Do you have basic English skills? Can you understand simple texts? Can you
communicate in familiar situations? Can you understand short notices and simple
spoken directions? If so, then the Key English Test (KET) from Cambridge ESOL is the
exam for you. KET is the first-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level A2 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. KET shows that you can cope with everyday written and spoken communications at a basic level. KET is an excellent first step, helping you to build your confidence in English and measure your progress. KET uses language from real life situations and covers the four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. It provides an assessment of practical skills, and will help you to learn the English you will need for travelling, as well as in study and work situations. From 2007, KET will be available in two formats.You will still be able to take the paper and pencil test, but you will be able to choose a computer-based version called CB-KET instead. Please contact your nearest local centre for details.

• Develop effective communication skills
The Cambridge ESOL examinations cover all four language skills – listening, speaking,
reading and writing. They include a range of tasks which assess your ability to use
English, so that you develop the full range of skills you need to communicate
effectively in a variety of contexts.

• Quality you can trust
We do extensive research and trialling to make sure that you get the fairest, most
accurate assessment of your ability and that our exams are most relevant to the
range of uses for which you need English.

• Worldwide recognition
Universities and employers all over the world recognise Cambridge ESOL exams, so a
Cambridge ESOL examination is a valuable qualification. University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) offers the world’s leading range of qualifications for learners and teachers of English. Around 1.75 million people in 135 countries take Cambridge ESOL exams each year.

What is involved in taking the KET exam?
KET has three papers:

Reading and Writing: 1 hour 10 minutes
You will need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. You will also have to fill gaps in simple sentences and write a short piece of around 25 words.

Listening: 30 minutes
You need to show your ability to understand announcements and other spoken material when spoken reasonably slowly.

Speaking: up to 10 minutes
You will need to demonstrate you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Speaking tests are normally held with two candidates