A2 Key
- Reading and writing
- 60 minutes
- Listening
- 30 minutes
- Speaking
- 8-10 minutes
The A2 Key exam is the first in a series of Cambridge exams. It certifies basic knowledge of English.
The general version is for adults and students, and the for Schools version is for schoolchildren aged 12-16.
The exam is particularly recommended for recent language learners looking to confirm their skills or going to work abroad.
There is also a version for schoolchildren aged 12-16 (A2 Key for Schools) available. This exam is the same as A2 Key, only the vocabulary and subject matter used are adapted to this age group.
The labels from Pre A1 to C2 are levels of the European CEFR scale (Council of Europe).
Exam results are released online about 4 weeks after a given exam session, on the Cambridge Assessment English website. Certificates can be collected at the Exam Centre after about 7 weeks.
Dates are the days of the written part of the exam.
Digital version - date to be confirmed
Ask about a date for A2 KeyWe arrange the exam date individually
Ask about a date for A2 Key for SchoolsChoose a date from the list and fill in the online registration form. Check the registration deadline. If an exam has no dates on the list, ask about a date: call or write to us.
The registration refers to individual candidates and groups registered by universities, schools, firms and institutions.
Important. The mere fact of making a cash payment or a bank transfer does not mean that you are registered for an exam. The mere fact of providing a registration form without a proof of payment does not mean that you are registered for an exam.
The exams are the same, only the vocabulary and subject matter used are adapted to schoolchildren aged 12-16.
When an exam has no open dates on the list, its date is arranged individually. Ask about a date: call or write to us.
Exam results are released online about 4 weeks after a given exam session, on the Cambridge Assessment English website. The address of the website, results release date and an individual access code to the website are given on a Confirmation of Entry.
Certificates can be collected at the Exam Centre after about 7 weeks, in person or through a person authorised in writing. The candidates registered for exams by universities, schools, firms and institutions are informed about the date and way of certificate receipt by the person registering them.
A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates are valid for an indefinite period.
Candidates requiring special arrangements (e.g. with visual or hearing difficulties) and candidates with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dysorthography (25% additional time in written exams) should note this in the registration form and submit a special arrangements application form together with the required documents (a medical certificate or a certificate from a psychological counselling centre not older than 2 years) before the registration deadline. Cambridge accepts certificates issued to people aged 13 or older. Special arrangements apply to paper-based exams.
In cash or by credit card at the Exam Centre, or by bank transfer. The exam fee must be paid no later than within 5 calendar days of being entered on the list of candidates and, if you register in the last days of registration, no later than the day after the registration deadline.