ID Requirements for the CAEC Test

In early 2024, Canada replaced the paper-based, outdated Canadian version of the GED test with the Canadian-developed Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).

The new CAEC exam is a fully computer-based assessment that measures your knowledge and skills across core academic subjects.

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The exam comprises five independent sub-exams, each a separate module, that can be taken individually in any order.

The CAEC exam cannot be taken online. Testing is exclusively available at official Canadian CAEC testing sites, and you can only write the exam in the jurisdiction where you live.

ID Requirements

Upon arriving at a CAEC test centre, you need to show two forms of non-expired ID to prove your identity, so let’s take a look at what forms of ID are acceptable.

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Of these two forms, one must include your photo, signature, and date of birth. If the name on your ID doesn’t precisely match your CAEC profile, you will not be admitted to the testing room.

What are acceptable primary IDs

  • Passports
  • Territorial/provincial/federal-issued IDs
  • Canadian Citizenship cards
  • Canadian military IDs
  • Driver’s licences
  • Driver’s learner’s permits
  • Métis status IDs
  • Indian status IDs
  • Canadian permanent resident IDs
  • Territorial/provincial.federal correctional IDs

What are acceptable secondary IDs

  • Birth certificates
  • IDs issued by foreign governments
  • Government-issued Immigration Status IDs
  • Healthcare cards
  • Temporary resident (work) permit IDs (IMM 1442)
  • Permanent residency IDs (IMM 5688/IMM5292)
  • Status verification IDs (IMM 5009)
  • Refugee protection IDs

Both IDs must not have expired and must include your full name.

The five CAEC subtests

There are five independent, modular CAEC subtests you can take individually, in any order you prefer.

The CAEC assessment must be taken entirely on a computer, although some Canadian provinces offer the exam in a paper-based format as well. Check here -> for the CAEC passing score.

You can take the CAEC in English and French, depending on your location, but please contact your jurisdiction’s officials or website to ensure your options

The five CAEC modules measure your knowledge across these five subject fields:

  • Reading (you have 75 minutes for 50 questions)
  • Writing (you have 75 minutes for your essay)
  • Social Studies (you have 90 minutes for 40 questions)
  • Science (you have 90 minutes for 35 questions)
  • Math Part I (without a calculator: 30 minutes for12 questions) – Math Part II (with a calculator: 90 minutes for 30 questions)

The CAEC primarily includes multiple-choice questions. Only the Writing portion (your essay) is not.

On test day, your testing centre will provide all materials needed to take the test, including supplies like scrap paper and pens.

In the CAEC test centres, the use of electronic devices (including cell phones) is not permitted, and it is advised that arriving early at your test centre is required (at least half an hour before your test appointment) for the check-in procedure.

Where is the CAEC exam available?

In most Canadian jurisdictions, the CAEC exam has replaced the GED test. Nine Canadian provinces and territories implemented the CAEC test, but the exam is not offered in Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, and Nunavut.

The CAEC exam is offered in Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories. Learn more about where the CAEC exam is available <- on this page.

Prepare well

The CAEC exam is a challenging assessment. Your knowledge is measured against that of graduating high school seniors after their four years of high school.

So, becoming well-prepared for the CAEC exam is essential. If you prefer to learn independently, we recommend Cansego’s high-quality online course to work through the extensive subject matter at your own pace.

Cansego has developed one of the most effective and affordable online programs for the Canadian CAEC test. The program will help you prepare quickly for the exam.

You can begin preparing for the CAEC exam by joining Cansego today.

At Cansego, we provide online courses to help you take the five CAEC tests successfully and quickly. However, we do not offer the CAEC test. We also recommend you verify the information on this page against your jurisdiction’s official CAEC sources for accuracy.