The KET and PET Exams: Entry Ticket into Singapore Government Schools

Singapore government schools, the mainstream education in Singapore, are highly favoured by Chinese parents for their world-class education, great advantages in upward mobility, affordable tuition, and caring accompanying policies. In addition, students can apply for a permanent residency after they have passed a national exam, which is an excellent choice for parents who want to leave their children with one more way out.

The Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) organised by the Ministry of Education (MOE) has present a clear pathway for those who want to enrol into Singapore government schools. It is not only more economical but also saves time. Previously, students had to take a Mathematics and English test in the AEIS, and they would only be admitted if they done well in the AEIS exams. However, the AEIS exams are not easy. Every year, about 8% of the total applicants get admitted by the MOE and get enrolled into Singapore government schools. In addition, students need to give up their existing studies and come to Singapore to prepare for the exam.

Since June 2022, the AEIS has been revised! The English test for AEIS primary school applications has been replaced by the Cambridge English Test (CEQ). Primary school applicants still needs to take mathematics exam, but it does not need to take English. In addition, you need to have a CEQ (KET/PET) score before applying for AEIS. This means that if the child is able to handle both academic workloads, the child can even continue to study in-country and apply for the AEIS mathematics exam after passing KET/PET, and then come to Singapore for the exam.

Introduction to KET and PET

The Cambridge Main Suite Exams (MSE) is divided into five levels: KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE. The first three belong to the youth version, and CAE and CPE belong to the standard version.

English Entry Examination (KET)

• It is a basic English level certification, which proves that you can communicate in English in simple situations. This test can prove that your English learning has had a good start.

Preliminary English Test (PET)

• It is an intermediate English level certification. This test can prove your English language skills in work, study, and travel.

First Certificate in English (FCE)

• It is a medium-level certificate that can prove that you can use everyday written English and English oral in work or study.

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

• It is used to prove that your English scores are excellent. CAE is widely recognised by universities, employers, and government agencies.

Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

• It is the highest level of the Cambridge English Certificate. It proves that your English has reached a very high level.

What are the uses of KET/PET exams? Why take this exam?

Eligible to apply for Singapore government schools

It can replace the English test for Singapore government primary school admissions. After completing the corresponding test (KET/PET), you can apply for the Singapore government school test. Only one government school mathematics test is required.

Effectively improve children's English skills

The vocabulary requirement for KET is about 1500-1800, and PET is generally around 3000-3500. In the KET exam process, you need to remember a large number of words, sort out grammar structures, and train listening, speaking, reading, and writing answer skills. The preparation process is the learning process. In general, after completing the KET preparation, the child's English level will be effectively improved, such as expanding vocabulary, fluent oral expression, and improving reading speed.

Globally recognised authoritative certificate

The Cambridge General Certificate of Five Levels English Certificate is a world-recognised language proficiency certificate. The Cambridge English Exam is recognised by over 20,000 universities, employers, and government departments around the world. Whether you want to study abroad in the Commonwealth countries or the United States, or if you want to enter a first-tier international school in Singapore, you can more easily pass the review of the application. Therefore, KET and PET exams have become the key to the door to studying abroad.

Fair and high-value certificate

The scores of the Cambridge General Five Levels Exam and the IELTS test can be interchangeable: KET is equivalent to the level of IELTS 2.5-3, and PET is equivalent to the level of IELTS 4-5. Compared with IELTS, the advantage is that this certificate is valid for life, while IELTS has a validity of only two years.

Note: To apply for the AEIS mathematics exam, you must have a CEQ (KET/PET) score from an exam taken within the past 12 months.

For example: If you want to apply for the AEIS exam for your child in July 2023, then the CEQ (KET/PET) exam must be taken after August 2022.

Note: KET/PET results are released 6-9 weeks after the exam. When you register for the exam, you need to take into account the time it takes to get the results. You don't want to miss the registration deadline because your results haven't come out yet. It is best to take the exam at least 8 weeks before the AEIS (or S-AEIS) exam registration in July, because the AEIS/S-AEIS exam registration closes when the quota is filled.

Exam Details:

The KET exam, short for Cambridge English: Key, follows a specific format with different sections assessing your English skills in:

Reading and Writing (1 hour):

• Part 1 (Multiple choice): Read six short real-world texts (signs, brochures, etc.) and choose the best answer for each question about the main message.

• Part 2 (Multiple matching): Read seven questions and three texts matching each question to the most relevant text.

• Part 3 (Multiple choice): Read a longer text (e.g., an article) and answer questions about it.

• Part 4 (Word formation): Complete sentences by changing the form of given words.

• Part 5 (Sentence transformation): Rewrite given sentences according to instructions.

• Part 6 (Short writing task): Write a short text from prompts like a postcard, email, or note.

• Part 7 (Creative writing task): Write a short story or description based on a picture or topic.

Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time):

• Part 1 (Multiple choice): Listen to five short recordings (dialogues or announcements) and choose the best answer for each question.

• Part 2 (Matching): Listen to a longer recording (e.g., a story) and match parts of the recording to descriptions or pictures.

• Part 3 (Multiple choice): Listen to five short recordings (monologues or dialogues) and choose the best answer for each question.

Speaking (8-10 minutes per pair of candidates; 13-15 minutes per group of three):

• Part 1 (Introductory questions): Answer general questions about yourself and your interests.

• Part 2 (Picture description): Describe a picture shown to you and answer questions about it.

• Part 3 (Collaborative task): Complete a task together with your partner(s), like comparing pictures or planning an activity.

Remember, all parts of the KET exam are designed to assess your ability to communicate in basic English at an A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The PET exam, short for Cambridge English: Preliminary, follows a similar format to the KET but assesses English skills at a higher level, aiming for B1 on the CEFR. Here's a breakdown of its structure:

Reading and Writing (1 hour 15 minutes):

• Part 1 (Multiple choice): Read four short texts and answer questions about them.

• Part 2 (Multiple choice): Read a longer text and answer questions about it.

• Part 3 (Multiple matching): Read six questions and three texts, matching each question to the most relevant text.

• Part 4 (Gap fill): Complete gaps in a text with words or phrases.

• Part 5 (Sentence transformation): Rewrite given sentences according to instructions.

• Part 6 (Letter writing): Write a formal or informal letter based on prompts.

• Part 7 (Creative writing task): Write a short story or description based on a picture or topic.

Listening (45 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time):

• Part 1 (Multiple choice): Listen to five short recordings and choose the best answer for each question.

• Part 2 (Multiple matching): Listen to a longer recording and match parts of the recording to descriptions or pictures.

• Part 3 (Multiple choice): Listen to five short recordings and choose the best answer for each question.

• Part 4 (Multiple matching): Listen to a longer recording and match parts of the recording to statements or questions.

Speaking (12-14 minutes per pair of candidates; 15-18 minutes per group of three):

• Part 1 (Introductory questions): Answer general questions about yourself and your interests.

• Part 2 (Picture description): Describe a picture shown to you and answer questions about it.

• Part 3 (Collaborative task): Complete a task together with your partner(s), like discussing a topic or planning an activity.

• Part 4 (Discussion task): Discuss a topic with your partner(s) based on prompts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the revised AEIS process with its focus on the CEQ and pre-qualification through KET/PET exams has made entry into Singapore government schools more achievable and convenient for international students. This combination of streamlined testing, flexibility, and internationally recognised qualifications provides a valuable pathway for Chinese families seeking a world-class education and promising future for their children in Singapore.