The CAEC test is available across Canada, but only in provinces that have officially adopted the CAEC as their high school equivalency exam.
To take the test, all students must first create an account on the official CAEC website.
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After registering, you’ll gain access to information about available testing locations and time slots in your province.
Testing is done in person at authorized centres, and each province sets its own schedule of test dates.
While the registration process begins through the same national CAEC website, the testing options you see will depend on where you live.
Only students from participating provinces will be able to proceed with booking their test.
Cansego provides complete online prep for the CAEC but does not administer the exam itself.
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Once you’ve studied and feel confident, you’ll be ready to book your test through the CAEC site and take it at an approved centre in your province.
CAEC instead of GED
As of May 3, 2024, the Canadian GED test has been officially retired. It was replaced by a new, Canadian-made assessment called the CAEC, which stands for Canadian Adult Education Credential.
The CAEC is now Canada’s standard for earning a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. In this post, we look at where and how to take the CAEC test.
The CAEC test is available across Canada in participating provinces and territories. It’s offered in both English and French, and the exam is computer-based, though some jurisdictions offer a paper-based version as well.
Cansego: Online CAEC classes for Canadians
Formerly part of Onsego, our Canadian CAEC prep program now continues at Cansego.ca. Nothing has changed except the name and the website—students still get the same great course and support. Cansego offers:
- Easy-to-follow video lessons
- Practice tests and study guides
- Support to keep you on track
- A program designed to help you finish in as little as 2 months
Please note that GED prep resources are not suitable for your CAEC prep! The content of the CAEC test differs from the GED and covers Canadian traditions, government, cultures, and history far better than the old GED exam.
What is the CAEC?
So, the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) has taken the place of the GED in Canada. It consists of five separate tests, or subtests, in the following subjects:
- Language Reading
- Language Writing (includes an essay)
- Mathematics (Parts 1 & 2)
- Social Studies
- Science
You don’t need to take all five tests at once. You can take them one at a time, on a schedule that works for you.
How to take the CAEC test and who qualifies?
The CAEC is designed for Canadian adults who did not complete high school and want to earn an equivalent credential.
Though the CAEC test is fully computer-based, testing is not available online. Testing must be done at one of Canada’s official CAEC test centers. To take the test, you:
- Must not already hold a high school diploma
- Must meet your province or territory’s eligibility requirements
- Must usually be at least 18 (some provinces allow 17-year-olds with special permission)
The CAEC diploma is expected to be widely accepted by employers, colleges, and universities as proof of high school-level education in the same way as a GED.
Where can you take the CAEC?
You can take the CAEC in person at authorized test centres. The test is offered on computers, and in some regions, also on paper. However, the CAEC test is not available in Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, or Nunavut.
To register, contact your local test centre or your province’s education department. You’ll find more details and links on the official CAEC website: www.caec.ccea.ca
CAEC scoring and test details
To pass, you need to answer at least 55% of the questions correctly on each subtest. The exam takes about 7.5 hours total, but since you can spread the subtests out, it’s manageable over time. Here’s the breakdown:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Reading | 50 | 75 |
| Language Writing | 1 Essay | 75 |
| Math Part 1 (No Calculator) | 12 | 30 |
| Math Part 2 (Calculator Allowed) | 30 | 90 |
| Social Studies | 40 | 90 |
| Science | 35 | 90 |
Most results appear in your CAEC account within two business days, except for the writing section, which may take up to 20 business days.
Still have GED scores?
If you already passed some GED sections before the test was retired, don’t worry—your scores remain valid until May 2027. You won’t need to retake those subjects if you work towards your CAEC.
Final thoughts
The CAEC is a strong, Canadian-designed credential that opens doors to better jobs, college programs, and new opportunities. If you’re ready to take the next step, Cansego is here to help you every step of the way.
CAEC test resources by Province
- Alberta CAEC Test
- BC CAEC Test
- Calgary CAEC Test
- Manitoba CAEC Test
- New Brunswick CAEC Test
- Newfoundland and Labrador CAEC Test
- Northwest Territories CAEC Test
- Nova Scotia CAEC Test
- Nunavut CAEC Test
- Ontario CAEC Test
- Prince Edward Island CAEC Test
- Quebec CAEC Test
- Saskatchewan CAEC Test
- Yukon CAEC Test
