In 2024, the GED exam was replaced by the made-in-Canada CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential) assessment in most of Canada. In most jurisdictions, the transition from GED to CAEC is underway or completed.
Like the GED, the CAEC exam offers adults who did not complete their regular high school education the chance to demonstrate proof they command knowledge and skills at a level comparable to that of graduating high schoolers.
The new credential (pronounced ‘cake’) is recognized and accepted by Canadian employers, government agencies, training facilities, and higher education institutions. The CAEC has the same value as a traditional Canadian high school diploma. Cansego offers an award-winning program through Onsego Canada that efficiently prepares students for the new CAEC assessment.
Taking the CAEC Exam
Registration for the CAEC exam must be done on the website Vretta.com. Candidates can choose their jurisdiction and set up an account.
The CAEC assessment has five modular, independent sub-exams that may be written in any order and, if desired, one or more at a time. There is no requirement to write the full assessment all at once.
The five CAEC modules measure a candidate’s knowledge level in the following academic subject areas: Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Reading, and Writing.
Candidates must write the subtests in person at a testing centre on the day and time they select. The five modules are entirely computer-based, but there is also a paper version that is not available in all provinces and territories.
CAEC test-takers should check with their respective jurisdictions for information about applicable fees and how to pay for the tests.
In all jurisdictions, the CAEC exam is only open to residents. Testing centres must and will check all candidates’ proof of identification, including their physical addresses. See also our page about eligibility requirements for CAEC testing.
Students can complete the five CAEC modules at their own pace and in any order they prefer. There is no specific timeframe for completing the tests, and partial test scores will not expire.
That being said, it is crucial for CAEC candidates to double-check with their testing centres to confirm if there may be new regulations or timing considerations that apply in their province or territory.
More information on how to register for the CAEC exam is provided in the following Calgary Learning Institute video:
How is the CAEC Exam Scored?
On the CAEC sub-exams, candidates must attain at least a 55% correct score to meet the required minimum standard and pass that section of the CAEC exam.
There are four CAEC scoring categories:
- 0 – 39% range: Does Not Meet Minimum Standard (DMS)
- 40 – 54% range: Approaching Minimum Standard (AS)
- 55 – 79% range: Meets Minimum Standard (MS)
- 80 – 100% range: Exceeds Minimum Standard (ES)
Candidates can view their scores in their CAEC digital platform profiles within two business days on the subject areas of Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Math. These subject tests are scored by a machine, and the results are final.
For the section Writing (the CAEC Essay), the result will be available after 20 business days. This section is scored by two individual readers, and if their scores are within 2 points, the average counts. If their scores are more than 2 points apart, a third reader scores to determine the final score, and the average of the 2 highest scores is the final result.
Retakes
Candidates who have reached DMS or AS scores are required to retake that subject test since they have not attained the minimum passing standard requirements.
Students who have not received passing scores can rewrite each sub-exam once per month up to three times per calendar year. However, retaking a subject test is not allowed if a candidate has passed that module. Please keep in mind that retaking a module comes at a fee in most jurisdictions.
How to Receive your CAEC
Candidates who have reached passing scores on all five CAEC sub-exams will receive their credentials issued by their province or territory.
Until May 2027, previously attained partial GED scores can be used toward the new Canadian-made CAEC assessment. Though this may look like a lot of time, we advise all students to complete their CAEC assessments as soon as they can.
The fastest way to prepare for the five-module CAEC assessment is by following a good online CAEC preparatory course that allows you to learn when, where, and what you want. Cansego CAEC Prep has designed an award-winning course through Onsego Canada that does just that!
Please note that Cansego offers quality online CAEC instruction. We do not administer the CAEC assessment; we help students pass the CAEC exam quickly. However, confirming the information here with official CAEC sources is essential for accuracy.