts 1–9

  Part 1 (Matching)

  What's in Part 1?	Eight signs, notices or other very short texts (A–H) and five sentences. You have to match each sentence to the right sign or notice.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading for the main message.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 2 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 2?	Five sentences on the same topic or which make a story. Each sentence has a missing word and you have to choose the best word (A, B or C) to complete the sentence.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and using vocabulary correctly.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 3 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 3?	The first five questions are things you say in a conversation. For each sentence, you have to choose what the other person says next (A, B or C). The second part of Part 3 is a longer conversation, but some sentences are missing. You have a list of sentences (A–H) and you have to find the right sentence for each space.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and finding the right answer for everyday conversations.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 4 (Right/Wrong/Doesn’t say OR multiple choice)

  What's in Part 4?	A long text or three short texts. You have to read the text(s) and seven sentences. You have to decide if each sentence is Right (A), Wrong (B), or Doesn't say (C).
  What do I have to practise?	Reading to understand the detail and main ideas of a text.
  How many questions are there?	7
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 5 (Multiple-choice cloze)

  What's in Part 5?	A short text with eight numbered spaces. Each space represents a missing word and you have to choose the right answer (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Reading to find the right structural word, e.g. a preposition like 'for' or 'since', or verb form like 'keeping', 'keep' or 'kept', etc.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 5
  Now try Part 5 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 6 (Word completion)

  What's in Part 6?	Five sentences like the definitions you find in a dictionary. We give you the first letter of the word and the number of letters and you have to complete the word.
  What do I have to practise?	Vocabulary and spelling.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 6
  Now try Part 6 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 7 (Open cloze)

  What's in Part 7?	A short text, for example a letter or postcard. There are 10 missing words in the text and you have to find the right word for each space.
  What do I have to practise?	Grammar, vocabulary and spelling.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 7
  Now try Part 7 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 8 (Information transfer)

  What's in Part 8?	Two short texts to read. You have to use the information in the texts to fill in a form correctly.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and writing down words or numbers correctly.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 8
  Now try Part 8 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 9 (Guided writing)

  What's in Part 9?	You have to write a short message, note, email or postcard. The instructions tell you who to write to and what to say.
  What do I have to practise?	Writing short messages.
  How many questions are there?	1
  How much do I have to write?	25–35 words
  How many marks do I get?	This question has a total of 5 marks.

  Practise Part 9
  Now try Part 9 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Read the instructions and study the example carefully.
  2. Do exactly what the instructions say, for example, only put ONE word in the gaps in Part 7.
  3. Answer all the questions, even if you are not sure.
  4. Check your answers and make sure you have put the right letter on the answer sheet.
  5. Write your answers to Parts 6, 7, 8 and 9 on the answer sheet.
  6. Take your time and don't hurry. There is plenty of time to answer all the questions.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't worry if there are words you don't understand. Try to guess them.
  2. Don't make a spelling mistake when you are copying the words in Part 8.
  3. Don't write fewer than 25 words in Part 9.
  4. Don't use a pen on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass the whole examination?

  No. Your grades are based on your overall score in all the papers.

  If I make a mistake filling in my answer sheets, is this picked up by the computer?

  If you omit an answer, the computer accepts the answer sheet. If you fill in more than one box, the computer rejects it.

  What is the recommended timing for each part?

  There is no recommended timing as some tasks will take longer than others depending how you approach them. Candidates have different strengths and weaknesses and this will affect how long they need to spend on each part. Overall, 1 hour and 10 minutes allows you plenty of time to complete all the tasks.

• Listening

  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Listening paper?

  The Cambridge English: Key Listening paper has five parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	About 30 minutes (including 8 minutes to copy your answers onto the answer sheet)
  Number of parts:	5
  Number of questions:	25
  Marks:	25% of total

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  Parts 1–5

  Part 1 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 1?	Five short conversations. For each conversation there is a question and three pictures (A, B or C). You have to listen to the conversations and choose the right answer.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening to find key information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Listening paper.

