May. 29 2025
By Mélanie Valcin, President and CEO, United for Literacy, and Alison Howard, Executive Director, ABC Life Literacy Canada
For decades, the General Education Development (GED) offered Canadian adults a path to better jobs, education, and opportunities. However, since it was developed in the United States, it eventually became clear that Canada needed a credential that reflected its own educational context and learners' experiences.
That’s why, in 2024, the GED was retired in Canada and replaced with something new: the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), a homegrown, modern solution designed to meet the needs of adult learners across the country.
Launched in Ontario in late 2024, the CAEC is more than just a replacement for the GED. It is a Canadian-made, Canadian-focused high school equivalency credential that is tailored for diverse adult learners. Offered in both English and French, it covers core subjects such as Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies through a distinctly Canadian lens. It also introduces the digital skills and competencies that learners can build upon to succeed in today’s world.
“The GED was very heavily American-based,” says Karen Cook-Newbury, CAEC content specialist. "The CAEC is a Canadian-made alternative, rooted in our context, our learners, and our realities.” This is a step forward. Now, it is time for governments, employers, and the public to recognize and embrace the CAEC for what it truly is: an essential pathway to opportunity.
Across Canada, millions of adults over the age of 19 do not have a high school diploma, and 20 percent lack the literacy skills necessary to fully understand a prescription or fill out a job application. Many left school early due to personal circumstances, lack of support, or systemic barriers. These people are our parents, neighbors, workers, caregivers, and voters. Although they each have their own story, they have one thing in common: they all have skills and strengths that need the right space to grow.
The CAEC opens doors to new opportunities. For some, it may be the key to enrolling in college or pursuing an apprenticeship. For others, it means qualifying for a job with stable income and better hours. The CAEC is not just about academic credentials: it is about restoring confidence, building agency, and creating choices.
And it works. Community-based programs like New Directions in Toronto and Learn Outside the Box in Winnipeg, delivered by organizations such as United for Literacy, are already seeing success. With dedicated instructors, learner-driven pedagogy, and wraparound support, learners are passing their exams and progressing toward the goals they have set for themselves. To help prepare for the CAEC, visit LookUnderLearn.ca to find a community literacy program offering free skills training.
The CAEC was also designed for today’s job market. Delivered digitally, the CAEC encourages learners to navigate online environments, interact with technology, and think critically in new ways. It moves beyond memorization and asks learners to analyze information, interpret infographics, and express persuasive ideas in writing—all essential skills in today’s workplace.
“In Alberta, it replaces our trades entrance exam,” says Cook-Newbury. “That is huge for learners who want to move forward without being stuck in outdated systems.”
In summary, this digital-first approach helps ensure that those who complete the CAEC aren’t just catching up; they’re getting ahead.
Despite these advancements, the CAEC still needs visibility. It needs champions. United for Literacy and ABC Life Literacy Canada are on a mission.
We call on all levels of government to adopt and integrate the CAEC into adult education strategies, workforce development plans, and immigration programs. Provinces and territories should ensure the credential is accessible to all, regardless of geography or income. Federal departments should include it as a recognized benchmark for job-readiness, especially within initiatives aimed at economic equity and inclusion.
“In rural Alberta, a lot of people want their CAEC because it satisfies the language requirement for permanent residency,” says Cook-Newbury. “We have a lot of temporary farm workers wanting to do their CAEC for that reason.”
We are also calling on employers to recognize the CAEC in their hiring practices and to encourage employees to pursue it by offering flexible schedules and learning supports. We are asking employers to view literacy and essential skills training as a long-term investment in productivity, retention, and economic resilience.
In a time of economic uncertainty and rapid change, we often look to technology and innovation as solutions. But we must not forget one important—perhaps the most important—building block: a high school diploma or its equivalent.
The CAEC is more than a credential. It is a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit, that every Canadian deserves the chance to grow, to apply knowledge in meaningful ways, and to inspire others in turn. It is a tool that supports everyone’s ability to take part fully in our economy and our communities.
Let us champion the CAEC for what it truly is: a powerful tool that unlocks the potential of Canadian learners and showcases the strength of made-in-Canada solutions. By promoting it, we are investing in people, in possibility, and in the resilience that will drive greater equity and shared prosperity across the country. Will you join us?
Still have questions? Visit our full CAEC FAQ page for more answers on eligibility, test locations, cost, and how to prepare.
