How Northwest Territories CAEC Test Works

On May 3, 2024, Canada officially replaced the GED with a new, nationally developed high school equivalency test—the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). This exam is now the recognized standard in the Northwest Territories and across most of Canada.

If you’ve already passed one or more GED subject tests, those scores remain valid until May 2027 and can be applied toward the CAEC.

Who Can Take the CAEC in the Northwest Territories?

To be eligible for the Northwest Territories CAEC test, you must:

• Be a resident of the Northwest Territories for at least 6 months

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not be currently enrolled in high school

• Not already hold a high school diploma or equivalent

There are no age waivers in the Northwest Territories—underage students are not permitted to write the CAEC, even in exceptional cases.

Is the CAEC Free in the Northwest Territories?

Yes! The CAEC exam is free for eligible residents of the Northwest Territories. This includes all five subject tests.

Where and How You Can Take the CAEC

The CAEC is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats in the Northwest Territories. You can even mix formats—if you started the test on paper, you can complete the remaining sections on a computer, or vice versa.

Note: You must take the CAEC in your home territory. Out-of-province or out-of-territory testing is not permitted anywhere in Canada.

What’s on the CAEC Exam?

The CAEC exam includes five separate subject tests, each designed to measure the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates:

1. Mathematics

2. Language Arts Writing

3. Language Arts Reading

4. Science

5. Social Studies

Each test ranges from easy to challenging and requires strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Is the CAEC Hard?

The CAEC is a timed and rigorous exam, but it doesn’t have to be hard—if you prepare properly. The passing standard is designed to match the level of knowledge most high school graduates are expected to have.

To improve your chances of success, consider studying with Cansego, a trusted provider of Canadian online CAEC prep classes. Cansego’s program is:

• Fully aligned with CAEC exam content

• Affordable and accessible from anywhere

• Built around bite-sized video lessons and practice tests

• A great option for self-motivated learners who prefer studying on their own schedule

Cansego offers prep classes only—not the exam itself.

How to Prepare for the CAEC

How you prepare depends on your learning style. Here are two common options:

• If you prefer structured classroom instruction, check if adult learning centres in your region offer in-person classes.

• If you’re comfortable with self-paced online learning, Cansego’s program may be the perfect fit. You’ll study on your own time, from home, and avoid the need to travel.

Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to identify what you know—and what you still need to review. They also help you get familiar with the test’s format and time limits.

Regional CAEC Contact Information

Need local support or testing details? Contact the appropriate regional office:

• Beaufort Delta: (867) 678-8065

• Dehcho: (867) 695-7338

• North Slave: (866) 768-8145

• South Slave – Fort Smith: (867) 872-7425

• South Slave – Hay River: (867) 874-5050

• Sahtu: (867) 587-7159

Government Contact

CAEC Administrator
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department of Education, Culture, and Employment
P.O. Box 132, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Phone: 867-920-8939

Final Thoughts on the Northwest Territories CAEC Test

• The CAEC has replaced the GED as of May 3, 2024

• It’s free and available in both paper and computer formats

• You must be 18+ and a resident of the Northwest Territories

• Prepare with trusted online resources like Cansego

• GED scores remain valid until May 2027

Ready to get started?
Join Cansego to begin your online CAEC preparation and take the next step toward earning your high school equivalency certificate.