It tests for proficiency in simple communication to Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
It is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
Candidates are expected to be able to read and understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers, and magazines.
Parts 1 to 5 focus on reading skills, including underlying knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.
Candidates listen for information such as prices, numbers, times, dates, locations, directions, shapes, sizes, weather, descriptions, etc.
Candidates identify the main idea, gist, topic, or message in the recordings and then answer five multiple-choice questions.
Candidates identify simple factual information in the conversation and match together two lists of words (e.g. names of people and the food they like to eat).
Candidates are expected to demonstrate conversation skills by answering and asking simple questions.
Pre-2016, the Statement of Results had the following information, reflecting the total combined score from all three papers: Pre-2016, the Statement of Results had a Candidate Profile, which showed the candidate's performance on each of the individual papers against the following scale: exceptional, good, borderline and weak.
Universities, employers, and other organisations may require either of these documents as proof of English language skills.
A2 Key demonstrates language proficiency at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
It is designed to show that a successful candidate has English language skills to deal with basic situations, e.g. they can understand simple written English such as short notices, understand simple spoken directions, communicate in familiar situations, use basic phrases and expressions, write short, simple notes and interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly.
Many higher education institutions around the world recognise A2 Key as an indication of English language ability.
[9] A comprehensive list of authorized exam centers can be found on the Cambridge Assessment English website.