Cambridge English Key for Schools (KET) test scores - Conversion guide

Sep 30, 2026

The document explains how to convert Cambridge English practice test results into Cambridge English Scale scores and how these relate to CEFR levels. It describes the scoring approach for different qualifications, including the weighting and calculation of overall scores for skills and Use of English, as well as paper-level scoring for A2 Key. It includes guidance notes on using official Cambridge practice tests only, discusses diagnostic interpretation near CEFR boundaries, and provides conversion tables for A2 Key from 2020, with Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking score details.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

The Cambridge English Scale

Converting practice test scores

Scoring models by qualification

Guidance on using conversion tables

A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools (from 2020)

Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking scoring

Conversion tables (practice score to Scale score)

The Cambridge English Scale explained A guide to converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Cambridge English Scale A2 Key B1 Preliminary B2 First C1 Advanced C2 Proﬁciency B1 Business Preliminary B2 Business Vantage C1 Business Higher Most Cambridge English Qualiﬁcations are now reporting results on the Cambridge English Scale. For B2 First, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced and C2 Proﬁciency, candidates receive an individual score for each of the four skills – reading, writing, listening, speaking – and Use of English. In the live exams, each of the skills and Use of English are equally weighted, anda candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by ﬁve (and then rounding to the nearest whole number) . For B1 Preliminary, B1 Preliminary for Schools and B1 Business Preliminary, B2 Business Vantage and C1 Business Higher, candidates receive an individual score for the four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the live exams, each skill is equally weighted, and a candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by four (and then rounding to the nearest whole number) . For A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools, candidates receive an individual score for each paper in the exam – Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. In the live exams, the Reading and Writing paper tests two skills so the score is doubled. A candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by four (and then rounding to the nearest whole number) . A candidate’s grade and Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level are based on their performance across the whole qualiﬁcation, and there is no requirement to achieve a minimum score in each paper. The following tables can be used as guidance to help you convert practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores. Please note that these only apply when using ofﬁcial Cambridge English practice tests. The conversion tables are intended to help you provide an indication of your students’ readiness to take the relevant qualiﬁcation. The scores you provide may not always reﬂect the results the students may achieve in a Cambridge English live exam. They should not be used to try to predict precise scores in the live exam, but can be a useful diagnostic tool, indicating areas of relative strength and weakness. The scores needed on any given exam to achieve the scores on the Cambridge English Scale shown in the tables below will vary due toa number of factors, so scores close to CEFR boundaries need to be reviewed carefully. We recommend that this is approximately three Cambridge English Scale score points above and below the score needed to achieve the level, e.g. 157–163 for Level B2 . Students who achieve only slightly higher than the Cambridge English Scale score fora given level on a practice test may not achieve that level in the live exam, and we recommend that they continue working to improve so that they reach the desired level. Copyright ©UCLES 2019 | CER/4240/V2/AUG19 A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools for exams from 2020 Reading The Reading section consists of Parts 1–5 of the Reading and Writing paper. Correct answers in Parts 1–5 are worth 1 mark each. There are 30 possible marks in the Reading section. Writing The Writing section consists of Parts 6 and 7 of the Reading and Writing paper. Candidates' answers in the Writing paper are marked by trained examiners who are certiﬁcated to mark at the level. Parts 6 and 7 are marked using assessment scales which are linked to the CEFR. 0–5 marks are given for each of the following criteria: Content; Organisation; and Language. There are a possible 15 marks for Part 6 and 15 possible marks for Part 7. Whole marks only are awarded; there are no half marks given. Marks for each o

FAQs

What does the Cambridge English Scale explain and why is it used?

It explains how to convert Cambridge English practice test scores into Cambridge English Scale scores and relate them to CEFR levels. The document notes that results are now typically reported on the Cambridge English Scale for many qualifications.

How are overall scores calculated for B2 First and C1 Advanced?

Candidates receive individual scores for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and Use of English. In live exams, these are equally weighted, and the overall score is calculated by summing the five individual scores and dividing by five, then rounding to the nearest whole number.

How should practice test scores be used when converting to Cambridge English Scale scores?

Conversion tables are intended for official Cambridge English practice tests and are for indicating students’ readiness. Scores should not be used to predict precise live-exam results, and scores near CEFR boundaries need careful review.

Sep 30, 2026

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