In early 2024, the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) exam replaced the outdated Canadian GED exam in most Canadian provinces and territories.
In this post, we show you what questions are on the CAEC exam. The CAEC exam is Canada’s new HSE (High School Equivalency) exam.
The exam provides adults without a high school diploma with the opportunity to earn an educational credential equivalent to a regular high school degree.
Since the CAEC diploma is a secondary education credential, it allows for better jobs and higher education. It helps adult learners with opportunities such as:
- Employment prospects, including better jobs, better salaries, and job advancement.
- Education pathways, as the credential is recognized by schools of post-secondary education.
- Training opportunities to enhance careers and receive professional certifications.
Now, let’s look at the questions on the CAEC exam. The assessment comprises five modular sub-exams that measure a candidate’s knowledge of mathematics, social studies, science, reading, and writing.
The tests must be taken on a computer (in most provinces), but online CAEC testing is not available. Testing takes place in official test centres.
To earn a CAEC diploma, a candidate must achieve at least 55% correct answers across all five subtests. Provincial governments issue the Canadian High School Equivalency diploma.
What’s on the CAEC exam
In the following table, you see how many questions are on each part of the CEAC exam and how much time you are given to complete the corresponding part.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 50 | 75 |
| Writing | 1 essay (persuasive writing) | 75 |
| Math Part I, no calculator allowed Part II, calculator allowed |
42 12 30 |
120 30 90 |
| Science | 35 | 90 |
| Social Studies | 40 | 90 |
The following Nova Scotia video offers a quick explanation of what’s on the CAEC exam and the process:
CAEC – Focus on Canada
In 2024, the CAEC exam replaced the Canadian GED test for the purpose of high school equivalency testing in most Canadian jurisdictions. Earlier GED scores keep their validity until May 2027.
The CAEC exam is different from the earlier GED test. The new Canadian-made assessment is fully computer-based, whereas the former Canadian GED test was only offered in a paper-based format.
Furthermore, the old GED test included nothing typical Canadian, and the CAEC addresses typical Canadian traditions and perspectives much better.
The exam includes questions about the Canadian government, economy, history, geography, cultures, and values. The tests are available in French and English.
How to register for the CAEC exam
Registration for the exam is done entirely online, but again, the exam itself is not available online. You really should prepare well to avoid disappointment, and the fastest way to get all set is with the online CAEC course from Cansego!
You can register for and take the five modular CAEC subtests individually if you prefer. Here are the steps you must take:
- First, go to the CAEC website and create your CAEC account. You will be the only one who knows your account details, so bring that as well on test day.
- Then select “Book a Test Session,” fill in the details, and if you have done that, review the form.
- Then, search for testing options and book your test.
- Note that, when taking one (or more) of the CAEC subtests, you must bring two valid ID forms!
To learn all about CAEC testing day procedures, <- check out this page.
CAEC passing scores
To pass the five CAEC sub-exams, the following score percentages must be reached, and this applies to each sub-exam:
The passing score for each CAEC test is 55% correct. This is required to meet the CAEC minimum standard. There are four CAEC scoring ranges:
• 80-100% = Exceeds Minimum Standard (ES)
• 55-79% = Meets Minimum Standard (MS)
• 40-54% = Approaching Minimum Standard (AS)
• 0-39% = Does Not Meet Minimum Standard (DMS)