In early 2024, the paper-based, outdated Canadian GED test was replaced with the Canadian-developed, computer-based Canadian Adult Education Credential exam, or CAEC.
The CAEC exam, similar to the former Canadian GED, provides adult learners who did not complete high school with the opportunity to obtain an educational credential equivalent to a standard Canadian high school diploma.
Not all Canadian Provinces and Territories offer the CAEC exam. The exam is not available in Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, and Nunavut.
Where can I take the Canadian CAEC test?
The CAEC exam is offered in the following Canadian jurisdictions:
- Alberta
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) also implemented the CAEC assessment in its High School Education Initiative (HSEI) program.
For your jurisdiction’s contact information and CAEC website, <- check out this article.
What is the Canadian Adult Education Credential?
The Canadian Adult Education Credential is Canada’s new high school equivalency diploma.
In May 2024, the Canadian-made Adult Education Credential (CAEC) exam replaced the GED test across Canada for high school equivalency testing.
The former paper-based Canadian GED test did not cover Canada-specific content or reflect typical Canadian values and traditions.
The CAEC exam is a high-quality assessment that reflects Canada’s rich history and meets Canadian industry standards and educational requirements, representing a significant improvement over the outdated former Canadian GED test.
The CAEC exam is entirely computer-based and offered in English and French.
For whom is the Canadian Adult Education Credential exam?
The new CAEC exam is for adult learners who did not finish their high school education. The CAEC credential opens new doors to better employment, higher wages, access to higher education institutions, and professional training programs.
The CAEC program may be a right fit if you don’t want to find a better job, pursue academic studies in university or college, or qualify for an apprenticeship or attend professional training and continuing education.
The Canadian Adult Education Credential is equivalent to a regular Canadian high school diploma and accepted as such by Government institutions, colleges and universities, and employers across Canada.
What is on the CAEC exam?
The CAEC exam consists of five modular, independent subtests that must be written in person.
You can take these sub-exams one (or more) at a time and in the order of your preference. The complete assessments will take approximately 7.5 hours, but there’s no need to take the five tests in one sitting.
The fact is that most Canadian CAEC testing facilities do not offer the option to write all five subtests in one day. The five tests measure a candidate’s proficiency in the following five subject fields:
- CAEC Reading – 50 questions (75 minutes)
- CAEC Writing – a persuasive writing test (essay, 75 minutes)
- CAEC Math – Part I: No calculator, 12 questions (30 minutes) – Part II: With calculator, 30 questions (90 minutes)
- CAEC Science – 35 questions (75 minutes)
- CAEC Social Studies – 40 questions (75 minutes)
CAEC passing score
To pass a CAEC subtest, you will have to reach at least a 55% correct score, and this applies to all five CAEC subtests.
The tests are scheduled in advance online on the website Vretta.com and completed in a computer-based format at official test centres across Canada. Please note that two forms of ID are required.
On the CAEC exam, there are four scoring ranges:
• ES (Exceeds Minimum Standard): 80-100% correct answers
• MS (Meets Minimum Standard): 55-79% correct answers
• AS (Approaching Minimum Standard): 40-54% correct answers
• DMS (Does Not Meet Minimum Standard): 0-39% correct answers
Can I take the CAEC exam online?
There is no option to take the five CAEC modules online. Across Canada, CAEC testing is only available at official CAEC test facilities.
Please note that you can not take the exam in a jurisdiction other than the one you live in.
Will the GED diploma still be valid?
Across Canada, the GED diploma will continue to be a recognized high school equivalency credential.
If you have already reached passing scores on parts of the former Canadian GED exam, you can transfer those results to the new CAEC assessment until May 2027.