We offer Cambridge ESOL examinations, one of the most widely recognised International English qualifications which help you develop your education and career.

Cambridge ESOL stands for Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages. It assesses candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English. Cambridge ESOL exams offer the world's leading range of certificates for learners of English. There is total commitment to assessment of the highest quality and excellent support for teachers and test takers. They are recognised by universities, employers and official bodies throughout the world.

Key English Test (KET) is the first or ‘beginner’ level of the Cambridge ESOL's examinations and indicates that the student has developed basic linguistic ‘survival skills’ needed to interact socially or at work in an English speaking environment. KET has three papers - Reading and writing, Listening and Speaking. Visit Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support page for more information.

Is KET for you?

• do you have basic English skills?
• can you understand simple written English?
• can you communicate in familiar situations?
• can you understand short notices and simple spoken directions?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then KET is the right exam for you.

What will KET do for you?

Cambridge ESOL is a department of the world-famous and historic University of Cambridge. Attaining one of its certificates is an achievement and a reward in itself. However, there are many other benefits to taking KET:

• a KET certificate is valid for life. You will not need to take the exam again
• KET is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes
• thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise KET as a basic qualification in English
• although KET is a basic exam, it offers a chance to find out your strengths and weaknesses in using English, and gives you a pathway to higher qualifications.

What will taking KET help you do?

KET offered by the British Council in Nepal is at Level A1 and A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. At A1 level, typical users can be expected to:

• understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases
• introduce themselves and answer basic questions about your personal details
• Interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly.

Your preparation for KET will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

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.

When can I take KET examinations?

Requirements for KET Exam Registration

• 2 recent passport size photographs
• 2 copies of your valid passport. The original passport must be presented on the examination day.
• Registration fee NPR 3500
• Completed KET A1 Level Test Registration Form

Candidates with special requirements

If there is the need for Special Arrangements for a candidate, please forward an application addressed to the Examinations Services Manager requesting for the same. The application should be made during the time of registration. The British Council makes no additional charge for the provision of special arrangements.

Results

Results will be available between 4 and 6 weeks after the examination.

Guidelines for applying for a certifying statement

All the candidates who wish to apply for a duplicate certificate can only do so if their original certificate is accidentally damaged and has to be returned to Cambridge. If the candidate wishes to amend his/her name in the certificate, they will also get their certificate replaced with amendment free of charge till 6 months from the test session. After this, they will be charged 24 GBP.

Candidates have to fill in Certifying statement application form for a duplicate certificate. The charge/fee is 27 GBP and will be issued by Cambridge within 3 weeks of application received. Any additional copy of the statement will cost 4.5 GBP per copy. If the candidate wants the statement urgently, they will have to pay 43 GBP and their statement will be issued by Cambridge within 7 days of application received.

For more information

Download KET information for candidates

Download KET support to understand your statement of results and certificate.