The new Canadian-developed high school equivalency test is the Canadian Adult Education Credential, or CAEC.
In early 2024, this assessment replaced the outdated, paper-based Canadian GED test.
The CAEC exam is a contemporary, computer-based exam that assesses a candidate’s knowledge of core academic subjects across five modular, independent sub-exams.
What does the CAEC test consist of?
The five separate CAEC sub-exams can be written one (or more) at a time and in any order. The exams are entirely computer-based, though some jurisdictions also offer paper-based testing. Learn here -> all about your province or territory, including contact information.
The CAEC sub-exams are available in English and French, and cover the following academic subject areas:
- Language Reading: 75 minutes – 50 questions.
- Language Writing: 75 minutes – 1 essay.
- Social Studies: 90 minutes – 40 questions.
- Science: 90 minutes – 35 questions.
- Mathematics: Part I (no calculator – 30 minutes;12 questions; Part II (with a calculator – 90 minutes; 30 questions).
Except for the Language Writing section (the essay), the CAEC consists of multiple-choice questions. Check also our page about what questions are on the CAEC exam.
All materials required to write the tests, including scrap paper, pens, and other supplies, will be provided by the testing centre.
On each of the five modular CAEC subtests, you must answer at least 55 percent of all the questions correctly. That’s the passing score on the tests, and averaging is not permitted. Check here -> for an overview of CAEC Scoring Ranges.
The CAEC test has replaced the former Canadian GED test across Canada. Most Canadian provinces and territories have implemented the new exam, but not all jurisdictions use the exam for high school equivalency testing. Learn here -> about what jurisdictions use the CAEC exam.
CAEC ID requirements
On test day, you must bring two forms of ID. You can read more about the CAEC test day procedures<- in this post, but here, we take a closer look at the acceptable forms of ID you need to bring.
Bring two forms of non-expired ID. At a minimum, one ID must be a photo ID with your date of birth and signature. Your name and other information on the ID must exactly match the information in your CAEC profile.
Acceptable primary ID forms
- Passport
- Federal/territorial/provincial-issued ID
- Driver’s licence
- Driver’s learner’s permit
- Canadian Citizenship card
- Canadian military ID
- Métis status ID
- Indian status ID
- Canadian permanent resident ID
- Federal/territorial/provincial correctional ID
Acceptable secondary ID forms
- Birth certificate
- Healthcare card
- Foreign government-issued ID
- Canadian Government-issued Immigration Status ID
- Temporary resident work permit ID (IMM 1442)
- Temporary resident permit ID (IMM 1442)
- Refugee protection documents
- Permanent residence ID (IMM 5688 or IMM5292)
- Verification of status ID (IMM 5009)
For both forms of ID counts that they must not be expired and must include the CAEC candidate’s full name.
Please note that electronic devices, such as cell phones, are not allowed in the testing centres, and that you should arrive on time (at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time) for check-in purposes.
CAEC preparation
The five CAEC sub-exams are quite challenging assessments. They measure a candidate’s knowledge at a level similar to that of high school students after four years of their regular curriculum.
You will understand that being optimally prepared for the exam is crucial to success. If you are comfortable studying independently, we recommend using a high-quality online program to efficiently and at your own pace work through the extensive CAEC subject matter.
One of the best and most affordable online courses available is the CAEC program developed by Cansego.ca, which will get you optimally prepared for the five sb-exams in no time!
If you think that studying under a teacher’s supervision works better for you, check out our page about CAEC prep and test sites in your province or territory, where all facilities are listed.
Whichever way you prefer to prepare for your CAEC exam, just make sure to get well-prepared to avoid disappointment on test day!