What is the Key English Test (KET)?
The KET is an internationally recognised exam which tests your strengths and weaknesses in using English, recognizes the ability to work with everyday written and spoken English at a basic level. Level A2 in the Common European Framework of Reference.
What will the Key English Test do for you?
KET is accepted around the world for business and study purposes. Thousands of employers, universities and government departments recognise KET as a basic qualification in English.
KET is a great first step in English study, and gives you a pathway to higher level qualifications such as:
Why take the Key English Test with the British Council?
A million people take exams with the British Council every year. In Spain, we have many years’ experience working with the Key English Test and other Cambridge exams. We provide pre-exam support and a professional and efficient service to make your exam day run as smoothly as possible.
What’s in the exam?
The exam covers all four language skills in three parts:
- reading & writing,
- listening
- speaking.
Find out more about the exam and how to prepare for it.
How to Register
Registering is easy: register for your KET exam.
Useful Links
KET – official Cambridge exam site.
Register for your Cambridge KET exam
Registering for your exam is simple:
- Check exam dates and locations in the table below.
- Download and complete the registration form and instructions for your exam.
You’ll find all the information you need on the exam registration form for your centre.
- Registration forms are only available during the registration periods shown in the table below.
- The registration forms below are for individual candidates only.
- If you are a school, academy or other organisation and want to register multiple candidates, please visit our exams for schools and academies page.
About the KET
There are three parts to the KET exam:
- Reading and Writing: You will need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. You also have to fill gaps in simple sentences and write a short text of around 25 words.
- Listening: You have to show your ability to understand announcements and other spoken material when spoken quite slowly.
- Speaking: You will take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Speaking tests are normally held with two candidates.
Find out more about KET at the Cambridge website.
How to prepare for KET
As with all Cambridge ESOL certificates, there is a wide range of support to help you prepare for your exam.
If you wish to prepare for the Key English Test (KET) on your own, take a look at the Cambridge ESOL exam preparation site. You can download many free materials, such as a short booklet about the exam, information for candidates, sample exam papers and sound files for the Listening Test materials.
Top Tips for KET answers your last-minute questions. There are also many other books and materials to help you prepare for the KET.
Do you have a disability?
If you have a disability, please contact your local British Council Exams centre to find out how we can help. You can also get more information on the Cambridge exams site.
Your Cambridge KET results
You will receive detailed results for the KET in a “Statement of Results” document. You will also be awarded a certificate if your performance is above a certain level - between the Common European Framework of Reference Levels A2 and A1.
What is the Statement of Results?
It contains:
- Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all papers.
- A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
- A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed.
Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge KET (PDF).
Can I get my results online?
You can access your results online through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Please note that you are required to register to receive this service.