Overview
Cambridge A2 Key is an English language qualification from Cambridge English, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It sits at level A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and checks whether a candidate can understand and use everyday English for simple, practical communication. The exam has three components — Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking — and is one of the most widely taken English qualifications in the world. A school-age version, A2 Key for Schools, shares the same level, format and certificate as standard A2 Key but uses topics and pictures chosen for younger candidates.
Who can apply
There is no age limit or academic entry requirement; anyone who registers with an authorised exam centre can sit A2 Key. It is aimed at learners who have moved past complete beginner level and can handle simple, everyday exchanges in English. Candidates who are still at school usually take A2 Key for Schools, while candidates past school age take the standard A2 Key version — both lead to the same certificate and are treated identically by institutions that accept the qualification.
Exam pattern
| Component | Timing | Parts and questions | Share of marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 1 hour | 7 parts, 32 questions | 50% |
| Listening | 30 minutes (including 6 minutes to transfer answers) | 5 parts, 25 questions | 25% |
| Speaking | 8–10 minutes per pair of candidates (13–15 minutes for a group of three) | 2 parts | 25% |
The three components together take about 2 hours. Reading and Writing and Listening are taken on the same day; Speaking may be scheduled on a different day. The Speaking test is face to face, with one or two other candidates and two examiners present.
Reading and Writing
Candidates read short notices, signs, messages and longer texts, and answer questions that test vocabulary and understanding of the main ideas and details. The writing tasks ask candidates to complete short texts such as messages and a longer piece of 25 words or more.
Listening
Candidates hear a series of short recordings — announcements, conversations and monologues — each played twice, and answer questions on what they hear, including multiple-choice and note-completion tasks.
Speaking
In Part 1, each candidate answers simple personal questions from the examiner about themselves, their routines and their likes and dislikes. In Part 2, the two candidates talk to each other using pictures linked to a shared topic, describing what they see and giving opinions, before the examiner asks a few follow-up questions on the same topic.
For 2026, A2 Key is offered as a digital exam; the paper-based version is being withdrawn after its last session in December 2026, after which A2 Key will only be available digitally.
Marking and results
Every candidate receives a Cambridge English Scale score for each of the four skills — Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking — plus an overall score that is the average of the four. A score of 120–150 earns the A2 Key certificate confirming CEFR level A2 (a score of 140–150 within that range is reported as having also demonstrated ability at the higher B1 level). A score of 100–119 does not fail the candidate outright; instead it earns a certificate confirming ability at CEFR level A1. The certificate does not carry an expiry date and remains valid indefinitely once issued.
Fees
The exam fee is not fixed globally — it depends on the country and the exam centre. Candidates confirm the exact fee, along with exam dates and registration deadlines, directly with their chosen authorised centre.
How to apply
A2 Key cannot be booked directly with Cambridge English; candidates register through a local authorised exam centre. Candidates studying on a course at a school are usually registered by that school. Independent candidates search the official centre finder to locate a centre near them and register directly. There are more than 2,800 authorised centres across over 130 countries, and each one sets its own exam dates, registration closing dates and fees.
Preparation tips
Cambridge English publishes free official preparation material for A2 Key, including digital sample tests, listening recordings with transcripts, and answer keys for reading and writing tasks. Since Listening and Speaking each carry a quarter of the overall marks, practise the paired picture-discussion task used in Speaking Part 2 and get used to hearing each Listening recording only twice, as happens in the real exam.
What CEFR level does Cambridge A2 Key test?
A2 Key is targeted at CEFR level A2. A high enough score (140–150 on the Cambridge English Scale) is reported as also showing ability at the higher B1 level, while a lower score (100–119) earns a certificate at CEFR level A1 instead of A2.
What is the difference between A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools?
Both are the same level and format and lead to the same certificate. A2 Key for Schools uses topics and pictures suited to school-age candidates, while standard A2 Key is intended for candidates who are no longer at school.
Does the A2 Key certificate expire?
No. Once issued, the certificate has no expiry date and remains valid for life.
How do I register for A2 Key?
You register with a local authorised Cambridge English exam centre, not directly with Cambridge English. Use the official centre finder to locate one near you; the centre confirms exam dates, fees and registration deadlines.