Cambridge A2 Key (KET) exam-day guide
Cambridge A2 Key (KET) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Statement of entry or confirmation email
Bring the confirmation showing your candidate number, exam times and venue. The exact document required varies by centre, so confirm with your exam centre what you must show.
Valid photo ID
Usually a passport or national ID card. Check which form of ID your centre accepts and make sure it is unexpired.
Two or more HB pencils and an eraser
You will need pencils for answer sheets. Bring a pencil sharpener as well.
Black or blue pen
For handwritten answers in the Writing part. Confirm with your centre whether a particular pen colour is required.
A simple watch
A basic watch can help you pace yourself. Smartwatches and connected devices are not allowed.
Clear water bottle
Only if your centre permits drinks in the exam room. Check the centre's rules in advance.
No phone, smartwatch or headphones
Leave electronic devices at home or hand them in exactly as instructed by the centre.
Exam venue address and travel plan
Check the exact venue, travel time and a backup route. Aim to arrive well before the start time.
Speaking test details
Your Speaking test may be on a different day or at a different time from the written papers. Confirm your slot with the centre.
Comfortable layers
Exam rooms may be warm or cool, so dress in layers you can adjust.
Arrival time
Centres set their own arrival times, often well before the test begins. Confirm the exact time with your centre.
Plan the day
Confirm the exam date, start time, venue and Speaking slot. Check that your ID is valid and that you know which document the centre requires.
Do one timed practice run: complete a Reading and Writing paper and a Listening paper under exam conditions, then review your mistakes.
Put your ID, confirmation, pencils, eraser, sharpener and pen in one bag so nothing is left to the last minute.
Plan your journey and a backup route. Confirm the centre's arrival time rather than guessing.
Do light revision only: review the format, timing and useful phrases. Avoid cramming new grammar or vocabulary.
Re-check your bag and ID, remove any phone or smartwatch, and confirm transport times.
Go to bed at a normal time. Sleep is more useful than late-night study.
Eat breakfast, drink water and leave early enough to arrive calm and unhurried.
At the venue, follow instructions for handing in devices, find the toilet before the test and listen carefully to the invigilator.
Read all instructions, fill in your personal details correctly and check that you are answering on the right part of the answer sheet.
In Reading and Writing, divide your time and do not spend too long on one question. Leave time to check your answers.
In Listening, read the questions before each recording starts, answer as you listen and check spelling at the end.
In Speaking, speak clearly, use full sentences where possible and ask the examiner to repeat a question if you need to.
Rules to check
Bring valid ID. You may not be admitted without it, so confirm the accepted form of ID with your exam centre.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches or other electronic devices into the exam room. Follow the centre's instructions for leaving or handing them in.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Do not talk to other candidates once the test has begun.
Do not attempt to copy from others or use unauthorised materials. Malpractice can lead to disqualification.
If you need to leave the room during the test, raise your hand and wait for permission. Break arrangements vary, so confirm them with your centre.
Fill in your answer sheet carefully with the pencil or pen your centre specifies, and check your candidate details before you start.
All four skills are assessed. Reading and Writing counts for 50%, Listening for 25% and Speaking for 25% of the total score. Confirm result and scoring details with your provider.
If you are unwell or unable to attend, contact your exam centre as soon as possible. Special consideration rules vary, so confirm them with the provider.