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  Part 2 (Matching)

  What's in Part 2?	A longer conversation and two lists of words. You have to listen to the conversation and match two lists of items, for example, people with the food they like to eat, or days of the week with activities.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for key information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Listening paper.

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  Part 3 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 3?	A conversation and some questions. You have to listen to the conversation and choose the right answer (A, B or C) for each question.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Listening paper.

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  Part 4 (Gap-fill)

  What's in Part 4?	A recording with some information. You listen to the recording and have to write the information you hear in a message or notes.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening and writing down information correctly.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Listening paper.

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  Part 5 (Gap-fill)

  What's in Part 5?	A monologue (one person is speaking). You have to listen to the recording and fill in a message or notes.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening and writing down information correctly.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 5
  Now try Part 5 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Listening paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Practise listening to English as much as possible.
  2. Revise the letters of the alphabet and numbers.
  3. Revise vocabulary in topics, for example jobs, sports, colours.
  4. Read the instructions carefully.
  5. Do some past papers for practice.
  6. Make sure you understand how to complete the answer sheet.
  7. Check your answers at the second listening.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't get nervous in the exam; just relax and do your best!
  2. Don't leave any answers blank (make a guess if necessary).
  3. Don't worry if you don't know how to spell a word – this may not be a problem.
  4. Don't forget to transfer your answers to the answer sheet correctly

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  How many times will I hear the recording for each part?

  Each part is heard twice, so you can check your answers or fill in any gaps at the second listening.

  Are different accents used in Cambridge English: Key recordings?

  Yes, there are some regional British accents and occasionally Irish, American or Australian speakers.

  How fast are the recordings?

  All Cambridge English: Key recordings are delivered clearly at slightly slower than natural speed.

  How long do I have to transfer my answers?

  A total of 8 minutes is allowed for this and you are warned after 7 minutes that you only have 1 minute left.

  What do candidates find most challenging on the paper?

  Parts 4 and 5, which involve listening and writing words or numbers, are often found to be challenging. Part 3, the multiple-choice task, is also quite challenging.

  Which part of the paper do candidates find the easiest?

  The short dialogues in Part 1 are an easy introduction to the paper. Part 2, the matching task, is also usually problem-free for candidates.

  Does it matter if I make a spelling mistake?

  No (as long as it is possible to recognise the word), unless it is a common, high-frequency word, e.g. Monday, or where the spelling of the word is dictated.

  Can I wear headphones in the Listening paper?

  Ask your centre whether you can use headphones or not – it depends how they choose to run the exam.

• Speaking

  Face-to-face Speaking test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Speaking paper?

  The Cambridge English: Key Speaking test has two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner just listens. Both examiners decide your grade.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	8–10 minutes per pair of candidates
  Number of parts:	2
  Marks:	25% of total
  You have to talk:	with the examiner with the other candidate

  ---

  Parts 1–2

  Part 1 (Interview)

  What's in Part 1?	Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and you answer.
  What do I have to practise?	Giving information about yourself.
  How long do we have to speak?	5–6 minutes

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Speaking paper.

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  Part 2 (Collaborative task)

  What's in Part 2?	The examiner gives you some information or a card with some ideas for questions. You have to talk with the other candidate and ask or answer questions.
  What do I have to practise?	Asking and answering simple questions about daily life.
  How long do we have to speak?	3–4 minutes

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Key Speaking paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Make sure you know what you have to do in both parts of the test.
  2. Practise speaking English as much as possible, both inside and outside the classroom.
  3. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions and questions during the test.
  4. Speak clearly, so that both examiners can hear you.
  5. Talk to the examiner in Part 1.
  6. Talk to your partner in Part 2.
  7. Ask the examiner to repeat the instructions or a question if you're not sure.
  8. Listen to your partner's questions and answers in Part 2 and try to make it a natural conversation.
  9. Remember that the examiners want you to do your best.
  10. Try and relax and enjoy the test.
  11. Always try to answer the questions, even if you are worried about making mistakes. The examiners can't mark you if you don't say anything.
  12. You may be nervous during the test. Practise speaking English in many different situations so that you can speak clearly even when you are nervous.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't worry too much about making grammar mistakes.
  2. Don't worry if you don't understand. Just ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question.
  3. Don't prepare long answers in advance.
  4. Don't worry if you think your partner is not as good, or much better at speaking English than you. The examiners mark you one by one.
  5. Don’t be so nervous that you don’t speak. The examiners can’t mark you if you don’t say anything.
  6. Don't worry if the examiner stops you. It is important that the tests are not too long.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  How many marks is the Speaking test worth?

