On May 3, 2024, the new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Certificat canadien d’éducation des adultes (CCEA) replaced the General Education Development (GED®) high school equivalency assessment.
Available in English and French, this new credential is a high-quality, made-in-Canada education credential that meets industry standards as a replacement for the GED®.
Earn the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)
On May 3, 2024, the new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) replaced the General Education Development® (GED®) high school equivalency assessment.
Available in English and French, this new credential is a high-quality, made-in-Canada education credential that meets industry standards as a replacement for the GED®.
About CAEC Testing
The CAEC is for adults who do not have a high school diploma but need an education credential to open new doors to educational, training or employment opportunities. As with the GED®, Ontario candidates who successfully complete the CAEC will get an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.
This program might be right for you:
If you do not want to go back to high school but your employer needs proof of high school equivalency.
If you need proof of high school equivalency to find a job, pursue studies in college, or to apply for an apprenticeship.
You live in Ontario and have been a resident for at least 6 months.
Need help choosing between an OSSD and the CAEC?
Need help between choosing an OSSD and the CAEC?
Need help choosing between
an OSSD and the CAEC?
Test Details
The CAEC assessment includes five tests, which take approximately 7.5 hours to complete in total.
Reading
- 50 questions
- 75 minutes
Science
- 35 questions
- 90 minutes
Writing
- 1 persuasive writing task
- 75 minutes
Social Studies
- 40 questions
- 90 minutes
Mathematics
(120 minutes)
Part I: No calculator
- 12 questions
- 30 minutes
Part II: Calculator
- 30 questions
- 90 minutes
Reading
• 50 questions
• 75 minutes
Science
• 35 questions
• 75 minutes
Writing
•1 persuasive writing test
• 75 minutes
Social Studies
• 40 questions
• 75 minutes
Mathematics
(120 minutes)
Part I: No calculator
• 12 questions
• 30 minutes
Part II: Calculator
• 30 questions
• 90 minutes
Tests are scheduled in advance and completed on computers at official testing centres across Ontario. Those taking the CAEC assessment will have the option to book individual tests according to their schedule.
You will need a score of 55% on each of the five tests to successfully complete the CAEC and earn an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.
Program Cost
It costs $100 to register for all 5 CAEC tests
Eligibility
- To register to write the CAEC assessment, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
You do not have an Ontario High School Diploma
You are not currently registered with an Ontario public, Catholic, or private high school
Learners who are homeschooled: their 18th birthday will be recognized as the completion of their secondary instruction. As a result, these students must wait one year from their 18th birthdate before they are eligible to enroll
You have been a resident of Ontario for a minimum of 6 months
Your are 18 years or older and have been out of school for a minimum of one full year
You do not have an Ontario High School Diploma
You have been a resident of Ontario for a minimum of 6 months
You are not currently registered with an Ontario public, Catholic, or private high school
You are 18 years or older and have been out of school for a minimum of one full year
Learners who are homeschooled: their 18th birthday will be recognized as the completion of their secondary instruction. As a result, these students must wait one year from their 18th birthdate before they are eligible to enroll
CAEC Test Process
1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria
2
Create an account on the CAEC portal
3
Enter your basic personal information
4
Upload your supporting documentation
Provide two forms of valid government-issued identification (ID), two primary or a primary and a secondary. The primary form of ID must be government-issued and non-expired. It must also include your name, date of birth, Ontario address, photo and signature.
Primary forms of ID
- Passport
- Driver’s license or Learner’s permit
- Canadian military identification card
- Federal/provincial/territorial issued identification card
- Federal/provincial/territorial Correctional Services identification
- Indian Status card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Canadian permanent resident card
Secondary forms of ID
- Government of Canada Immigration Status (opens in new window) Statut d’immigrant du gouvernement du Canada (ouvre un nouvel onglet)
- Health card
- Birth certificate
- 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)
5
Pay the registration fee
Please be advised all fees and payments are non-refundable
6
Submit your registration
Your registration will be reviewed by our team. Once approved, you’ll be provided with more information on how to schedule your tests. If you have any questions, please Contact Us
1
Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria
2
Create an account on the CAEC portal
3
Enter your basic personal information
4
Upload your supporting documentation
Provide two forms of valid government-issued identification (ID), two primary or a primary and a secondary. The primary form of ID must be government-issued and non-expired. It must also include your name, date of birth, Ontario address, photo and signature.
Primary forms of ID
- Passport
- Driver’s license or Learner’s permit
- Canadian military identification card
- Federal/provincial/territorial issued identification card
- Federal/provincial/territorial Correctional Services identification
- Indian Status card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Canadian permanent resident card
Secondary forms of ID
- Government of Canada Immigration Status (opens in new window) Statut d’immigrant du gouvernement du Canada (ouvre un nouvel onglet)
- Health card
- Birth certificate
- 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)
5
Pay the registration fee
Please be advised all fees and payments are non-refundable
6
Submit your registration
Your registration will be reviewed by our team. Once approved, you’ll be provided with more information on how to schedule your tests. If you have any questions, please Contact Us
Scheduling your CAEC test
After acceptance, you will receive a Vretta username and access code by email. You will use this information to schedule your tests. Please keep this email in a secure, accessible place.
Please note
You have up to five days before your test date to cancel or reschedule through your Vretta account. You will not be able to re-schedule a test within five days prior to the test.
Writing your CAEC tests
After acceptance, you will receive a Vretta username and access code by email. You will use this information to schedule your tests. Please keep this email in a secure, accessible place.
On the test date bring a valid photo ID with your full legal name to the exam.
