As a trusted leader in education, Alberta's government was selected to lead the development of the replacement for the General Educational Development (GED) credential to help meet the demand for a skilled and educated workforce. Through the new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), adult learners across the province without a high school equivalency diploma will be able to pursue a made-in Alberta education credential. This credential will open doors to more career and educational opportunities.
"Alberta is a trusted leader in education excellence, selected by education leaders across Canada to lead the development and administration of the CAEC. I'm proud of what we created and that we can continue to offer excellence and choice in education, while empowering adult learners across the province."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
"The Canadian Adult Education Credential will allow adult learners to achieve an academic milestone that opens doors to new opportunities. This will also offer post-secondary institutions a recognizable credential they can rely on, allowing learners to easily apply for higher education and ensuring that learning is accessible for all Albertans."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
Replacing the GED with the CAEC will strengthen Alberta's education system and workforce by ensuring the material accurately reflects the needs of adults and the diverse cultures and perspectives in Canada, including material that is relevant for Indigenous, francophone and multicultural communities. These changes will make test-takers, employers, post-secondary institutions and others confident that the CAEC is a reliable indicator of a Canadian adult's level of educational achievement.
"The Canadian Adult Education Credential creates increased accessibility for many adult learners to the diverse programming within community colleges, driving Alberta's growing economy forward."
Maroro Zinymeba, dean, Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning, NorQuest College
The CAEC was developed in collaboration with eight provinces and territories, who selected Alberta's government to lead based on Alberta's expertise in developing and administering assessments, such as Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Exams. Alberta will be home to the national CAEC Testing Service and will oversee the administration and delivery of tests. Albertans can register for the CAEC starting May 22, 2024.
Quick facts
- Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories helped to develop the CAEC.
- The CAEC is made up of five subject tests: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Tests will be computer-based, with a paper option and other accommodations available to support diverse learning needs.
- All tests will be available in English and French.
- Albertans who did not complete their GED tests can apply to have the results count towards CAEC tests in the same subjects for up to three years, until May 2027.
- The GED will continue to be recognized as a valid credential.
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