How Ontario CAEC Test Works

The Ontario CAEC Test is the new Canadian test. As of May 3, 2024, the GED test in Canada has been replaced by the CAEC, or Canadian Adult Education Credential.

This new exam is Canada’s official high school equivalency (HSE) assessment. Like the GED, it helps adults who did not complete high school earn a recognized diploma.

In Ontario, the full CAEC exam (all five subtests) costs $100, or $20 per subject. These fees were previously used for the GED and are now applied to the CAEC.

Registration must be done online, either through Vretta.com or via the Ontario Educational Communications Authority (TVO) website.

Cansego Offers Online CAEC Prep

Cansego (formerly Onsego Canada) provides online prep classes designed specifically for the CAEC exam. Our course includes:

• Video lessons

• Practice tests

• Timed quizzes

• Study tools aligned with the CAEC content

We’ve created a fully updated, CAEC-aligned version of our program to help you prepare efficiently and confidently. Please note: Cansego does not offer the CAEC test—only preparation.

CAEC Test Format in Ontario

• The CAEC is available in both English and French

• The five subject tests can be taken one at a time and in any order

• Paper-based testing is not available in Ontario—all tests are computer-based

The five subject areas are:

1. Language Reading

2. Language Writing

3. Mathematics (Part I: no calculator, Part II: calculator allowed)

4. Science

5. Social Studies

The full exam takes about 7.5 hours, but you can take each subtest separately.

Who Can Take the CAEC in Ontario?

To qualify for the CAEC in Ontario, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen and Ontario resident for at least 6 months

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not already have a high school diploma

• Have been out of the school system for at least one year

• Not be enrolled in any public, private, or Catholic high school

• Provide a “date of leaving” letter if you left school at age 18

• If homeschooled, provide proof of homeschooling

Is the CAEC Difficult?

Yes, the CAEC is a challenging exam. It tests knowledge at the level of graduating high school students. Proper preparation is key. Some studies show that up to 40% of high school graduates might not pass the GED on their first attempt—and the CAEC is similarly demanding.

Cansego’s online prep course offers everything you need:

• Short, engaging video lessons

• Practice tests that identify your weak spots

• Timed quizzes to build your test-taking confidence

• Flexible learning you can do anytime, anywhere

Ontario ACE Program

Ontario also offers the ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) program through community colleges. This program helps adult learners improve their skills for college or work. The ACE Certificate is accepted in place of an OSSD by Ontario colleges and some agencies.

It’s unclear whether ACE will continue alongside the CAEC, but we’ll keep you updated.

Ontario CAEC Test Centres

Here are some locations where the GED was offered. These centres may now offer the CAEC, but you should confirm with them directly.

Brampton

• Eastview College, 239 Queen St E, Unit 22 — (905) 497-0507

• CCBST, 350 Rutherford Rd S, #110 — (905) 488-5627

Hamilton

• triOS College, 4 Hughson St S, 5th Floor — (905) 528-8972

Kingston

• Academy of Learning, 1469 Princess St — (613) 544-8973

Kitchener

• Pathways Educational Services, 248 Stirling Ave S — (519) 772-1477

Mississauga

• BITTS College, 7895 Tranmere Dr — (866) 399-2055

• Mississauga College of Technology, 33 City Centre Dr — (905) 32-8628

• More locations listed at Cansego.ca

Toronto

• TVO ILC, 2180 Yonge St — (416) 484-2704

• Pearson Centres (Midtown & Downtown)

• triOS College, 425 Bloor St E — (416) 922-4250

Ottawa, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, North York, and more
Visit Cansego.ca for the full list or check with your local testing centre directly.

Summary

• The CAEC has replaced the GED in Ontario and across Canada (except BC, Quebec, Nunavut, and Yukon)

• The CAEC diploma is accepted by employers and post-secondary schools

• Registration is done online through Vretta.com or TVO

• Computer-based testing only in Ontario

• Cansego provides online prep classes to help you succeed

Ready to prepare for the CAEC exam? Join us.