The CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential) is Canada’s new high school equivalency test, replacing the paper-based Canadian GED test in early 2024.
The CAEC exam is entirely computer-based, though some jurisdictions may also offer the exam in a paper-based format.
You can only take the exam in the province or territory where you live, and you must write the exam at one of your jurisdiction’s official CAEC test centres. There is no online CAEC testing option.
The process for earning your CAEC diploma may vary slightly by province or territory, so we recommend you check out your jurisdiction’s CAEC webpage below for more information.
Please note that if you have already passed portions of the former Canadian GED test, your results count toward your CAEC exam until May 2027.
Regional CAEC websites and contacts
The following information includes the participating jurisdictions’ webpages, contact information, and links to our website pages with more details on CAEC prep and test sites for jurisdictions that use the CAEC exam for high school equivalency testing.
Alberta CAEC website
Contact: edc.caec@gov.ab.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Alberta
Manitoba CAEC website
Contact: Manitobaall@gov.mb.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Manitoba
New Brunswick CAEC website
Contact: New Brunswickcaec-ccea@gnb.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador CAEC website
Contact: Newfoundland and Labradorcaec@gov.nl.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories CAEC website
Contact: Northwest Territoriesadvancededucation@gov.nt.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia CAEC website
Contact: Nova Scotiacaec@novascotia.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Nova Scotia
Ontario CAEC website
Contact: Ontariocaec@tvo.org
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Ontario
Prince Edward Island CAEC website
Contact: Prince Edward Islandcaec@gov.pe.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan CAEC website
Contact: Saskatchewancaec@gov.sk.ca
See also: CAEC prep and test sites in Saskatchewan
Please note that you cannot take the CAEC exam in a province or territory where you do not live.
Five independent CAEC sub-exams
The Canadian Adult Education Credential exam was built from the ground up to reflect typical Canadian elements, including history, government, values, traditions, economy, geography, and so on.
The former Canadian GED test was paper-based and outdated. Additionally, it did not cover typical Canadian elements, so it was decided to develop a new, contemporary Canadian high school equivalency test, the CAEC.
The CAEC exam assesses knowledge at a level comparable to that of graduating high school students, and adequate preparation is required.
A good way to prepare quickly for the exam is by using a top-notch online program like the one developed by Cansego. However, some students may do better when guided by a teacher at a brick-and-mortar facility.
The new Canadian-made CAEC assessment is available in English and French, and includes five individual, modular subtests that measure your skills and knowledge of these academic subject areas:
- Language Reading (75 minutes; 50 questions)
- Language Writing (75 minutes; one essay)
- Science (90 minutes; 35 questions)
- Social Studies (90 minutes; 40 questions)
- Math Part 1 (no calculator, 30 minutes;12 questions), Math Part 2 (with calculator, 90 minutes; 30 questions)
Taking the CAEC exam
You can only write the CAEC exam in person at one of your province’s official testing centres. The exam is fully computer-based, with some jurisdictions offering a paper option.
You must provide proof of identification, including residency. To learn more about what to expect on test day, <- visit this page.
You can write the five CAEC subtests one at a time, in the order that works best for you, and your scores do not expire.
So, it is important to note that, although it is fully computer-based, the CAEC exam is not available online.
CAEC scoring
To pass each of the five CAEC sub-exams, you need to answer at least 55% of the questions correctly. That’s the minimum standard to pass each CAEC subtest officially. There are four CAEC scoring ranges:
- 80-100% = ES (Exceeds minimum standard)
- 55-79% = MS (Meets minimum standard)
- 40-54% = AS (Approaching minimum standard)
- 0-39% = DMS (Does not meet minimum standard)
If your results indicate that you did not meet the minimum standard (AS or DMS scores), you will have to retake that portion of the CAEC exam.
You can access your CAEC scores through your account on the CAEC website. Your Language Reading, Science, Social Studies, and Math scores will be available after approximately two business days, and your Language Writing result (the Essay), after approximately 20 days.
CAEC retakes
You can write each of the five CAEC sub-exams once per calendar month, and up to three times per calendar year. If you have passed one subtest, you are not allowed to retake that portion for a better score.