Does BC offers the CAEC Test?

British Columbia (B.C.) has not adopted the CAEC exam for high school equivalency (HSE) testing.

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

However, British Columbia has not adopted the CAEC exam for high school equivalency (HSE) testing.

That means the CAEC is not offered in British Columbia, and adults in B.C. must continue using the province’s existing programs to earn their high school diploma.

What Are Your Options in B.C.?

In British Columbia, adults who are 18 years or older can still earn a recognized high school credential through two main programs:

• B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma)
• B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood)

These programs allow adult learners to complete required academic courses and graduate with a credential that is recognized by employers, colleges, universities, and government agencies across Canada and North America.

What Is the CAEC?

The CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential) is a standardized HSE exam made for Canadians. It replaces the GED in most provinces and consists of five separate subtests:

• Mathematics
• Language Reading
• Language Writing
• Social Studies
• Science

Each test is independent and can be taken one at a time. The exam is offered in both English and French, on computer and, in some areas, on paper.

Although British Columbia does not offer the CAEC, the credential is recognized nationwide. Earlier GED results remain valid until May 2027, and the CAEC diploma is accepted just like the GED or a standard high school diploma.

CAEC Prep for B.C. Students

While B.C. does not use the CAEC exam, adult learners who plan to move to another province or just want to brush up on core academic skills can still benefit from online CAEC prep programs, like the one offered by Cansego.

Cansego’s CAEC course covers the same subject areas found in B.C.’s Adult Graduation programs and is a great way to study independently. The course includes:

• Bite-sized video lessons
• Practice tests
• Step-by-step instruction
• A flexible study schedule

Though Cansego does not offer the CAEC exam, its prep course is a valuable tool for learners working toward either the CAEC (in other provinces) or the Adult Dogwood in B.C.

Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood) in B.C.

B.C.’s Adult Graduation Diploma Program is open to adults who:

• Are Canadian citizens
• Are residents of British Columbia
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Do not already hold a high school diploma
• Are not currently enrolled in B.C.’s public school system

To graduate, students must complete five approved courses, including:

• English Language Arts 12
• A Math 11 or 12 course
• And three additional approved courses (some may have been taken previously)

Many ABE (Adult Basic Education) programs in B.C. help adults earn the Adult Dogwood. These programs are offered at public post-secondary institutions and adult learning centres, often with individual support and flexible scheduling.

Summary

• B.C. has not implemented the CAEC exam and continues to use the Adult Dogwood program.
• Adult learners in B.C. can earn their diploma by completing academic courses, not through standardized testing.
• Cansego’s CAEC prep program is available online and covers subjects also found in B.C.’s ABE programs.
• GED scores are still valid until May 2027, but they do not apply in B.C., where the GED was discontinued years ago.

If you’re a B.C. resident and want to explore adult graduation options, we recommend checking out B.C.’s Adult Education resources for more information.

For students in other provinces preparing for the CAEC, check our online CAEC classes to get started with your CAEC prep.