Alberta CAEC Test

In this post, we talk about the Alberta CAEC test, the qualification requirements, who the test is for, what’s on the test, and more.

On May 3, 2024, the GED test in Canada was officially replaced by the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).

This new high school equivalency test was designed in Canada and is now the standard across most provinces and territories.

If you’ve already passed one or more GED subtests, your results are still valid until May 2027 and can be transferred to the CAEC. Cansego will continue to share updates about the GED-to-CAEC transition in Canada.

A word of caution: please refrain from using GED resources when preparing for the CAEC test!

The CAEC test has a different structure and covers Canadian values and traditions.

Alberta CAEC test cost

In Alberta, the CAEC test costs $200 for the full 5-test battery, or $40 per subtest.

You can write the five subtests, one or more at a time, at one of Alberta’s designated CAEC test facilities.

To register, you must visit the official Vretta website or the Alberta government CAEC page.

Alberta CAEC test eligibility

To qualify for the Alberta CAEC test, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (some 17-year-olds may qualify under specific conditions)
• Be a resident of Alberta
• Have been out of the public school system for at least 10 months
• Not hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Provide proof of identity and residency

For 17-year-old applicants or those needing special accommodations, contact your local CAEC testing centre in advance.

What is the CAEC?

The CAEC is Canada’s official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential. It gives adults who did not finish high school a chance to earn a diploma that is accepted across North America by:

• Employers
• Government agencies
• Colleges and universities

The exam includes five separate subtests, which can be taken individually. They cover the academic subject areas of:

1. Science
2. Language Writing
3. Language Reading
4. Social Studies
5. Mathematics (Part I: no calculator, Part II: with calculator)

The CAEC test is available in both English and French and is taken in a computer-based format. Paper-based testing is available in some cases as well.

Online CAEC prep with Cansego

While you are not required to take a prep course or official practice test before the Alberta CAEC test, getting optimally prepared is strongly recommended.

Cansego provides a fully updated, CAEC-aligned online prep program that is:

• Designed for Canadian learners
• Packed with bite-sized video lessons
• Loaded with practice tests and timed quizzes
• Built to reflect Canadian values, culture, and curriculum

Our Social Studies section has been completely revised to match the new CAEC standards, including updated content on Canadian geography, history, and diversity.

Where can you take the  Alberta CAEC test?

The CAEC test can only be written in the province where you live. You’ll need to provide ID showing Alberta residency when you go to your test centre.

Here are some of the CAEC testing centres in Alberta:

Calgary

• Calgary Learning Institute Ltd. – (403) 285-3555
• Equilibrium Testing Center – (403) 453-4224

Edmonton

• A&D Tutoring Services – (780) 444-9349
• Careers in Transition Inc. – (780) 702-9259
• Lokken College – (888) 565-5366
• NorQuest College – (780) 644-6000

Other Alberta Locations

• Fort McMurray – Keyano College
• Lethbridge – Lethbridge College
• Red Deer – Red Deer College
• Medicine Hat – Medicine Hat College
• Grande Prairie – Northwestern Polytechnic
• Hinton, Edson, Taber, Fox Lake, Cold Lake, Slave Lake, and more…

Alberta’s role in developing the CAEC

Alberta played a leading role in developing the CAEC alongside eight other provinces and territories, including:

• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan

Alberta is also home to the Canadian National CAEC Testing Service Headquarters, which manages exam delivery and standards.

Final Notes

• The CAEC is a challenging exam that tests your academic and analytical skills at a high school graduate level.
• Preparation is key—Cansego offers an effective way to get ready quickly and confidently.
• The CAEC is accepted just like a high school diploma.
• GED scores remain valid until May 2027 and can be used for the CAEC test.

Ready to start preparing? Join us!