The Key English Test is a pre-intermediate level examination and corresponds to level 2 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The exam is made up of three papers:
1/ Reading and Writing,
2/ Speaking and
3/ Listening.
There are three passing grades:
+ 'Pass with Distinction',
+ 'Pass with Merit',
+ 'Pass' and one
+ Failing grade: 'Level A1'.
Students can take either a computer-based or a paper-based exam. It's typically taken by students aged between 11 and 14 and can be achieved after around 180 – 200 hours of study.
The language used in the tests comes from real-life situations.