CAEC study guide: key rules on all 17 topics
Free CAEC study guide: 146 key points from the CAEC Test Outcomes and Evaluation Plan by Subject in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) on one page: 146 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.
Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the CAEC Test Outcomes and Evaluation Plan by Subject from the CAEC Testing Service (Government of Alberta) with provincial and territorial governments; TVO in Ontario; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.
Study these notes as flashcards →
CAEC format, scoring and rules
The five CAEC tests, question counts and times, the two math parts, the 55% standard and result bands, retake limits, rescoring, eligibility in Ontario and how earlier GED subjects carry over.
Practise CAEC format, scoring and rules questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Subjects and parts
- Five tests; each passed separately.
- Reading 50 questions, 75 minutes. Writing 1 persuasive task, 75 minutes.
- Math 42 questions, 120 minutes: Part I no calculator 12 q / 30 min (25 %); Part II calculator 30 q / 90 min (75 %).
- Science 35 questions, 90 minutes. Social Studies 40 questions, 90 minutes.
- French outcomes follow the English ones (CCEA).
How to earn your CAEC
- Tests written in person at a testing centre; computer-based with a paper option.
- 55 % meets the minimum standard; bands ES 80–100, MS 55–79, AS 40–54, DMS 0–39; AS or DMS must be retaken.
- Results: Reading, Math, Science, Social ≈ 2 business days; Writing ≈ 20 business days.
- Any one subject test once per calendar month, max 3 times per calendar year; cannot rewrite a passed test.
- Machine-scored tests are final; Writing may be rescored for $30 within 90 days.
- Earlier 2002-series GED results may count for up to 3 years, until December 2027, via PLAR (Alberta.ca wording).
Ontario
- CAEC replaced the GED in Ontario on May 3, 2024; run by TVO.
- Eligibility: 18+, Ontario resident ≥ 6 months, no Ontario diploma, not registered in a high school.
- $100 to register for all 5 tests; $100 for a second attempt at failed tests.
- Completed GED subjects accepted in place of matching CAEC subjects until May 2027.
- Credential: Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate plus transcript.
Reading: literary texts
Original short fiction, memoir and poem excerpts: what is stated and implied, word meaning in context, narrator and character, theme, and the effect of figurative language.
Practise Reading: literary texts questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Reading
- Content and context 50–55 %: 1.1 explicit information; 1.2 literal/figurative meaning in context; 1.3 supporting ideas; 1.4 synthesize and draw conclusions.
- Structure, elements, techniques 25–30 %: 2.1 organizational structures and features; 2.2 purpose and effect of literary devices.
- Literary texts are 20–40 % of the test: novel, poem, essay, drama and short-story excerpts.
- Cognitive levels: low 20–30 %, moderate 40–50 %, high 20–30 %.
Our notes on literary devices used in the questions
- Simile: comparison with "like" or "as"; metaphor: comparison without them.
- Personification: human actions or feelings given to things.
- Stage directions in a drama show action and feeling not spoken aloud.
- A final image or line often signals a character's change or the theme.
- Repetition of a word by a character can show hesitation or reflection.
Reading: informational texts
Original articles, notices, emails, workplace documents and editorials: main idea, supporting details, author's purpose, text features, fact versus opinion and drawing conclusions.
Practise Reading: informational texts questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Reading, informational texts
- Informational texts are 60–80 % of the Reading test: essays, editorials, news articles, brochures, maps, tables, emails, websites, workplace documents.
- Same outcomes 1.1–1.4 and 2.1 apply (explicit details, conclusions, structure and text features).
Our notes
- Purpose: inform (memo, notice, news), persuade (editorial), instruct (brochure rules).
- Fact can be checked (a cost, a count, a date); opinion is a judgment (should, wrong, best).
- Text features (headings, lists, bold times) help readers find information quickly.
- News leads answer who, what, when, where, why; quotations add expert or affected voices.
- When a question needs arithmetic from a text (fees, discounts), use only numbers stated in the text.
Reading: grammar and language conventions
Grammar, punctuation and sentence structure questions of the kind the Reading test includes: agreement, tense, pronouns, modifiers, commas and choosing the clearest sentence.
