What is CAEC?
The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is a nationally recognized high school equivalency credential that replaced the former GED (General Educational Development) in most parts of Canada. It is designed for adults who did not complete high school through the traditional system and want to obtain a high school education credential. It meets industry standards and is recognized by employers and post-secondary institutions as a reliable indicator of educational achievement.
To graduate with your CAEC, the test taker must be 19 years old or 18 years old with an approved age waiver request (click HERE for the age waiver form), a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, and pass exams in each of the five subject areas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Tests can be administered electronically or on paper and in both English and French.
Is CAEC Right for Me?
CAEC could be right for you if you’re looking to complete your secondary education, expand your available employment opportunities, or pursue further education. CAEC offers a flexible pathway tailored to your goals.
Testing at Thrive
Thrive is the only year-round CAEC testing service in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland has been divided into 2 sections Metro (Whitbourne – East Coast) and Non-Metro (Whitbourne – West Coast). Testing in the Metro area with take place at our main office located at 807 Water St, St. John’s. email info@thrivecyn.ca or call 709-754-0536 ext. 205 to book your test. For Non-Metro testing, email CAEC@gov.nl.ca or call 709-729-7925 for more information and to book your test.
CAEC Exam Schedule
What if I Already Started the GED Before it Ended?
If you previously completed some GED exams but did not finish before the program ended in Canada you can transfer those credits to the CAEC program! Each individual has up to three years from the program’s start date to submit a PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) form to transfer your completed exams from GED to CAEC. You will not need to retake any exams you’ve already passed within the time frame.
To transfer your GED credits you can fill out the PLAR form found below. The form should be submitted to CAEC@gov.nl.ca for verification.
Click HERE for PLAR form
What Accommodations are Available?
There are many included supports in the CAEC digital platform including:
- Highlighting Text
- Screen Colour Adjusting
- Text-To-Speech
- Line Reader
- Protractor and Ruler
- Dictionary and Thesaurus
- and more
If you need other special arrangements such as:
- Extra Time
- Additional Breaks
- Speech-to-Text (a Scribe)
We would be happy to explore your options with you! Please contact us before you register for an exam space.
What are the Costs?
Each exam costs $6 for a total of $30 to complete all 5 CAEC exams.
How do I Register?
- Create a candidate account on caec.vretta.com
- Purchase individual test credits through GovNL’s online payment services by clicking HERE. Once your payment has been received, you will receive an emailed receipt, which serves as your confirmation that you may now book your exams.
- Call or e-mail Thrive to book your test(s)!
What Do I Need on the Day of My Test?
On the day of your exam(s), please arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your test start time.
You will need to show one piece of photo identification (such as a driver’s license, photo ID card, passport) or two pieces of non-photo ID.
You will have access to a locker where you will be asked to lock any personal belongings, including phones, smart watches, and other personal electronics and items for the duration of your tests.
The test centre will provide anything you need, including scrap paper and pens/pencils for scratch writing.
Important Links and Websites
Government of NL CAEC Information