In most Canadian provinces and territories, the Canadian version of the GED (General Education Development) exam was replaced by the new Canadian-made Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) in May 2024.
Just like the GED diploma, the CAEC gives adults who could not finish high school the opportunity to show proof they mastered skills and knowledge at the same level as graduating high school students.
The CAEC (pronounced like ‘cake’) exam is only for eligible candidates, and the credential is accepted by Canadian governmental institutions, post-secondary education institutions, and employers in the same way the GED diploma was. The credential holds, both academically and legally, the same value as a common Canadian high school degree.
GED Replacement
Per May 3, 2024, the Canadian GED high school equivalency (HSE) program is no longer offered in Canada. The new CAEC exam has replaced the GED test. Students don’t need to worry if they have already passed portions of the GED test, as their earlier GED results count toward the new CAEC until May 3, 2027.
Like the former Canadian GED test, the new exam has five modular sub-exams covering the academic subject areas of Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Language Arts Writing, and Language Arts Reading. The exam can be written in English or French.
Alberta developed the new Canadian Adult Education Credential in collaboration with other Canadian jurisdictions. It will be introduced and implemented across Canadian provinces within specific timelines.
Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have already implemented the new exam, and the following provinces and territories are working to implement the new CAEC exam soon: Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. However, bear in mind that full implementation of the new exam might require some time. Quebec is finalizing its CAEC implementation, while British Columbia already stopped offering the GED exam in 2014, and it remains to be seen when BC will offer the CAEC exam as well. Yukon may follow BC.
Education professionals in Prince Edward Island say they are in the final stages of getting the CAEC assessment approved and set up. They expect CAEC testing to be available in mid-September.
What is the CAEC?
This new CAEC provides a high-quality, entirely made-in-Canada education opportunity in the same way as the GED exam. The diploma awarded upon successful completion of the five CAEC sub-exams has the same value as a common Canadian high school diploma.
The CAEC allows adults who could not finish high school to secure a secondary education credential that will open doors to post-secondary education, training programs, or better employment opportunities. Candidates who attain passing scores on the five CAEC subtests will receive a Canadian High School Equivalency Diploma issued by their jurisdictions.
GED Credits
Adults with a GED diploma don’t need to worry, as the GED diploma will continue to be a credential recognized across North America. Students who have already passed some portions of the GED test can use their results toward the new CAEC diploma until May 3, 2027.
The CAEC is Canada’s new challenging HSE (high school equivalency) exam, and decent preparation is absolutely required to be successful on the five-test examination. You can attend a physical prep class and learn under the supervision of a teacher, but these days, a good, accredited online CAEC prep course, like the one designed by Onsego Canada, offers an affordable and highly flexible option as well to get properly prepared fast.
About the CAEC Test
Canadian provinces and territories developed the new CAEC exam in collaboration with post-secondary institutions, employers, and apprenticeship providers. The new program meets the needs and requirements of adult Canadian learners.
Better than the GED test, the CAEC reflects diverse Canadian cultures and perspectives, including those of Indigenous and multicultural communities. CAEC testing can be done in English or French.
The former Canadian GED exam was offered exclusively in a paper-based version. The new CAEC exam can be taken on a computer or paper, though not all provinces offer the paper-based version. So please, get properly informed to avoid disappointment. If CAEC testers require access to learning accommodations, they should apply timely.
With the new Canadian-made CAEC exam, post-secondary educational institutions and employers can count on a reliable indicator of the level of skills and knowledge achieved by Canadian adult learners. The diploma issued to test-takers upon successful completion of the five CAEC sub-exams is a true indication of the holder’s level of educational achievement.
Notice: We focus on providing innovative online CAEC courses but do NOT offer the CAEC test. Our dedicated support will help you pass the five CAEC tests quickly and efficiently, but please confirm the above-listed information with official, credible CAEC sources; that is crucial for accuracy.