Practise Reading: grammar and language conventions questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Grammar, syntax and language conventions (20–25 %)
- 3.1 apply and analyze usage and correctness of grammar and punctuation.
- 3.2 determine and assess the purpose and effectiveness of syntactic structures.
Our usage notes (English)
- Verb agrees with the head noun, not a noun in an "of" phrase; "neither ... nor" agrees with the nearer subject.
- Keep tense consistent with time words (yesterday → past).
- Object pronoun after a verb or preposition (thanked Lena and me).
- Opening modifier must describe the noun that follows.
- Semicolon before "however" joining two sentences, comma after it.
- Non-essential clause set off by a pair of commas.
- Parallel structure in lists; possessive of irregular plurals adds 's (children's).
- Concise sentences use an active subject and verb.
Notes for the French edition
- Accord du participe passé avec avoir (complément direct placé avant).
- « Chaque » + nom singulier → possessif singulier (son).
- Point-virgule avant « cependant » qui relie deux phrases, virgule après.
Writing: the persuasive essay
How the single persuasive writing task is scored: taking a position, persuasive arguments with evidence, audience and tone, organization, and the conventions that count for a third of the mark.
Practise Writing: the persuasive essay questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Writing (one persuasive task, 75 minutes)
- Position and support 33.3 %: 1.1 take a position on the issue and its complexity; 1.2 persuasive arguments; 1.3 evidence.
- Voice and presentation 33.3 %: 2.1 audience and tone; 2.2 diction and style; 2.3 focus and organization for persuasion.
- Conventions, mechanics and syntax 33.3 %: 3.1 task-appropriate words; 3.2 conventions; 3.3 sentence control and flow.
Our checklist (original guidance)
- Introduction: present the issue and state a clear position.
- Body: separate reasons, each with specific evidence (numbers, examples).
- Answer one counter-argument fairly, then explain why your position is stronger.
- Match tone to the audience (formal and respectful for officials).
- Use precise words, not "things", "stuff", "a lot".
- Conclusion: restate the position and why it matters.
- Leave about 10 minutes to proofread.
Math Part I: computation without a calculator
Fractions and mixed numbers, decimals, percentages, integers, one-step and two-step linear equations and the order of operations, all worked by hand as on Part I.
Practise Math Part I: computation without a calculator questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Math Part I: No calculator (25 %, 12 questions, 30 minutes)
- 1.1 add, subtract, multiply, divide fractions and mixed numbers.
- 1.2 add, subtract, multiply, divide decimals, percentages and integers.
- 1.3 solve linear equations of the form x + a + b = c (decimals or integers).
- 1.4 order of operations with whole numbers, integers, decimals, fractions and powers.
Our method notes
- Fractions: common denominator to add/subtract; multiply straight across; divide by multiplying by the reciprocal; simplify.
- Decimals: line up decimal points to add; count decimal places to multiply; move the point in both numbers to divide.
- Percent: 10 % = move the point one place; build other percents from 10 % and 5 %.
- Integers: subtracting a negative = adding; same signs multiply/divide to positive, different signs to negative.
- Order of operations: brackets, exponents, multiplication/division left to right, addition/subtraction left to right; (−2)² = 4.
Math: number sense and money
Percent problems with tips, discounts, commission, sales tax, simple interest and pay, plus rates, unit prices, ratios, proportions, speed and scale.
Practise Math: number sense and money questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Part II Number sense (25–30 %)
- 1.1 problems with fractions, decimals and percents: gratuity, discounts, commission, taxes, interest, salary.
- 1.2 rates, ratios and proportions: speed, scale.
Formulas and facts used
- Percent of a number = rate × amount; percent change = change ÷ original × 100.
- Ontario HST 13 % (used in questions; other provinces differ).
- Simple interest I = Prt (r as a decimal, t in years).
- Overtime at time-and-a-half = 1.5 × regular rate.
- Unit price = cost ÷ quantity; speed = distance ÷ time.
- Map scale 1 : n → real = map × n; 100 000 cm = 1 km.
