A2 Key for Schools and A2 Key preparation

Free: Digital sample tests

Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Listening

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions
• You can change your answers at any time during the test

Information for candidates

• There are five parts to this test
• Each question carries one mark
• You will hear each recording twice
• For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers

A2 Key for Schools Digital Listening Sample Test

A2 Key Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading and Writing

Time: 1 hour

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions
• You can change your answers at any time during the test

Information for candidates

• There are seven parts to this test
• Questions 1–30 carry one mark
• Questions 31 and 32 carry fifteen marks each

A2 Key for Schools Digital Reading and Writing Sample Test

A2 Key Digital Reading and Writing Sample Test

Speaking

Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folder in the paper-based sample test section below.

Answer keys and tapescript – A2 Key for Schools:

A2 Key for Schools Listening Sample 1 answer key

A2 Key for Schools Listening Sample 1 tapescript

A2 Key for Schools Reading Sample 1 answer key

Answer keys and tapescript – A2 Key:

A2 Key Listening Sample 1 answer key

A2 Key Listening Sample 1 tapescript

A2 Key Reading Sample 1 answer key

Free: Paper-based sample tests

Sample tests for A2 Key for Schools

Sample tests for A2 Key

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.

Watch the video tutorial for help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam.

For teachers, we have a teaching tips booklet. If your candidates have questions, you can find the answers in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Find out more about preparing for Cambridge English Qualifications Digital and digital exam preparation products.

Watch our video with 10 top tips for exam day so that you feel as prepared as possible.

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and the Information for candidates booklet to help you prepare.

These videos will help your students understand what happens during an A2 Key for Schools Speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Heidi and Iris’s Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Humay, Noah and Lucas’s Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Wensley and Janson’s Speaking test

These videos will help your students understand what happens during a Speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Rashid and Gonca's Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Sthefhany and Fayza's Speaking test

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key for Schools and A2 Key.

A2 Key for Schools and A2 Key vocabulary list

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

A2 Key for Schools handbook for teachers

A2 Key for Schools handbook for teachers Listening Audio

A2 Key handbook for teachers

A2 Key handbook for teachers Listening Audio

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework and more.

A2 Key for Schools lesson plans

A2 Key lesson plans

Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing speaking for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your students’ writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions tailored to each writing type in the Writing paper.

Guide to integrating learning and assessment in your teaching

How can you get the most from every moment of learning in your classes? The best way to help learners succeed is by providing evidence of progress and actionable feedback as part of an Integrated Learning and Assessment (ILA) approach.

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, and helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary students.

These colourful posters and activities are based on topics from the A2 Key for Schools word list. The activity booklet includes lesson plans for vocabulary, grammar and speaking.

Posters for Food, Our planet and Sport

Food, Our planet and Sport poster activity booklet

Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers

Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.

Cambridge webinars offer practical, research-informed support for English language teachers at every stage of their career. Delivered by Cambridge experts, these free online sessions cover a wide range of topics designed to enhance both classroom practice and professional knowledge.

Webinar themes include:

• Effective teaching methodologies and classroom strategies
• Practical tips for increasing learner engagement
• Insights into Cambridge English Qualifications and assessments
• Professional development for career progression

Each session includes opportunities to interact with our presenters, ask questions and connect with a global community of educators.

Whether you’re preparing learners for exams or exploring new approaches to teaching, our webinars are designed to keep you informed, inspired and supported in your professional journey.

Register for upcoming webinars for teachers

Watch our past webinars on YouTube

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our social media channels.

We have lots of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your A2 Key for Schools and A2 Key exams.

Find out more

Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.

A2 Key: Information for candidates

A2 Key for Schools: Information for candidates

You can also watch our video with top tips for exam day.

Practise your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using these free online resources for A2 Key for Schools. These materials are designed to help you develop reading for gist and detail, managing unfamiliar vocabulary, as well as planning, drafting, editing and writing for the exam.

Listening Self-study plan

Reading Self-study plan

Speaking Self-study plan

Writing Self-study plan