Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)
What is the Canadian Adult Education Credential?
The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is a high quality, made in Canada high school equivalency credential that meets assessment industry standards as a replacement for General Educational Development (GED) in Canada.
The CAEC is for adults who do not have a high school diploma but need an education credential to open doors to educational and/or employment opportunities.
GED testing was discontinued on Prince Edward Island and across Canada effective May 3, 2024. The CAEC is now available on Prince Edward Island.
Test-takers who successfully complete the CAEC will receive a Prince Edward Island High School Equivalency Certificate.
Learn More about CAEC: Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)
Is my GED still valid?
The GED will continue to be a recognized credential. If you have a GED, the credential remains valid and does not expire. If you have a GED, you do not need to complete the CAEC.
Passing GED test scores from the 2002 Canadian GED Test Series will be recognized for test exemption and count towards the associated CAEC test subjects until May 2027.
Who is eligible for the CAEC?
On Prince Edward Island, CAEC Tests are available to individuals who:
- are a resident of Prince Edward Island;
- are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- are at least 18 years of age;
- are not currently enrolled in high school;
- do not already have a GED; and
- do not have a high school certificate.
Like the GED, the CAEC is free to Prince Edward Island residents.
What does the CAEC cover?
CAEC consists of tests in five (5) subject areas.
Here is an overview of how many questions are on each test and how long you have to write each test.
| Subject and Parts | Number of Questions | Time |
| Reading | 50 questions | 75 minutes |
| Writing | 1 task | 75 minutes |
|
Math Part I: No calculator Part II: Calculator |
42 questions in total 12 questions 30 questions |
120 minutes in total 30 minutes 90 minutes |
| Science | 35 questions | 90 minutes |
| Social Studies | 40 questions | 90 minutes |
Individuals who would like to prepare for the CAEC tests, can review the test outcomes and sample tests available on the CAEC website. The sample tests are a guide to the types of questions you can expect to see on the tests.
How can I apply to write the CAEC tests?
Before booking a CAEC test session, you must first register for a CAEC account. Click the button at the bottom of this page to register for a CAEC account.
- Be sure to select the appropriate jurisdiction. If you reside in Prince Edward Island, please select "PE."
Test Details
CAEC tests (like the GED™ tests), are completed on an easy-to-use online platform (computer) at various Holland College testing centres throughout the province. The tests are available in both English and French.
Passing Scores: You need 55% to meet the minimum standard to officially pass a CAEC test.
- 80-100% – Exceeds minimum standard (ES)
- 55-79% – Meets minimum standard (MS)
- 40-54% – Approaching minimum standard (AS)
- 0-39% – Does not meet minimum standard (DMS)
If you receive a result of AS or DMS, you must rewrite the test because you have not met the minimum standard.
How can I get my CAEC test scores?
You can get your test scores by logging in to your CAEC account.
- Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies: available in approx. 2 business days
- Writing: available in approx. 20 business days.
Can I rewrite a CAEC test?
Candidates may rewrite a CAEC test once (1) per calendar month with a maximum of three (3) attempts per calendar year (January to December) for each test subject. If unsuccessful after the third attempt in a calendar year, candidates must wait until the next calendar year.
What does Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) mean?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that acknowledges learning gained outside of the CAEC tests. PLAR allows candidates to be exempt from writing a CAEC subject test. PLAR can be awarded towards a maximum of four CAEC subject tests.
There are two sources of PLAR for the CAEC:
- Candidates who have achieved a passing standard on a 2002 Canadian Test Series GED™ test in the same subject; and/or high school or adult education course equivalents, where applicable allows candidates to be exempt from writing a CAEC subject test
- Candidates may also qualify to be exempt from writing a specific CAEC subject test if they can demonstrate achievement in high school credit courses. Please refer to the PLAR Request Form for a list of eligible high school courses.
During the CAEC registration process, you will be able to fill out a PLAR Request Form. Applications will be processed within 10 days of the submission of the required documentation.
What if I need an Accommodation?
The CAEC digital assessment has embedded features and tools to optimize the testing environment for all learners. These features are available to all candidates:
- Zoom feature to enlarge the display
- Screen color overlay tool for contrast
- Screen text highlighter/line reader tool
Special arrangements are environmental conditions that make a candidate feel more comfortable when writing a test such as privacy screens, noise blockers, private workspace, etc (availability may vary by test centre location). Only special arrangements that do not impact the legitimacy of the test administration will be considered.
Accommodations are targeted supports for candidates that are related to a medically diagnosed condition or extenuating circumstances as determined by the jurisdictional CAEC administrator. Accommodations may include; extended time, additional breaks, Braille, and other supports that do not impact the legitimacy of the test administration. You will be required to submit additional information including a medical diagnosis, including a written reports by a medical professional outlining the required accommodation(s).
To maintain the integrity of the CAEC tests, the following supports are not permitted under any circumstance:
- Use of a calculator on Part I of the mathematics test
- Use of a dictionary, thesaurus, or translator for reading, social studies, mathematics and science tests
- Interpreter (someone to re-word questions)
Candidates wishing to apply for Accommodations must fill out an Accommodations Request form during the registration process. Applications will be processed within 15 days of the submission of the required documentation.
Can I cancel a CAEC Test?
Candidates must reschedule or cancel their test(s) through their CAEC account. Changes must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled testing time.
If a candidate fails to cancel, reschedule, or does not show up for the scheduled test, any request to reschedule the exam will only be considered if the absence was due to unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or bereavement. That is, all candidates who fail to cancel, reschedule, or do not show up for the scheduled test may have this test count towards their attempts for the year.
Who do I contact for more information about the CAEC?
PEI CAEC Administrator
Post-secondary and Continuing Education
Atlantic Technology Centre
176 Great George Street, Suite 212
Charlottetown PE C1A 4K9
Telephone: (902) 368-4650