- Exchange: multiply by the rate given in the question.
Math: patterns and algebra
Extending patterns, writing and solving linear equations from word problems, rearranging and using formulas, and logical number reasoning.
Practise Math: patterns and algebra questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Part II Patterns and relations (10–20 %)
- 2.1 interpret and extend patterns and relationships.
- 2.2 write and solve linear equations that model real situations.
- 2.3 apply and manipulate a given equation or formula.
- 2.4 analyze and solve problems with numerical and logical reasoning.
Method notes
- Arithmetic pattern: constant difference d; nth term = d·n + (first term − d).
- Geometric pattern: multiply by a constant ratio.
- Equation from words: fixed fee + rate × quantity = total.
- Solve by undoing operations in reverse order; check by substitution.
- Rearranging d = st gives t = d ÷ s; F = 9/5 C + 32.
Math: geometry and measurement
Metric conversions, imperial conversions with a given rate, scale and similar figures, the Pythagorean theorem, perimeter and area of composite shapes, surface area and volume.
Practise Math: geometry and measurement questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Part II Geometry and measurement (25–35 %)
- 3.1 convert SI units without a given rate; Imperial/US with the rate given.
- 3.2 scale factor and similar shapes.
- 3.3 Pythagorean theorem.
- 3.4 perimeter and area of 2-D and composite shapes.
- 3.5 surface area and volume of 3-D and composite shapes.
Formulas used
- 1 km = 1 000 m; 1 L = 1 000 mL; 1 kg = 1 000 g; 1 L = 1 000 cm³.
- a² + b² = c² (c = hypotenuse).
- Rectangle A = lw, P = 2(l + w); triangle A = bh ÷ 2; circle A = πr², C = πd (π ≈ 3.14 when stated).
- Prism V = lwh; cylinder V = πr²h; cube SA = 6s²; box SA = 2(lw + lh + wh).
- Similar figures: corresponding sides in the same ratio.
Math: data and probability
Reading tables and graphs, mean, median, mode and range with outliers, and the probability of independent and mutually exclusive events.
Practise Math: data and probability questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Part II Data management and probability (20–30 %)
- 4.1 interpret tables, spreadsheets and graphs (line, bar, histogram, circle, scatterplot).
- 4.2 mean, median, mode and range, considering outliers.
- 4.3 probability of independent and mutually exclusive events.
Notes
- Mean = sum ÷ count; median = middle of ordered data; mode = most frequent; range = max − min.
- An outlier pulls the mean; the median is resistant.
- Adding a constant to every value adds it to the mean.
- P(event) = favourable ÷ total. Independent "and": multiply. Mutually exclusive "or": add.
- Line graph = change over time; circle graph = parts of a whole; scatterplot = relationship (positive/negative correlation).
Science: the nature of science
How scientific knowledge develops, observation versus inference, testable versus non-testable questions, peer review, replication, blinding, sample size and sources of bias.
Practise Science: the nature of science questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Nature of science (10–25 %)
- 1.1 science develops through ongoing inquiry; ideas change with new evidence.
- 1.2 observations vs inferences.
- 1.3 testable questions vs aesthetic, moral, ethical or supernatural questions.
- 1.4 reliability and credibility: scientific methods, placebos, double-blind studies, large samples, random sampling, peer review, replication.
- 1.5 sources of bias: researcher preconceptions, funding by interest groups, selective reporting.
Science: inquiry skills and data
Testable questions, hypotheses, independent, dependent and controlled variables, control groups, safe handling and WHMIS symbols, measuring tools, SI units and reading data from tables and graphs.
Practise Science: inquiry skills and data questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Scientific inquiry skills (60–85 %)
- 2.1 testable questions; 2.2 hypotheses or predictions; 2.3 variables (independent, dependent, controlled) and control groups.
- 2.4 procedures that limit bias; 2.5 storing, handling and disposing of materials per WHMIS 2015 and consumer product symbols.
- 2.6 tools (ruler, protractor, thermometer, graduated cylinder); 2.7 SI units and conversions.
