Previously, the General Education (GED) high school equivalency program was offered in most Canadian provinces and territories. In May 2024, however, the GED exam was replaced with the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).
The Canadian version of the GED exam was only offered in a paper-based format. It did not cover and reflect typical Canadian aspects, such as history, values, government organization, traditions, geography, or economy.
The Canadian GED test was totally outdated, so it was decided to develop a Canadian-based high school equivalency assessment from the ground up that meets contemporary standards.
The CAEC is a top-notch Canadian-made education credential, available in French and English, with questions covering the academic subject areas of Language Reading, Language Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Math.
The new assessment is tailored to meet the needs and requirements of Canadian adults, employers, and higher education institutions, and reflects the diverse perspectives and cultures of Canadians.
The CAEC exam is designed for adult learners who did not complete their high school education but need or wish to earn an education credential to access new employment opportunities, attend college, or qualify for professional training programs.
Frequently Asked CAEC Questions
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- The Canadian Adult Education Credential – What is it?
- The CAEC assessment is a top-notch Canadian-made education credential that has replaced the GED in most of Canada. The CAEC meets industry requirements and is recognized as the equivalent of a standard high school diploma by employers, post-secondary institutions, and government organizations. It is a reliable indicator of an adult learner’s educational achievement.
- Who is the CAEC assessment for?
- The CAEC is designed for adult learners who did not complete their high school curriculum and wish to obtain a credential to access better employment opportunities, pursue a college education, or qualify for training programs.
- Where is the CAEC offered?
- The CAEC exam is available in most provinces and territories across Canada. Visit your local government’s website to check availability in your area or check this page for more information. The CAEC test is NOT available in Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, and Nunavut. All Alberta CAEC prep and test sites <- are listed here.
- What does the CAEC cover?
- The CAEC assessment, available in both French and English, comprises five independent subtests covering Lanfuage Reading, Language Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Check out our page about what you can expect on the CAEC test day.
- Will the GED still be recognized now that the CAEC was introduced?
- Yes, GED credentials will continue to be recognized across Canada and North America. Employers, institutions of higher learning, and government agencies recognize both the CAEC and the GED.
- I have partly completed the former Canadian GED test – Now what?
- Candidates who have already reached passing scores on parts of the former Canadian GED tests can transfer these results towards the CAEC until May 2027.
- Does the CAEC exam offer access to learning accommodations?
- Yes. To accommodate the needs of CAEC testers, special arrangements are available. You can learn more about these options on your government’s website.
- Can I take the CAEC exam online?
- No, you can not. Though fully computer-based, the CAEC test is not available online. You will have to show up at a CAEC testing facility in your jurisdiction and complete the five sub-exams in person.
- What is the CAEC passing score?
- To pass the CAEC exam, you need to reach at least a 55% score on each of the five subtests. That’s the minimum standard to pass the five CAEC tests.
- Is the CEAC a difficult exam?
- The Canadian CAEC exam is quite challenging. Knowledge is assessed at a level comparable to that of graduating high school students. Therefore, proper preparation is essential with CAEC-specific study materials.
- The Canadian Adult Education Credential – What is it?