CAEC Preparation Classes

Canadian Adult Education Credential Preparation Program

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada’s adult high school equivalency credential and is accepted by many employers, training programs, and post-secondary institutions.

CVALA’s free CAEC Preparation Program helps adult learners build the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete the five CAEC exams.

Learning is personalized to each learner and may be available in class, part-time, full-time, evenings, through distance learning, or through a combination of learning options, depending on location and seat availability.

Program Overview

Free & Flexible Learning

There is no cost to participate in our CAEC preparation program.

Learning options may include in-class, distance, full-time, part-time, daytime, and evening schedules, depending on location and seat availability.

In-Class Learning

Attend class in person and work with a teacher on a regular basis.
Our classrooms offer small class sizes, individualized learning, and teacher support while allowing learners to work at their own level and pace.

Distance Learning

Our distance program is designed for self-motivated learners who are comfortable working independently from home.
Learners complete much of their work independently while receiving materials, guidance, feedback, and regular support from a teacher.
Distance learning is not a traditional online classroom with scheduled daily virtual classes. Teacher support may include phone, email, video call, and mailed learning materials, depending on the learner’s needs and available methods.

Start Anytime

Registration is open year-round. There are no traditional semesters or set intake dates.

Once you have completed the registration and intake process, you may begin when an appropriate seat becomes available.

Small Classes & One-on-One Support

Our program offers small class sizes and one-on-one teacher support.

Teachers work with learners individually to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and the skills they need to work toward their goals.

Study at Your Own Level

Everyone starts in a different place.

Before beginning, learners complete an intake assessment in Reading, Writing, and Math. The assessment is not pass or fail. It helps your teacher determine your current skill level and develop an individualized learning plan.

You may not need the same amount of preparation in every subject.

Subjects Covered

CAEC preparation is available for all five required CAEC test subjects:

Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies

Your teacher will help identify which subjects and skills you should focus on.

How Long Does It Take?

There is no set amount of time required to complete CAEC preparation.

Completion timelines vary depending on factors such as:

Your starting skill level
How regularly you attend or study
The amount of time you are able to dedicate to learning
Your previous education
The subjects you need to complete
Whether you qualify for PLAR credits
Your individual learning needs

Some learners may require preparation in several subjects, while others may only need support in one or two areas.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Some learners may qualify for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), which can reduce the number of CAEC subject tests they need to complete.

PLAR may recognize:

Certain previously completed high school courses
Canadian GED tests successfully completed in 2002 or later

Eligibility is based on the Government of New Brunswick’s CAEC PLAR guidelines.

Learn more about PLAR and view the guidelines

If you believe you may qualify, you can also complete the PLAR Request Form and submit it with supporting documents to caec-ccea@gnb.ca.

What Happens Next?

1. Consider Connecting with WorkingNB

While not required, it can be helpful to connect with WorkingNB at (506) 453-2377 before or while you are waiting to begin classes.

An Employment Counsellor can help you explore your education and employment goals and may be able to connect you with additional supports, referrals, or training opportunities.

2. Join the Waitlist

Once your CVALA registration is reviewed and no additional information is needed, you will be added to the appropriate waitlist.

3. A Teacher Will Contact You

When a space becomes available, a teacher will contact you to arrange an intake appointment.

4. Complete an Intake Assessment

You will complete an assessment in Reading, Writing, and Math to help determine your current skill level and the best starting point for your learning.

The assessment is not pass or fail. It simply helps your teacher develop a learning plan based on your individual needs.

5. Begin Classes

Once the intake process is complete and a start date is arranged, you can begin working toward your learning goals with support from your teacher.

Eligibility

To participate in CVALA’s CAEC Preparation Program, learners must:

Be 19 years old or turning 19 within four months of starting
Be a New Brunswick resident
No longer be enrolled in the public school system
Meet the required English language proficiency level, if applicable

Age exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Learners whose first language is not English must meet the required English language proficiency level before applying to begin CAEC preparation classes with CVALA.

CVALA does not provide English language training or language upgrading. If additional language training is needed, it must be completed through another provider before applying. Learners will also be required to provide proof of their language level as part of the intake process.

There are currently two pathways to meet the language requirement for CVALA classes:

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)

Learners must achieve CLB Level 6 in all four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Learners completing language training through BOLT (Blended Online Language Training) must achieve a minimum of CEFR Level B1.

What if I Don’t Meet the Language Requirement Yet?

If you have not yet reached CLB 6 or CEFR B1, you will need to complete language assessment and/or English-language training before you can complete your CVALA intake assessment and begin classes.

Language Assessment & Training Resources

There are several services you can explore depending on your needs and eligibility:

Atlantic Language Assessment Centre – CCNB

Provides Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) English assessments. Assessments are available in person in Fredericton as well as online. Their website includes eligibility requirements, registration information and assessment locations.

Multicultural Association of Fredericton (MCAF)
Provides newcomer language services and English-language classes in the Fredericton area.

BOLT – Blended Online Language Training
An online language-training option that uses the CEFR framework. Learners can work toward CEFR B1, which meets CVALA’s language requirement. Those interested in BOLT can contact WorkingNB at 506-453-2377 to ask about eligibility and referral.

Please contact these organizations directly to confirm eligibility, available services and registration requirements.

How to register

You must be 19 years old or turning 19 within four months of starting. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In-Class Preparation Classes

To apply for in-class learning, complete our CAEC Classes Form:

CAEC Classes Form

Once your form is received, we will review the information provided. If we need any additional information, we may contact you.

If no further information is needed, you will be added to the appropriate waitlist. When a space becomes available, a teacher will contact you to arrange your intake assessment.

Distance Program

If you are interested in distance learning, contact Laura Burris at (506) 446-4052 to complete a pre-screening.

Distance learning is best suited for learners who are comfortable working independently from home with regular teacher support.