How Nova Scotia CAEC Test Works

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.

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

CAEC in Nova Scotia – Key Information

In Nova Scotia, the CAEC exam 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 be currently enrolled in high school

• Not already hold 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?

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada’s official High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. It consists of five modular 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 measures 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 Testing Centres

The CAEC exam 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

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Quick Facts

• The CAEC is free in Nova Scotia, with the province covering the $150 total cost ($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!