Examination content:

Reading & Writing (1 hour and 10 minutes)

This component consists of 9 parts. 5 parts test a range of reading skills and 4 parts concentrate on testing basic writing skills. 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. Reading and writing carries 50% of the total marks.

Listening (30 minutes)

This component consists of 5 parts ranging from short exchanges to longer dialogues and monologues. You need to show your ability to understand spoken material in both informal and neutral settings on a range of everyday topics when spoken reasonably slowly. Listening carries 25% of the total marks.

Speaking (up to 10 minutes per pair of candidates)

This component consists of 2 parts. You will need to demonstrate you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions about yourself and factual non-personal information. Speaking carries 25% of the total marks.

What grades can I receive?

Candidates receive a standardised score for the whole exam on a fixed scale out of 100. There are fixed values for each KET grade:

Pass with Merit = 85-100
Pass = 70-84
Council of Europe level A1 = 45-69
Fail = 0-44

The minimum score you need to achieve a passing grade is 70. Candidates with score 45-69 are issued with A1 level certificates.

Preparation materials

Textbooks for exam preparation:

• Objective KET (CUP)
• Common Mistakes at KET (CUP)
• Cambridge Key English Test Extra (CUP)
• Cambridge Key English Test 1-4 (Past Papers) (CUP)
• KET Practice Tests (OUP)
• KET Practice Tests Plus revised Edition  (Pearson Longman)
• KET Testbuilder (Macmillan)
• Activate! A2 (for KET for schools), Pearson  Longman

Are you less than 15 years-old and think about taking KET exam? Choose KET for Schools | Cambridge English: Key for schools instead, an exam of the same value as KET but developed directly for your age group.

Do you want to register for KET? Click here for more information about registration.

For more information about KET and useful resources visit the Cambridge ESOL candidate support website - KET.