Nova Scotia CAEC Test

In Nova Scotia, the CAEC has officially replaced the GED as the standard high school equivalency test.

This post provides information about the Nova Scotia CAEC test, including testing requirements, fees, content, and more.

As of May 3, 2024, Canada officially replaced the GED with a Canadian-designed high school equivalency exam called the CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential).

This change affects most provinces, including Nova Scotia, where the CAEC is now fully implemented.

Please do not use GED prep materials if you start preparing for the computer-based CAEC test.

The new exam covers Canadian traditions, cultures, history, values, economics, and government, while the old paper-based Canadian GED test did not cover any specific Canadian topics at all!

To learn more about the national GED-to-CAEC transition, <- check this page.

Nova Scotia CAEC test requirements

The Nova Scotia CAEC test is available free of charge for eligible residents. To write the exam, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be a resident of Nova Scotia
• Not currently enrolled in high school, nor have they already held a high school or equivalent diploma.
• To register, create an account at caec.vretta.com. The exam is available in both English and French.

What is the CAEC test?

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada’s official High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. There are five modular CAEC subtests that assess academic skills at a high school graduate level:

1. Mathematics
2. Language Reading
3. Language Writing
4. Social Studies
5. Science

Each subtest can be taken individually and in any order. While the exam is challenging, successful completion leads to a CAEC certificate—a credential recognized across North America by:

• Employers
• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies

In Nova Scotia, the CAEC exam is only offered in a computer-based format at approved testing centres. Paper-based testing is only available within correctional facilities.

CAEC prep with Cansego

While Nova Scotia doesn’t require you to complete a prep course before taking the exam, proper preparation is strongly recommended. The CAEC exam assesses skills at the level of graduating high school students, so being well prepared is essential.

Cansego offers an affordable, fully online CAEC prep program that’s:

• Aligned with the official CAEC standards
• Designed specifically for Canadian learners
• Packed with short video lessons that cover every topic
• Supported by practice tests and time-based quizzes

The Cansego program helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, practice under real test conditions, and build confidence for test day.

Why practice tests matter

The CAEC subtests are timed assessments, and managing your time is key to success. Many students who just missed the passing score say they could have passed if they had more time.

With Cansego’s timed practice tests, you can:

• Learn to pace yourself
• Improve your time management
• Boost your test-day confidence

Nova Scotia CAEC test locations

The CAEC test is administered through Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campuses across the province:

• Amherst – Amherst Learning Centre – 902-661-3180
• Bridgewater – Lunenburg Campus – 902-543-4591
• Dartmouth – Akerley Campus – 902-491-4966 / 782-641-3018
• Halifax – Institute of Technology Campus – 902-491-5236
• Kentville – Kingstec Campus – 902-679-7572
• Lawrencetown – COGS – 902-584-2100
• Middleton – Annapolis Valley Campus – 902-584-2100
• Port Hawkesbury – Strait Area Campus – 902-625-7595
• Stellarton – Pictou Campus – 902-755-8107
• Springhill – Cumberland Campus – 902-597-3737
• Sydney – Waterfront Campus – 902-563-8038
• Truro – McCarthy Hall – 902-893-6642
• Yarmouth – Burridge Campus – 902-742-3099

Contact Information

For official support or questions, contact:

Labour, Skills, and Immigration CAEC Testing Service – Adult Education Division, P.O. Box 697, Halifax, NS B3J 2T8, Toll-Free: 1-877-466-7725, Email: CAEC@novascotia.ca

Quick Facts

• The CAEC is free in Nova Scotia, with the province covering the total cost of $150 ($30 per test).
• GED scores remain valid and transferable to the CAEC until May 2027.
• The CAEC is recognized just like the GED or any standard high school diploma.
• Paper-based testing is not available (except in correctional facilities).
• You must meet Nova Scotia’s residency and eligibility criteria to take the exam.

Ready to get started? Join Cansego and take the first step toward your diploma!

Cansego offers top-quality online CAEC instruction. We do not, however, administer the CAEC exam. We help CAEC students take the exam quickly and successfully. To ensure the above information is accurate, please verify it against your province’s official CAEC sources.