  There are a total of 20 marks, making 25% of the total score for the Cambridge English: Key exam.

  Is it possible that I will do the test together with someone from my school/college?

  In some centres, candidates from the same school or college do the test together. In others, where there are candidates from a number of different schools or colleges, candidates may take the test with students from another school or college. You should check with your centre to find out the situation.

  Do both examiners speak during the test?

  No, only one examiner (the interlocutor) speaks. The other examiner (the assessor) stays silent except for greeting and saying goodbye to you.

  Do we speak to each other as well as to the examiner?

  Yes. In Part 1 you only speak to the examiner, but in Part 2 you must talk to each other. In this part, it is important that you speak to each other and NOT to the examiner, unless something is not clear to you.

  If you know your partner is it easier to do well?

  There is no evidence that candidates do better, or worse, in the Speaking test when they know their partner. Some people feel more relaxed and confident when they do the test with someone they know, while others may feel shy or that the situation is unnatural. In both cases, the examiners are trained to give all candidates equal opportunities to do their best.  In addition, the use of different tasks in the Speaking test allows candidates to perform both with and without a partner, so any possible effects of knowing one's partner are minimised.

  What happens if candidates are 'mismatched', for example by putting a shy person with a confident one?

  Examiners are trained to deal with this situation and be fair to all candidates. Everyone has the chance to show what they can do. However, you should remember to make the best use of the time to show your language skills without dominating your partner.

  What happens if there is an uneven number of candidates?

  The last test will be taken with a group of three candidates. In this case the test will last 13–15 minutes.

  What should I do if I don't understand the instructions?

  You should ask the examiner to repeat the instructions.

Cambridge English: Key preparation resources

Cambridge ESOL offers a comprehensive range of printed and online exam preparation and support products and services for teachers and learners for all Cambridge English exams.

Materials to buy

Past Paper Packs

Past Paper Packs

Each pack provides teachers with everything they need to give students authentic practice for the exams:

1. 10 copies of each of the papers with photocopiable answer sheets
2. CD with audio recordings for the Listening paper
3. comprehensive Teacher Booklet.

More Buy now

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

This comprehensive teacher resource pack from Cambridge ESOL is designed to help teachers who are preparing students for their Speaking test. It includes:

1. Student Worksheets and candidate visuals
2. Teacher’s Notes
3. DVD showing real students taking a Speaking test.

£14.99

MoreBuy now

Online Practice Test

Online Practice Test

Get extra exam practice with a flexible and comprehensive Online Practice Test from the people who set the exams. It includes:

1. a full practice test for each language skill (excluding speaking)
2. automatic scoring
3. a score report
4. detailed answer feedback.

Try Buy now

More official preparation materials

A huge range of official Cambridge English preparation materials are also available from the Cambridge University Press website. Materials include printed and digital resources to support teachers and help learners prepare for their exam.

Visit Cambridge University Press

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Books for study

Books for study

A huge range of coursebooks, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for Cambridge English: Key.

Find books for study

Free materials

To help you get started, Cambridge ESOL has some free materials which you can download:

Sample papers
Download sample papers for Cambridge English: Key.

Download now

Computer-based free samples
These tests allow you to see what a full CB test will be like and show the types of questions that will appear in the live exam.

Try now

KET Vocabulary List
Gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for Cambridge English: Key and Key for Schools.

Read now

Cambridge English: Key – Information for Candidates
A handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.

