Reading and Writing (1 hour, 10 minutes; 50% of total marks)

Reading
This component consists of 5-7 parts with the following task types: multiple choice, matching, Right/Wrong/Doesn't, multiple choice gap filling and form filling. Candidates are assessed as to their ability to understand a range of business texts. Types of texts include notices, graphs, routine business correspondence, advertisements, short factual texts and articles.

Writing
This component consists of 2-3 tasks depending on the level. Candidates must be able to transfer information to a form, write memos, messages, letters and reports.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

The Listening component (ca 30 minutes; 25 marks) contains five parts. Each text is heard twice. The types of tasks used include: multiple choice, gap filling and multiple matching. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

The standard format of the Speaking component (ca 8-10 minutes; 25 marks) is two candidates and two examiners. This component consists of two parts. In part one the candidates talk to the examiner about their home, hobby, school or work etc. The task lasts about 6 minutes. In part two the candidates talk with each other for about 3-4 mins. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

The oral part of KET is graded in Poland by experienced and highly trained examiners.

Passing grades – Pass with Merit, Pass

Failing grades – Narrow Fail, Fail

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This is to inform you that from March 2009 BEC Preliminary and KET and PET exams candidates who do not achieve a passing grade but have demonstrated ability at the Council of Europe level below the examination they have taken will be awarded a certificate showing that level. For those candidates the following information will be given as the overall grade:
Council of Europe Level A1 – for KET
Council of Europe Level A2 – for PET and BEC Preliminary exams.

Pass with merit - 85% and above

Pass - 70% - 84%

Narrow Fail - 65% - 69%

Fail - 64% and below

A preparation course is not a requirement for those wanting to register for KET, although candidates may find it beneficial to prepare for the examination under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You can register for a course in our Teaching Centre in Warsaw and Krakow or other language schools which run preparation courses.

A wide range of books on preparing for KET is available at most language bookshops in Poland. Preparation materials are also available in the British Council Library.