How many times can I take the CAEC test?

The CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential) is Canada’s new high school equivalency diploma.

It offers adults without a high school diploma the opportunity to earn an educational credential considered equivalent to a standard Canadian high school diploma.

Many students ask us, How many times can I take the CAEC test? So in this post, we will answer that question.

The CAEC assessment is available in English and French, and includes five independent, modular exams that measure a candidate’s proficiency in the academic subject areas of:

• Mathematic
• Social Studies
• Science
• Writing
• Reading

How many times can I take the CAEC test?

If you did not reach a passing score on one of the five CAEC subject tests, you can retake that subtest.

You can attempt that subtest again once per calendar month, with a maximum of three attempts per calendar year.

So, for each CAEC sub-exam, the rules are that you can retake that portion up to three (3) times in one calendar year.

Can I retake a CAEC subtest to improve my score?

You can only retake those subject tests that you did not pass. If you have passed a subtest, you are not allowed to retake that module for a better score!

So, to answer the question, you cannot retake a subject test for which you have already achieved a passing standard result.

Please keep in mind that if you have already passed some of the former Canadian GED subtests, you can transfer those results toward the CAEC until May 2027.

CAEC – GED Key Differences

A word of caution: we strongly advise you NOT to use GED resources when preparing for the new pan-Canadian CAEC exam.

In the former paper-based Canadian GED test, there were no questions about typical Canadian topics, such as history, economy, geography, and culture.

The new Canadian Adult Education Credential, however, is steeped in typical Canadian elements, traditions, and cultures.

So, using old GED resources will lead to disaster! Be wise, and stay away from GED prep material when aiming to earn your CAEC!

The new CAEC assessment is a contemporary, computer-based, technology-driven exam with only a few similarities to the former, outdated, paper-based Canadian GED test.

Where is the CAEC exam available?

Canada’s new high school equivalency exam, the CAEC, was introduced in May 2024.

Alberta Education led the way in developing this made-in-Canada, high-quality high school equivalency exam.

The new exam was built from the ground up in close collaboration with other jurisdictions across Canada.

The new CAEC assessment is available in the following provinces and territories:

• Alberta
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Nova Scotia
• Saskatchewan
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Northwest Territories
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Check here -> for more information about CAEC testing in your province.

The CAEC exam is not available in British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and Quebec.

Retaking the CAEC – Key Notes

• Attempts: Up to 3 times per calendar year per subject test.
• Frequency: Only once per calendar month per subject test.
• Requirement: You only need to retake the specific sub-tests you did not pass.
• Fees: CAEC fees vary by jurisdiction, and retests usually require a new testing fee as well (varying by province or territory).
• If you failed a subtest, we recommend using the time between your attempts to prepare with official study materials and, again, definitely not GED resources.

CAEC scoring

To pass a CAEC sub-exam, you must answer at least 55% of the questions on that module correctly. If you don’t reach that percentage, you will not pass that subtest.

On the CAEC exam, the following scoring ranges apply, and this counts for each of the five subtests (the percentages refer to correct answers):

• 0–39 percent: DSM Range (Does Not Meet Minimum Standard)
• 40–54 percent: AS Range (Approaching Minimum Standard)
• 55–79 percent: MS Range (Meets Minimum Standard)
• 80–100 percent: ES Range (Exceeds Minimum Standard)

The CEAC Program offers adults who could not complete their regular high school curriculum the opportunity to participate in post-secondary education and training courses and access to better employment and job advancement.

Can I take the CAEC exam online?

The CAEC is a fully computer-based assessment, though some Canadian jurisdictions also offer the exam in a paper-based format.

You must take the exam at one of your province’s official CAEC testing centers. There is NO online CAEC test!

Please check with your province’s official sources to learn all about the practices and requirements that apply to you, as you must write the exam in the province or territory where you live. No exceptions!

The CAEC exam is tailored to the needs of Canadian adult learners and meets the expectations of post-secondary educational institutions and the requirements of  Canadian employers.

The exam reflects Canada’s diverse perspectives and cultures, including Francophone, Indigenous, and various multicultural communities.

Cansego offers high-quality online CAEC resources to help you pass the CAEC exam quickly. We do, however, not provide the CAEC exam. Please confirm the information above with official sources in your province or territory for accuracy.