Information for candidates
Información para candidatos
Informações para os Candidatos
Πληροφορίες για υποψηφίους
受験者の手引き

Understanding your Statement of Results
Shows you the detailed, meaningful information you will receive once you have taken your exam.

Read now

Summary Regulations for Candidates
All the important information you need to know when taking the exam.

Read now

Exam dates

Exam dates for 2012

Note: Not all centres offer the exam on all dates below.
Please contact your centre to find out what dates they offer.

The Speaking paper is held by separate arrangement within a specified period or ‘window’.
Please contact your centre for more details.

January (computer-based exams)

Saturday 28 January Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

21 January–29 January Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

February (computer-based exams)

Friday 10 February Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

04 February–12 February Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

February (paper-based exams)

Saturday 25 February (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

17 February–27 February (Overseas) 17 February–04 March (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

March (paper-based exams)

Saturday 17 March (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

09 March–19 March (Overseas) 09 March–25 March (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

March (computer-based exams)

Wednesday 28 March Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

24 March–01 April Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

April (computer-based exams)

Thursday 26 April Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

21 April–29 April Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

May (paper-based exams)

Saturday 19 May (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

11 May–21 May (Overseas) 11 May–27 May (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

May (computer-based exams)

Thursday 24 May Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

19 May–27 May Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

June (paper-based exams)

Friday 01 June (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

25 May–04 June (Overseas) 25 May–10 June (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

June (paper-based exams)

Thursday 07 June (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

01 June–11 June (Overseas) 01 June–17 June (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

June (computer-based exams)

Friday 08 June Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

02 June–10 June Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

June (computer-based exams)

Saturday 23 June Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

16 June–24 June Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

July (computer-based exams)

Friday 06 July Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

30 June–08 July Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

July (paper-based exams)

Thursday 26 July (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

20 July–30 July (Overseas) 20 July–05 Aug (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

August (computer-based exams)

Saturday 11 August Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

04 August–12 August Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

September (computer-based exams)

Friday 14 September Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

08 September–16 September Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

October (paper-based exams) (NEW)

Saturday 13 October (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

05 October–15 October (Overseas) 05 October–21 October (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

October (computer-based exams)

Friday 26 October Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

20 October–28 October Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

November (paper-based exams)

Saturday 17 November (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

09 November–19 November (Overseas) 09 November–25 November (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

November (computer-based exams)

Thursday 22 November Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

17 November–25 November Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

December (paper-based exams)

Friday 07 December (afternoon) Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

30 November–10 December (Overseas) 30 November–16 December (UK) Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

December (computer-based exams)

Saturday 08 December Paper 1 (Reading & Writing) and Paper 2 (Listening)

01 December–09 December Window for Paper 3 (Speaking)

 

View a summary of all exam dates for 2012 | 2013 (PDF).

 

Results

Your results

Cambridge English: Key gives detailed, meaningful results. All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose performance ranges between CEFR Levels B1 and A1 will also receive a certificate.

Statement of Results

This document outlines:

• Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all three papers.
  
• A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
• A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed. It has set values for each grade, allowing comparison across sessions of the exam.

Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge English: Key

You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Results Online access details are provided by exam centres.

Your certificate

• Cambridge English: Key – Level B1

New for September 2011
Pass with Distinction

Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond Level A2. From September 2011, if you achieve a Pass with Distinction, you will receive the Key English Test certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B1.

• Cambridge English: Key – Level A2

Pass with Merit, Pass

If you achieve a Pass or Pass with Merit in your exam you will be awarded the Key English Test certificate at Level A2. Reaching this level is an important step in learning to use English to communicate in real-life situations, and gives you an internationally accepted certificate.

• Level A1 certificate

We believe it is important to recognise your achievement, even if you do not reach Level A2.

If your performance is below Level A2, but falls within Level A1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at A1 level.

Results Verification Service

If you need to allow employers, universities or other organisations to verify your examination results, just send them your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number (printed on your Confirmation of Entry) and they can check your results quickly and securely online at http://verification.CambridgeESOLonline.org.

Further information on results

• Results enquiries and appeals
• Malpractice
• Lost certificates