May. 28 2025
The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is a high school equivalency exam for adults. It replaced the GED, which was discontinued in Canada. The CAEC offers adults the opportunity to earn a recognized credential that demonstrates their knowledge and skills, preparing them for the workforce or further education.
The CAEC exams "emphasize foundational knowledge that adults need in today’s society, whether acquired in secondary school or outside of formal education, rather than specific curriculum knowledge. Shorter texts and more digitally mediated texts in reading, writing, science, and social studies require less intensive reading than the GED, but the trade-off is reading and interpreting a variety of digital elements and online sources" (AlphaPlus, Preparing adult learners for the new Canadian Adult Education Credential Report, October 2024).
While the GED was skill-based and followed a more straightforward path to success, the CAEC places greater emphasis on critical thinking and prior knowledge. It requires not only the ability to interpret traditional texts but also to analyze a wide range of digital materials and sources, which can be a challenging shift for some learners.
That being said, every learner's experience is unique. While some may find the CAEC easier or more aligned with their current skills, others may find the new accreditation more demanding. From my (admittedly limited) experience, the CAEC may feel more challenging for many, but this does not necessarily mean it is insurmountable—it simply reflects the more complex skill set required for success.
The CAEC exams are computer-based and must be written in person at a testing station.
Testing for the CAEC is available across Canada, with several locations offering exams on a regular basis. Please connect with the CAEC testing station in your area for more information.
United for Literacy offers free support to help youth and adults prepare for and succeed in the CAEC (formerly GED) exam. We work with local partners to offer tutoring, test prep, and help with exam registration. See below for details by province.
Learn Outside the Box
Based in Winnipeg, Learn Outside the Box supports youth and adults aged 15+ who are finishing high school. Services include:
Help registering for high school or adult education
Tutoring in all subject areas
Support with homework and assignments
CAEC test preparation and registration support (exam fees can be covered)
Schedule:
Public Homework Drop-ins: Thursdays, 2:30–5:30 PM (September to June)
CAEC Intensive Program: Runs twice a year — contact for dates and locations
Location: 717 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0M8
Testing Information:
CAEC testing is available monthly at sites in Winnipeg, Brandon, The Pas, and Thompson.
New Directions (Literacy and Basic Skills / CAEC Prep)
New Directions, supported by United for Literacy, offers free programs for adults aged 18+ looking to:
Improve reading, writing, math, and computer skills
Prepare for employment, apprenticeships, or post-secondary education
Get ready for the CAEC exam
Attend workshops on financial literacy, career planning, and more
Schedule:
Year-Round Continuous Intake
Location: Greater Toronto Area (exact locations arranged based on learner needs)
Testing Information:
Testing is available through the Independent Learning Centre. For more details, visit Independent Learning Centre CAEC page.
The CAEC is designed by Canadians for Canadians, with a focus on practical knowledge essential for everyday life in Canada. Unlike the GED, which followed a specific curriculum, the CAEC emphasizes foundational skills and real-world knowledge, moving beyond theoretical content. This makes the CAEC a more holistic assessment of the skills adults need to thrive in various aspects of life, from work to personal development.
Adults aged 19+ in Manitoba have several options for continuing their education:
Complete a Full High School Diploma or a Mature Student High School Diploma at an Adult Learning Centre or through Remote Learning
Take the CAEC exam to achieve high school equivalency
Request a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to gain credit for existing knowledge and skills
In Ontario, adults have options for completing high school or achieving high school equivalency, and they are:
Adults can pursue a Full High School Diploma through Adult Learning Centers or Remote Learning.
Alternatively, they can take the CAEC exam to achieve high school equivalency.
Ontario also offers the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program, which is a tuition-free academic upgrading initiative. The ACE program is designed to help adult learners prepare for college, apprenticeship programs, and entry-level jobs that require a high school or equivalent credential. While the ACE program is not the same as a high school diploma, it provides a valuable pathway for adults looking to enhance their education and career opportunities.
The time it takes to earn your Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) varies widely depending on your individual circumstances, including your existing knowledge and skills, the amount of time you can dedicate to studying, and the level of support available to you. Some adults may be able to complete the requirements in a matter of months, while others may take longer, especially if they are balancing work, family, or other commitments.
It’s important to remember that the CAEC is designed to reflect real-world knowledge and skills, so it’s advisable not to rush through the process. Focus on fully mastering the material, as it will serve you well both in your career and in further education. Many learners choose to study at their own pace, and there are various resources, including adult learning centers and online study options, that can help guide you along the way.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a study rhythm that works for you. Take the time you need to succeed rather than focusing on a set timeframe.
Meet the experts who contributed to this article.
Sunny is trained as a teacher and has worked with United for Literacy since 2021, both as an Instructor Coordinator and as a volunteer community mentor for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Sunny is passionate about math and curriculum development, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the CAEC discussions.
Mona is also an Instructor Coordinator with United for Literacy since 2021. With a background in teaching and volunteering as a mediator in the Manitoba Justice System, Mona is dedicated to helping adult learners achieve their educational goals. When she's not mentoring or teaching, she enjoys creating metaphors about compost and transformation.
Gideon has been an Instructor Coordinator with United for Literacy since 2021, and in the past has been a frontline staff member in the Toronto shelter system, taught at a high school for students with developmental disabilities, and has tutored individuals of all ages and educational levels. He is a firm believer in a student-centered approach to learning, and in his spare time enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and hanging out with his cat Isobel.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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