Phase 1
Core Learning
Build language, exam skills and confidence across ten modules — with a one-hour Review Lab after every two modules so nothing you have learned is forgotten.
Start Phase 1Curriculum structure
Learn, review, perform
Core Lessons Review Labs Exam Boost
Learn → Review → Learn → Review → Perform
Phase 2
Exam Boost
The final phase shifts from learning to performing: two full mock exams, a speaking rehearsal, error analysis and a final exam simulation with your personal action plan.
Full Mock Exam 1Full Mock Exam 2Speaking Rehearsal & FeedbackError Analysis & Score BoosterFinal Exam Simulation & Action Plan
Cambridge Exam Pathway · you are here
The three papers
A2 Key has three papers. Reading & Writing is 50% of your score. Listening and Speaking are each 25%. Together they make one Cambridge English Scale score.
| Paper | Timing | Parts | Weighting | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 60 min | 7 | 50% of total mark | 32 questions across 7 parts (5 reading + 2 writing) |
| Listening | ≈ 30 min | 5 | 25% of total mark | 25 questions across 5 parts |
| Speaking | 8–10 min · pairs | 2 | 25% of total mark | Face-to-face, 2 candidates + 2 examiners |
Your final grade
Cambridge turns your scores into one Cambridge English Scale result (100–150 for A2 Key).
Grade
Distinction
140–150
Cambridge English Scale — strong A2 Key result
Grade
Merit
133–139
Cambridge English Scale — solid A2 Key result
Grade
Pass
120–132
A2 Key certificate awarded
Grade
Below Pass
100–119
A1 result — below A2 Key level
Read these next
Reading
Part of Reading & Writing · 60 min · Parts 1–5 · reading comprehension.
Writing
Part of Reading & Writing · 60 min · Parts 6–7 · message + story.
Listening
≈ 30 min · 5 parts · 25 items · each recording twice.
Speaking
8–10 min · pairs · 2 parts · three scales.
Sample Materials
Question papers, answer sheets and Speaking materials.
Official Cambridge samples
Each paper page also links to the real Cambridge sample paper, answer key and audio, for both A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.