CAEC Testing
The new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) will provide opportunities for adults who are seeking:
- Access to employment and training opportunities; and/or
- Participation in other education and training opportunities, including apprenticeship
The CAEC test administration guide outlines the policies and procedures of the CAEC Testing Service that offers the CAEC across all participating provinces and territories.
Overview
To obtain your Canadian Adult Education Credential, you will need to pass all five tests to earn your CAEC.
- Language Arts: Reading
- Language Arts: Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
| Subject & Parts | Weight | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 100% | 50 questions | 75 minutes |
| Writing | 100% | 1 persuasive writing task | 75 minutes |
| Math | 100% | 42 questions | 120 minutes |
| Part I: No Calculator | 25% | 12 questions | 30 minutes |
| Part II: Calculator | 75% | 30 questions | 90 minutes |
| Science | 100% | 35 questions | 90 minutes |
| Social Studies | 100% | 40 questions | 90 minutes |
A 55% is the minimum standard to officially pass a CAEC test. Your scores for Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are available within two business days in your CAEC account. Writing scores will be available in approximately 20 business days.
Please note: At Lethbridge Polytechnic, paper-based or French versions of the CAEC tests are not offered.
CAEC tests are charged at $80 per subject ($400 total for all 5 subjects), payable at the time of booking. This fee consists of a $30 exam fee payable to the Government of Alberta and a $50 proctoring fee payable to Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Computer-based tests have an embedded timer, and the exam will automatically close and submit when the time limit has been reached. Information on individual tests can be found on the CAEC website.
You can register for and schedule your CAEC test(s) online by following these steps:
Registration Requirements:
- An email address.
- A credit card (pre-paid credit cards are available at most retail stores)
- An Alberta Student Number (optional). You can search for your ASN or request an ASN be created on the Alberta Education website.
Booking Steps:
- Create a profile on the CAEC website.
- Be sure to properly capitalize all names and addresses when creating your profile.
- Log in and find the "Book a Test Session" dashboard.
- Click the "Book a Test Session" button.
- At this step, you’ll be asked to review the universal supports that are available for the CAEC tests. You will have the opportunity to request accommodations at this step.
- Note: If you wish to request exam accommodations for a documented medically diagnosed condition or other extenuating circumstances, you will need to submit supporting documentation to the CAEC jurisdictional administrator in your province or territory for review. See the section on Requesting accommodations for more information.
- Search for available CAEC test sessions. You can filter your search by Test Invigilation Language, Test Delivery Method, or Test Administrators (locations).
- From the list of available options, choose the test and date you wish to book and then click, “Book Now”. Follow any remaining prompts to book your test(s).
- Note: You will need to complete the scheduling steps for each test and day you want to write. You cannot take all five tests in one day due to scheduling limitations.
- Use your credit card to complete payment for your selected test session(s).
CAEC provides testing accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities:
- Extended testing time
- Private testing room
- Screen reader compatibility
- Adjustable text size
- Other reasonable accommodations
Submit supporting documentation for review prior to scheduling your test(s) at least 30 days before your intended test date.
When you create your profile on the CAEC website, answer yes to the question, "Do you need to request accommodated testing conditions for a documented disability?" Once the online form is submitted, you will receive an email with information on how to submit your request and any supporting documents.
See the CAEC website for more information.
The candidate agrees to provide two forms of valid identification (ID) at the time of testing.
- Primary ID
- Must be government-issued and not expired
- Must include the candidate’s name, date of birth, photo, and signature
- Can be any of the following:
- Passport
- Driver’s licence or learner’s permit
- Canadian military identification card
- Federal/provincial/territorial-issued ID
- Federal/provincial/territorial correctional services ID
- Indian status card
- Métis status card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Canadian permanent resident card
- Secondary ID
- Must include the candidate’s name
- Cannot be expired
- Can be any of the following:
- Healthcare card
- Birth certificate
- Government of Canada Immigration Status
- Foreign government-issued ID
- Temporary resident document (IMM 1442) Work permit
- Temporary resident document (IMM 1442) Temporary resident permit
- Refugee Protection Claimant Documents
- Confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
- Verification of status documents (IMM 5009)
- You can ONLY use a calculator for the CAEC Math Part II exam.
- The following list provides sample approved calculators.
- TI-30XIIS
- TI-30Xa
- CASIO fx-260
- Casio fx-300 MS Plus 2nd ed.
- Use of graphing calculators is not permitted and the following calculator materials, properties and/or configurations are not permitted:
- programmed memory content;
- built-in notes, libraries, or formulae (e.g., definitions or explanations in alpha notation);
- upgraded or downloaded programs;
- remote communication capability;
- symbolic manipulation capabilities;
- manipulate algebraic expressions;
- external (peripheral) devices and other support materials such as manuals, printed or electronic cards, printers, memory expansion chips or cards, external keyboards
- calculator cases are not permitted in the CAEC writing room
No personal items are allowed into the exam room with you. Prohibited items include:
- Cell phones, tablets, headphones, earbuds and other electronics
- All watches (smart, digital and analog)
- Wallets and purses
- Hats and other head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
- Hooded clothing
- Coats
- Scarves
- Bulky jewelry
- Bags and backpacks
- Books and notes
- Food and drink (including water)
When you register for your CAEC test(s), you will receive a confirmation of your booking with full exam rules. This communication will contain the most up-to-date information.
All electronic devices must be powered off and secured in the lockers provided outside of the testing room.
You can rewrite each subject test once per calendar month, and up to a maximum of 3 times per calendar year. You cannot write a test you have already passed. Each attempt will require you to pay the testing fee.