Please arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time for check-in, parking and preparation.
All electronics (cellphones, watches of any kind) must be turned off and put away in the exam room.
Grading and Scoring
Understand your scoring
You need 55% to meet the minimum standard and officially pass a CAEC test. If you receive a result of AS or DMS, you must retake the test because you have not met the minimum standard.
| Grade | Score |
| 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) |
Viewing Your Scores
You can view your scores through your profile on the Vretta.
| Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies | 2 business days |
| Writings | 20 business days |
| Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies | 2 business days |
| Writings | 20 business days |
| Reading, Mathematics, Science and | 2 business days |
| Writings | 20 business days |
Retaking Tests
You can view your scores through your profile on the Vretta.If you don’t receive a passing score, you can rewrite each subject test once per calendar month, and up to a maximum of 3 times per calendar year.
- After receiving your results for all five subjects, you are able to pay $100 for a second attempt to re-write any unsuccessful tests.
- To pay the rewrite fee, please login to your student portal. This rewrite fee will not be available until one month after your non-passing score. If you do not have this option available, email us at caec@tvo.org for further assistance.
Receiving Your CAEC certificate and transcript
Once all test scores are received, it will take a minimum of 2-3 weeks for your official transcript and Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate to be mailed to you.
-
You do not need to request your certificate and transcript. Our office will issue your documents after you have successfully completed your five CAEC tests.
-
For extra copies of your transcript to be sent to academic institutions or employers, please select “Document Requests” in your account. If you do not have the option to complete a document request, please email us at caec@tvo.org
TVO CAEC requires your document request to be submitted and paid directly online in the TVO CAEC portal. We do not process document requests by voicemail or email.
Request GED transcript/ Certificate
If you were a previous GED candidate, you can request and pay for a copy of your GED transcript/certificate through your student account.
What if I no longer have access to my GED Account?
If you no longer have access to your account due to a change in email address, TVO CAEC can re-set your account. Please email caec@tvo.org with your full name (at the time of writing the tests) and date of birth so that we may send you an activation link with more instructions.
Mailing of Transcript and Certificates
Please note, only transcripts (not certificates) can be emailed to employers or academic institutions. Certificates can only be physically mailed to candidates, employers, or academic institutions. They cannot be emailed.
What documents do I need when applying to OCAS?
When requesting documents for an OCAS application, it is only necessary to submit a request for a transcript. You do not need to request a certificate. Once the request is completed, we can send it to OCAS by email or regular mail.
Study
Resources exist to help you prepare for the CAEC.
Review the "Test Outcomes" document (PDF), which outlines the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass each test.
Practice with a sample test, available in each subject.
Watch this video Regarde cette vidéo to learn more about how the CAEC tests are structured, written and scored.
Find a program to upgrade your skills to prepare for the tests.
Preparation Opportunities
View a comprehensive list of learning centres across Ontario to help you prepare in-person or online for CAEC testing.
Ready to take
the next step?
Ready to take the next step?
FAQ
Will the GED still be recognized?
The GED® continues to be a recognized credential. If you have previously passed the 5 GED® test subjects, your credential remains valid. If you completed some of the 5 GED® test subjects, the CAEC will accept successfully completed GED® test subjects in place of the associated CAEC test subjects until May 2027.
If you have any questions about your previous GED® assessment, please email ged@tvo.org.
How long will it take for my CAEC registration to be processed?
It can take up to 20 business days to process registrations.
What happens after my CAEC registration is approved?
Once your registration with us is approved, and test sessions are available, you'll receive an email with more information on how to schedule your test(s).
Are the CAEC tests written in-person?
Yes. CAEC tests are computer-based and are completed in person at official testing centres.
How do I schedule the CAEC tests?
Once test sessions are available and your registration is approved, you will receive an email with instructions.
How should I prepare to write the CAEC tests?
Review the test outcomes, which outline the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass each test, and practice with a sample test, available in each subject.
What mark do I need to pass the CAEC?
You will need a score of 55% on each of the five tests to successfully complete the CAEC and earn the Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.
What if I fail one of the five CAEC tests? Do I have to rewrite all the tests?
You are only required to re-write the tests on which you did not receive a passing score. The cost to re-write a test is $100.
You can rewrite each test once per calendar month, and up to a maximum of 3 times per calendar year.
How long will it take for my test to be scored?
You’ll be able to view your scores for Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies tests within approximately 2 business days. You’ll be able to view your score for the Writing test within approximately 20 business days.
How long will it take to receive my official Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate after passing all 5 tests?
Once all test scores have been received, it usually takes 6 – 8 weeks for your official transcript and Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate to be sent to you.
What accommodations are possible for computer-based and paper-based CAEC tests?
You may be granted accommodations to write the CAEC tests depending on your learning needs. Accommodations may include:
- Extra time
- Periodic stop-the-clock supervised breaks as needed
- A reader/scribe
- Braille
How do I request accommodations?
When you register for the CAEC assessment, you can request accommodations and provide supporting documentation. All accommodation requests are reviewed.
How do I request my transcript or certificate?
CAEC Candidates: Once you complete your CAEC tests, your transcript and certificate will be mailed to you by our office. You do not need to separately request these in your student portal.
Former GED Candidates: You may request these documents through your CAEC portal account. Unfortunately we cannot accept requests sent through email or voicemail.
If you cannot log in to your account, please email caec@tvo.org with your name and date of birth for help.
What documents do I need when applying to OCAS?
When requesting documents for an OCAS application, it is only necessary to submit a request for a transcript. You do not need to request a certificate. Once the request is completed, we can send it to OCAS by email or regular mail.