Learning Commons

Please note that Northwestern Polytechnic does not currently offer CAEC exams.

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) has replaced the GED® in Canada as of May 3, 2024.

There is no effect on the validity of completed GED® credentials. The GED® will continue to be recognized as a valid credential. If you passed any 2002 Canadian Test Series GED® tests before the GED® transitioned to the CAEC, you can apply to have the results count towards CAEC tests in the same subjects for up to 3 years, until May 2027.

The CAEC exam website is available at https://www.caec-ccea.ca/

Learn More About Upgrading At NWP 

Registration for CAEC Exams

Registration and exam booking/payment MUST be completed online. 

Exams can be taken consecutively or one subject at a time.

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria
   • Obtain your Alberta Student Number (ASN) from the Alberta Education Learner Registry
2. Create an account on the online CAEC digital portal and complete your registration. Fill out the required information online. During the registration process, you can also request any available accommodations or special arrangements (such as extra time, periodic breaks, braille etc.). The CAEC is designed to be supportive of candidates who benefit from accommodations and supports. See below for more information.
3. Submit your registration
4. On this platform, schedule a test at Northwestern Polytechnic and pay any applicable fees.

Special Arrangements

You must request special arrangements prior to taking a test. These can be indicated during the registration process using the 'Special Arrangements' form. Complete the CAEC Special Arrangement Request Form and submit it to the testing centre where you plan to take the CAEC test. 

Special arrangements are environmental conditions that make a test-taker feel more comfortable when writing a test without impacting the legitimacy of the administration. 

Some examples may include:

• additional breaks
• dictation (speech-to-text)
• audio (text-to-speech)

Accommodations

You can indicate an 'Accommodations Request' during the scheduling process. Accommodations are targeted supports for test-takers related to a medically diagnosed condition or extenuating circumstances determined by the local CAEC Administrator. Complete the CAEC Accommodations Request Form and submit it to the Alberta CAEC Administrator at edc.caec@gov.ab.ca. 

Some examples may include:

• input assistance/scribe
• braille format
• reader
• special arrangements requested with supporting medical documentation and diagnosis

You are responsible for working with your local testing centre, or province or territory, to complete the 'Accommodations Request' form:

• Check with your local testing centre on the availability of accommodations.
• The process for approving accommodations is determined by each province and territory. Decisions will be provided within 60 days from the date all documentation is received.
• Testing centres are responsible for providing approved accommodations.

Testing Schedule and Location

Testing takes place in room F311 on the third floor of the Learning Commons (Library), Northwestern Polytechnic Grande Prairie campus. 

You can view the scheduled dates and fees when you log into your CAEC account.  

CAEC Testing Requirements

The CAEC consists of five tests, available in either English or French.

• Reading requires 75 minutes of writing time; it has 50 questions.
• Writing requires 75 minutes of writing time; it has 1 persuasive writing task.
• Math Test consists of two individual Math tests requiring 120 minutes total
  • Part I (No Calculator) requires 30 minutes of writing time; it has 12 questions. (25% of the Math mark)
  • Part II (Calculator) requires 90 minutes of writing time; it has 30 questions. (75% of the Math mark)
• Science requires 90 minutes of writing time; it has 35 questions.
• Social Studies requires 90 minutes of writing time; it has 40 questions.

All writing materials are provided (pens, scrap paper, erasable board etc.)

Bring two forms of valid identification (ID):

• The primary form of ID must be government-issued (valid driver's license, passport, firearms license, Métis status card, etc.) and not expired; it must include the candidate's name, date of birth, photo, and signature.
• Secondary valid forms of ID (healthcare card, birth certificate, Foreign government-issued ID, etc.) must include the candidate’s name and be not expired.

Cell phones, electronic devices, and other external electronic devices or unauthorized assistive technology are not allowed and must not be brought to the exam. Failure to comply can result in forfeiting CAEC Exam privilege, denying access to and/or cancelling your CAEC Exam record, and banning you from future CAEC testing. 

Arrive at least 20 minutes early for every test to allow for check in.