In New Brunswick, the CAEC has officially replaced the GED as the standard high school equivalency test.
This guide explains how the New Brunswick CAEC test works, who qualifies, how to register, and how to prepare.
As of May 3, 2024, Canada replaced the GED exam with a new, Canadian-designed high school equivalency test called the Canadian Adult Education Credential, CAEC.
If you’ve already taken parts of the GED before this change, your GED scores remain valid until May 2027 and can be applied toward the CAEC.
Please refrain from using GED study materials when preparing for the CAEC test.
Simple & Easy Canadian Online CAEC Classes
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The new CAEC includes many questions related to Canadian values, government, and traditions, among others, whereas the earlier Canadian GED test did not include any Canadian elements.
What is the New Brunswick CAEC test?
The CAEC test is Canada’s official high school equivalency exam. It is made up of five separate subtests, each one covering a major academic subject:
- Language Reading
- Language Writing
- Mathematics (Parts 1 & 2)
- Social Studies
- Science
Each subtest is independent; you may take them one at a time in any order. The entire exam takes just over 7 hours to complete if done all at once, but the CAEC test can be written one (or more) tests at a time and in any preferred order.
New Brunswick CAEC test format
- The CAEC test in New Brunswick is computer-based only
- Paper testing is not available, except in special settings
- The exam is free for eligible residents
- Additional GED document requests still follow old GED fees ($5 for transcripts, $10 for replacement diplomas)
Eligibility for the New Brunswick CAEC test
To take the New Brunswick CAEC test, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of New Brunswick
- Not currently enrolled in high school
- Not already hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- For more information on who can take the CAEC exam, <-check here
In some cases, 17-year-olds may qualify, but additional documentation is required. For more details, contact the New Brunswick CAEC Testing Office at (506) 444-2525.

How to register for the CAEC test
Registration is done through the New Brunswick government CAEC website. You do not need to:
- Complete a classroom-based prep course
- Pass an official CAEC practice test before registering
However, you need to be fully prepared, as the exam is notoriously difficult.
New Brunswick CAEC Test – Prepare well
The CAEC test measures knowledge at a level similar to that of graduating high school students. To do well, you’ll need to prepare well and develop strong skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Cansego offers a fully online CAEC prep course that includes:
- Short, focused video lessons on every topic
- Practice tests to track your progress
- Timed quizzes to build time management skills
- Affordable, self-paced learning for busy adults
Cansego’s prep program is tailored specifically for Canadian learners and aligned with CAEC standards. Many students find it the fastest and most effective way to prepare from home.
Why take practice tests?
Taking practice tests is a proven way to:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Focus your study time on areas that need improvement
- Get comfortable with the timed format of the CAEC
- Build confidence for exam day
Many students who didn’t pass on their first attempt reported struggling with time pressure. Practising under time constraints improves performance and boosts scores.
Local support and contacts
To learn more or ask questions about the New Brunswick CAEC test, contact your regional CAEC coordinator:
- Fredericton & Western Valley – Emily Morrissey: testing@cvala.ca | (506) 429-5634
- Saint John & Southwest – Heather Goudreau: testingcentre@saintjohnkings.com | (506) 343-0366
- Moncton & Southeast – Carey Beers: exams@education-se.ca | (506) 857-9912
- Miramichi & Kent – Courtney Dignam: courtney.dignam@gnb.ca | (506) 626-3535
- Acadian Peninsula – André Clément Comeau: andreclement.comeau@gnb.ca | (506) 393-9739
- Restigouche & Chaleur – Renelle Santerre-Perron: renelle.santerre-perron@gnb.ca | (506) 759-6628
- Edmundston & Grand Falls – Julie Garneau: julie.garneau@gnb.ca | Edmundston: (506) 735-2263 | Grand Falls: (506) 473-7572
Official CAEC Contact – New Brunswick
CAEC Chief Examiner WorkingNB, Department of Postsecondary Education, Training & Labour, 470 York Street, Suite 120 (P.O. Box 6000), Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1, Phone: (506) 444-2525
Final thoughts on the New Brunswick CAEC test
- The New Brunswick CAEC test is the new standard for earning your high school equivalency diploma.
- It’s free, computer-based, and available throughout the province.
- GED scores remain valid until May 2027.
- Preparation is the key to success—Cansego provides a trusted, Canadian-focused prep course to help you succeed.
Start preparing today with Cansego and take the next step toward earning your diploma!
Cansego CAEC Prep provides high-quality online instruction. Please note that we do not give the actual CAEC test. We help students pass the exam quickly. Please verify the information on this page against your province’s official CAEC sources to ensure accuracy.
