OVERVIEW
In May of 2024, the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) replaced the GED High School Equivalency program in Canada. The CAEC can also be used to validate an existing high school diploma, or to validate skills for post-secondary education.
The Canadian Adult Education Credential is a series of 5 exams (Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science). The CAEC exams are available in both official languages (English and French) and those who successfully complete the exams will be awarded a New Brunswick high school equivalency diploma.
Learn more about the CAEC
Federal CAEC Website • NB CAEC Website
ELIGIBILITY
Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible to challenge the CAEC exams and be awarded a New Brunswick high school equivalency diploma:
- 18 years of age or older (or 17 years old if homeschooled; prior approval required)
- Must be a resident of New Brunswick
PREPARING FOR THE CAEC EXAMS
New Brunswick offers residents access to free in-person and online classes to help them prepare for the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) exams. These classes provide individualized support to prepare adult learners (age 18+) to challenge the CAEC exams.
Whether you prefer learning in a classroom setting or from the comfort of your home, there are options available to fit your schedule and learning style.
Individuals who would benefit from assistance in preparing to challenge the CAEC exams should contact their local Community Adult Learning Program (CALP).
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT & RECOGNITION (PLAR)
Certain educational achievements that individuals may have already completed prior to challenging the CAEC exams can be recognized through PLAR, or Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition. Individuals meeting the following criteria may be eligible for one or more CAEC exam exemptions:
- Individuals who have passed one or more GED exams* (2002 series)
- Individuals who completed grade 10 or above at a Canadian high school
*Passed GED exams (2002 series) can be applied toward earning the CAEC. This temporary measure introduced by our government to streamline the transition from the GED to the CAEC is available until May of 2027.
For more information about Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition, please contact The Province of New Brunswick or your local CALP.
PRACTICE EXAMS
Official CAEC practice exams are available online for each of the 5 subjects. The practice exams are presented in both official languages, and in the same format as the live exams are presented at the testing centers. This allows individuals an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the computer software used in the testing center environment.
The practice exams for Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies will provide the individual a detailed breakdown of their score upon completion. The practice exam for Writing does not provide a score; it does clearly demonstrate the type of writing tasks that may be presented to the individual during their live exam.
Access CAEC Practice Exams: caec.vretta.com
CAEC TESTING CENTERS
Eligible individuals wishing to challenge the CAEC exams should contact their local CAEC Testing Center for further details.
| REGION | TESTING CENTER |
|---|---|
| CAMPBELLTON | Testing CCÉA du Restigouche-Chaleur CAEC Testing (506) 759-6628 • en.aacal.info |
| EDMUNDSTON | Testing CCÉA du Nord-Ouest / Northwest CAEC Testing (506) 735-2263 • facebook.com/educationadultes |
| FREDERICTON | Central Valley Adult Learning Association CAEC Testing (506) 429-5634 • cvala.ca |
| GRAND FALLS | Testing CCÉA du Nord-Ouest / Northwest CAEC Testing (506) 473-7572 • facebook.com/educationadultes |
| MIRAMICHI | Miramichi-Kent CAEC Testing / Testing CCÉA (506) 626-3535 • MiramichiAdultLearning.com |
| MONCTON | SEAE-EASE Testing Centre / Centre de Test (506) 857-9912 • education-se.ca |
| OROMOCTO | Central Valley Adult Learning Association CAEC Testing (506) 429-5634 • cvala.ca |
| PLASTER ROCK | Central Valley Adult Learning Association CAEC Testing (506) 429-5634 • cvala.ca |
| SAINT JOHN | Saint John Kings Adult Learning CAEC Testing Centre/Centre de Testing CCÉA (506) 343-0366 • SJKingsAdultLearning.ca |
| SHIPPAGAN | Testing CCÉA de la Péninsule acadienne / Acadian Peninsula CAEC Testing (506) 393-9739 • facebook.com/ApprentissageadultesPeninsule |
| WOODSTOCK | Central Valley Adult Learning Association CAEC Testing (506) 429-5634 • cvala.ca |