CAEC Preparation

Adult Learning can assist you in getting your CAEC (The Canadian Adult Education Crede) or High School Equivalency Certificate. The process begins with an assessment of your abilities to determine specific areas of focus. We will then work with you to improve your reading, writing and math skills in preparation for the CAEC exam. We also provide materials to self-study science and social studies.

Because Adult Learning is fully funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, CAEC preparation is available at no cost.

On this page:

1. What is the CAEC?
2. Why should I get the CAEC?
3. How do I get the CAEC?
4. Register

What is the CAEC?

CAEC stands for Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). The CAEC or High School Equivalency Certificate shows that you have a level of knowledge equivalent to a high school graduate. 

The CAEC test allows people who have not finished secondary school the opportunity to earn an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate signed by the Minister of Education.

The tests are designed to assess the skills and knowledge people are expected to retain from high school, especially the abilities to reason, put together information, and draw conclusions. You must obtain a standard score of at least 450 on each of the five CAEC tests (Language Arts-Reading, Language Arts-Writing, Science, Social Studies and Math) to earn your Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.

Many adults who did not graduate from high school have acquired skills through work, community, family and study experiences, at or above a secondary school level. The content of the test measures skills relevant to adult experiences.

Why should I get the CAEC?

The CAEC is required for many career paths and job opportunities in Perth County and the surrounding area.

It may also be required if you would like to attend post-secondary school. In many cases, these institutions will accept the CAEC on condition of successful completion of higher-level credit courses. For example, additional chemistry and biology credit courses may be required if you would like to pursue an interest in nursing.

Having the CAEC will also assist with entry into an apprenticeship.

The CAEC is a personal milestone. Many seek the CAEC for a personal sense of accomplishment and choose to complete it as a personal goal.

How do I get the CAEC?

The first step to getting the CAEC is to book an appointment with Adult Learning to complete the CAEC Pre-test. Appointments can be made by sending us an email, text (226-374-8231) or by calling us (519-284-4408). 

This is a mini-version of the real exam and provides an accurate indicator to help us assess your strengths and weaknesses. There are five subject areas on the test: reading, writing, math, science and social studies. 

The CAEC pre-test helps us determine what you know and what you need to learn to prepare for the CAEC exam. This will help us develop a personalized training plan just for you. Once you have completed the training plan, you fill out a CAEC Exam Registration Form (printed copies are available upon request) and pick the date and location to write your exam.

There is a $100 fee to write the CAEC exam, paid directly to the CAEC testing service. In most situations, individuals who attend the Adult Learning Programs of Perth will write their exam at Fanshawe College.

Register

Interested in our CAEC Preparation program? We accept participants on an ongoing basis. Contact us to register: 

• Call our office: 519-284-3932
• Call or text our cell phone: 226-374-8231 
• Send us an email