The CAEC has replaced the GED exam as the high school equivalency test in most provinces and territories across Canada.
In May 2024, Canada officially discontinued the paper-based GED exam to introduce a new, computer-based, Canadian-developed high school equivalency exam: the Canadian Adult Education Credential, or CAEC.
Here, we discuss the new exam and, specifically, the preparation and testing facilities in the Northwest Territories.
This CAEC test is now the recognized standard in the Northwest Territories and across most of Canada.
If you previously took and passed portions of the GED test, don’t worry; you can transfer these results toward the CAEC exam until May 2027.
We strongly advise against using GED preparation resources for CAEC preparation. The former Canadian GED exam contained no explicit Canadian elements.
In contrast, the CAEC test is based on Canadian history, government systems, values, traditions, and economic systems, among other typically Canadian topics.
Who is the Northwest Territories CAEC exam for?
The CAEC exam is for adults who did not complete high school. To qualify for the exam in the Northwest Territories, candidates must be:
- Northwest Territories residents
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- At least 18 years of age
Additionally, candidates cannot be currently enrolled in another educational program or already hold a high school diploma or an equivalent educational credential.
In the Northwest Territories, age waivers are NOT available. Underage candidates are not permitted to sit for the CAEC exam. No exceptions!
The Northwest Territories CAEC test fee
The Northwest Territories CAEC exam is free for qualifying Northwest Territories residents.
The CAEC exam is entirely computer-based, but in the Northwest Territories, candidates may also take the exam on paper.
Please be aware that, in all participating Canadian jurisdictions, the CAEC exam is available only in the territory or province where you live. Out-of-territory or province CAEC testing is not permitted across Canada.
Five separate CAEC subtests
The CAEC exam comprises five subtests that assess skills and knowledge at a level comparable to that of high school students upon graduation. The subtests cover the fields of:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Language Writing
- Language Reading
- Social Studies
Testing is available in English and French, and the exam includes multiple question formats. Please also check our page for information on the subjects covered in the CAEC exam.
CAEC preparation
There are several ways to prepare for the CAEC exam. If structured classroom lessons are right for you, contact an adult education centre in your region and start learning under the guidance of a CAEC instructor.
If you are self-disciplined and comfortable with a self-paced online program, consider Cansego CAEC Prep. Online learning allows you to study where and when it fits you best.
With an online program, you can learn at your convenience, from your home or wherever you prefer, and avoid commuting to and from a classroom.
Regardless of how you prepare for the CAEC test, be sure to be optimally prepared on test day. The exam is quite challenging.
Northwest Territories CAEC contacts
The five CAEC subtests must be taken in person at an official NWT CAEC test centre. ECE Regional Service Centres will work with you to identify a CAEC test site and schedule. Please contact a Regional Service Centre closest to you.
If you want local support or details about CAEC testing, contact your nearest regional CAEC office:
- Sahtu – Phone: (867) 587.7159
- South Slave Hay River – Phone: (867) 874.5050
- South Slave Fort Smith – Phone: (867) 872.7425
- North Slave – Phone: (866) 768.8145
- Dehcho – Phone: (867) 695.7338
- Beaufort Delta – Phone: (867) 678.8065
Sahtu ECE Service Centre (Office #106, Edward G. Hodgson Bldg)
1A Raven R, Norman Wells, NT X0E 0V0, Ph: (867) 587-7159, Toll Free: (866) 814-9840
South Slave ECE Service Centre McDougal Square
195 McDougal Rd, Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0, Ph: (867) 872-7425, Toll Free: (833) 926-2110
North Slave ECE Service Centre (Main Floor, Nova Plaza)
5019 – 52nd St, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9, Ph: (867) 767-9356, Toll Free: (866) 768-8145
Dehcho ECE Service Centre (Chief Baptiste Cazon building)
9802 – 98th Ave, Fort Simpson, NT X0E 0N0, Ph: (867) 695-7338, Toll Free: (833) 995-7338
Beaufort Delta ECE Service Centre (Kigiaq Centre)
106 Veterans Way, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0, Ph: (867) 678-8065, Toll Free: (855) 283-9311
CAEC Prep Sites in Northwest Territories
Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency
101 Donda Tili, Behchokǫ̀, NT X0E 0Y0, Ph: (867) 392-3000 or (867) 686-0835
Hay River Community Learning Centre
12 Lepine Rd, Hay River, NT X0E 1G0, Ph: (867) 874-6455
Aurora College Yellow Knife Learning Centre
700 Sikyea Tili, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2T9
Aurora College Dettah/Ndilǫ Community Learning Centre
Bag 9700, Ndilo/Dettah, N, X1A 2R3, Ph: (867) 920-2003
Aurora College Ft Liard Community Learning Centre
Ft Liard, NT, Ph: (867) 770-3064
Aurora College Wekweètì Community Learning Centre
Wekweètì, NT X0E, Ph: (867) 713-2023
Aurora College Tulita Community Learning Centre
Tulit’a, NT X0E 0K0, Ph: (867) 588-4313
Aurora College Norman Wells Community Learning Centre
Norman Wells, NT, X0E 0V0, Ph: (867) 587-7154
Aurora College offers CAEC prep classes at its Community Learning Centres across the NWT to help residents prepare for the Canadian CAEC high school equivalency exam.
Here is an overview of Aurora College Community Learning Centres:
Aklavik: (867) 978-2224
Behchokǫ̀: (867) 392-6082
Délı̨nę: (867) 589-3701
Dettah/Ndilǫ: (867) 920-2003
Ft. Good Hope: (867) 598-2270
Ft. Liard: (867) 770-3064
Ft. McPherson: (867) 952-2551
Ft. Providence: (867) 699-3231
Ft. Resolution: (867) 394-5401
Ft. Simpson: (867) 695-7339
Hay River: (867) 874-6455
Kátł’odeeche: (867) 874-3107
Łutselk’e: (867) 370-3013
Norman Wells: (867) 587-7154
Tsiigehtchic: (867) 953-3036
Tuktoyaktuk: (867) 977-2328
Tulit’a: (867) 588-4313
Ulukhaktok: (867) 396-4213
Wekweètì: (867) 713-2023
Whatı̀: (867) 573-3084
NWT CAEC Government agencies
You can also contact the Northwest Territories CAEC Administrator:
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Education, Culture, & Employment
P.O. Box 1323, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Phone: (867) 920.8939
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Post-Secondary Education (Education, Culture, and Employment)
P.O. Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Phone: (867) 767.9351 x 71153
You may also want to read this post with the CAEC Frequently Asked Questions