What is on the CAEC Test?

Canada has transitioned from the GED (General Education Development) exam to the CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Development) test for high school equivalency (HSE) testing in most of its provinces and territories. In this post, we look at what is on the CAEC test.

The CAEC test includes five modular sub-tests covering the academic subject areas of Mathematics, Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Science, and Social Studies.

The exam offers Canadian adults who didn’t finish their high school curriculum another opportunity to secure a secondary education credential. Check out our post about CAEC eligibility criteria.

Applicants can complete their CAEC test at their own pace. There’s no specific timeframe for completing the five sub-exams, and test results do not expire.

Please check with your preferred CAEC testing center to see if any specific CAEC timing considerations apply to your province or territory. The Pan-Canadian CAEC test is available in French and English.

Taking on the new CAEC test is a challenging endeavor. Testing occurs at a level comparable to that of graduating Canadian high school students, and getting perfectly prepared is really the key to success! You can attend a prep class in your area, but these days, a few very good and accredited online courses are available, like the program designed by Cansego CAEC Prep.

The following is an overview of what is on the CAEC test. However, remember that it is not a complete overview; it lists the main subject fields and topics of the CAEC test. Click here to learn more about how the CAEC test is scored. Note that earlier GED scores remain valid until May 2027. So, let’s see what is on the CAEC test.

Is the CAEC test similar to the former Canadian GED test?

No, the GED and CAEC tests are not similar assessments. Although both exams are high school equivalency (HSE) tests, the CAEC is explicitly designed for Canada, following different standards and focusing on entirely different aspects.

GED prep materials are NOT suitable for preparing for the CAEC assessment. To be successful on the CAEC exam, it’s crucial to use resources designed for the test.

So, don’t use a GED prep course or GED books when preparing for the CAEC test. The new Canadian-made CAEC test is a modern, computer-based exam with a unique structure and content.

What is on the CAEC Test – Explanation

CAEC Math

The CAEC Math test is 120 minutes long and includes two parts with 42 questions in total. Part 1 (30 minutes) has 12 questions, and you can not use a calculator. Part 2 (90 minutes) includes 30 questions, and you are allowed to use a calculator. So let’s see what you’ll have to understand to be successful on the CAEC Math section:

• Solving word problems
• Calculating percents and ratios
• Performing operations using fractions and percents
• Performing geometry calculations and measurements
• Data analysis, probability, and basic statistics
• Performing operations with polynomials
• Understanding exponents
• How to solve inequalities
• Solving linear equations with 1 variable
• How to solve quadratic equations
• Solving problems with binomials
• Understanding coordinate planes
• Perimeter, area, volume
• Pythagorean Theorem

CAEC Language Reading

The CAEC Language Reading section is 75 minutes long and includes 50 questions. To be successful on the CAEC Reading test, you must be able to:

• Identify the passage’s main idea
• Identify supporting details and secondary ideas
• Identify the purpose of the author
• Draw logical conclusions from the given passage

Key elements for success on this part of the exam are

• Reading Comprehension – Reading comprehension is essential for success in college, vocational programs, and careers. It is the foundation for effective verbal and written communication. The Canadian CAEC exam assesses a candidate’s ability to comprehend the provided information and respond effectively to texts and written communication.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – On the CAEC test, you have to identify a text’s main idea and supporting details, assess argument validity, analyze and evaluate the presented information, and draw inferences or conclusions. This part assesses a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are essential in real-life situations, such as reading academic or professional texts and instructions, understanding contracts, and analyzing data in the contemporary workplace. Most positions require applicants to be able to read and understand industry-specific texts, technical manuals, regulations, or other written material. Well-rounded reading comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills will improve job options and professional advancement.

CAEC Language Writing

The CAEC Language Writing part is 75 minutes long and includes an essay. This section measures how well you can correctly use and apply your knowledge of:

• English or French grammar
• English or French language usage
• Punctuation and capitalization
• The subject-verb agreement in their chosen language
• Sentence structure, for example, fragments and run-on sentences
• coherence in a given passage

Well-rounded writing and reading skills, as well as the ability to comprehend and communicate effectively, are essential for continuing education and acquiring a good job.

How to Write an Essay – You will be asked to write a 5 to 6-paragraph essay to assess your writing skills and knowledge of the English or French language. Cansego offers an excellent guide to writing a perfect CAEC essay.

CAEC Science

The CAEC Science section is 90 minutes long and has 35 questions. You will see the following topics in this section of the new Canadian CAEC test:

• Life Science, including Biology
• Basic Physics, including Force, Speed, and Acceleration
• Basic Chemistry
• Earth Science
• Space Science
• Scientific Method and Scientific Reasoning

CAEC Social Studies

The CAEC Social Studies is 90 minutes long and includes 40 questions. To be successful on the Social Studies part, you must be able to identify the main idea in the provided passages, draw logical conclusions, and identify supporting details and the author’s purpose.

The CAEC Social Studies test includes questions related to:

• Canadian History
• World History
• Canadian Government and Civics
• Geography
• Economics

Please note that Cansego provides CAEC courses online to help you pass the CAEC exam quickly. However, we do NOT offer CAEC testing! Please confirm our information with official sources to ensure you have accurate information.