Each paper (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) is converted separately to the Cambridge English Scale. Your overall score is the average of all of them, and they all count the same. That overall score decides your grade and the CEFR level on your certificate.
Grade boundaries
Cambridge English Scale
Result
140–150
Grade A · A2 Key certificate, level B1
133–139
Grade B · A2 Key certificate, level A2
120–132
Grade C · A2 Key certificate, level A2
100–119
Not passed · A1 level certificate, without the exam name
< 100
No certificate
What you need in each paper
Minimum percentage of the marks in each paper for that paper alone to reach that scale score (approximate).
Paper
Pass (120)
Grade B (133)
Grade A (140)
Reading
67 %
83 %
90 %
Writing
60 %
77 %
87 %
Listening
64 %
84 %
88 %
Speaking
60 %
82 %
91 %
Frequently asked questions
What score do you need to pass A2 Key (KET)?
An average of 120 or more on the Cambridge English Scale. From 120 to 132 is Grade C and from 133 to 139, Grade B: with either you get the A2 Key (KET) certificate at level A2. From 140 it is Grade A: the same certificate, at level B1.
Can you fail one paper and still pass A2 Key (KET)?
Yes. There is no minimum score per paper: what counts is the average of all of them. A weak paper is made up for by the others.