- 2.8 tables, graphs, diagrams; 2.9 patterns and trends; 2.10 estimating from data; 2.11 sources of error; 2.12 reliability and validity; 2.13 transferring conclusions.
Facts used (WHMIS from our ca-whmis notes)
- Skull and crossbones: acute toxicity — fatal or toxic after short exposure.
- Corrosion: damages metals, skin, eyes. Flame: fire hazards. Gas cylinder: gases under pressure. Flame over circle: oxidizers. Exclamation mark: less serious health effects.
- SI mass unit kilogram; 1 kg = 1 000 g.
- Systematic error shifts every reading the same way; random error varies.
Science: technology, society and environment
Intended and unintended consequences of technologies, weighing risks and benefits, and the factors that shape which research gets done.
Practise Science: technology, society and environment questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Science, technology, society and environment (5–15 %)
- 3.1 intended and unintended consequences of scientific solutions and technologies.
- 3.2 evaluate risks and benefits.
- 3.3 evaluate factors that influence scientific research (e.g., funding, public concern).
Examples used (general knowledge, kept uncontroversial)
- Pesticides vs pollinators; plastic bags and litter; antibiotic overuse and resistance; battery materials for electric cars; hydroelectric dams and flooding.
Written in our own words from: CAEC Test Outcomes and Evaluation Plan by Subject
FAQ
CAEC study guide: common questions
What is the best way to use this CAEC study guide?
Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 17 topics.
Is this the official CAEC handbook?
No. It is our own summary of the CAEC Test Outcomes and Evaluation Plan by Subject. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.
Can I print the study guide?
Yes, with your browser's print command. Menus and buttons are hidden from the printout, and each topic starts with its own heading.
Keep practising
- CAEC math practice test42 original CAEC-style math questions with step-by-step solutions: fractions and percents without a calculator, money problems, equations, geometry and data.
- CAEC reading practice test50 original CAEC-style reading questions on literary and informational passages, plus grammar and punctuation, each with an explanation.
- CAEC science practice test35 original CAEC-style science questions on fair tests, variables, data, WHMIS symbols and how science works, each explained.
- CAEC social studies practice test40 original CAEC-style social studies questions on Canadian government, economics, history and geography, each explained.
- CAEC questions and answers (printable)50 original CAEC practice questions on one printable sheet, with a separate answer key, an explanation and the handbook chapter for every answer. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free; not the official test.
- CAEC Mock Exam 1 – 50 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- CAEC Mock Exam 2 – 50 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- CAEC Practice Test 125 questions with explanations
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Practice by topic
- CAEC format, scoring and rulesThe five CAEC tests, question counts and times, the two math parts, the 55% standard and result bands, retake limits, rescoring, eligibility in Ontario and how earlier GED subjects carry over.
- Reading: literary textsOriginal short fiction, memoir and poem excerpts: what is stated and implied, word meaning in context, narrator and character, theme, and the effect of figurative language.
- Reading: informational textsOriginal articles, notices, emails, workplace documents and editorials: main idea, supporting details, author's purpose, text features, fact versus opinion and drawing conclusions.
- Reading: grammar and language conventionsGrammar, punctuation and sentence structure questions of the kind the Reading test includes: agreement, tense, pronouns, modifiers, commas and choosing the clearest sentence.
- Writing: the persuasive essayHow the single persuasive writing task is scored: taking a position, persuasive arguments with evidence, audience and tone, organization, and the conventions that count for a third of the mark.
- Math Part I: computation without a calculatorFractions and mixed numbers, decimals, percentages, integers, one-step and two-step linear equations and the order of operations, all worked by hand as on Part I.
- Math: number sense and moneyPercent problems with tips, discounts, commission, sales tax, simple interest and pay, plus rates, unit prices, ratios, proportions, speed and scale.
- Math: patterns and algebraExtending patterns, writing and solving linear equations from word problems, rearranging and using formulas, and logical number reasoning.
- Math: geometry and measurementMetric conversions, imperial conversions with a given rate, scale and similar figures, the Pythagorean theorem, perimeter and area of composite shapes, surface area and volume.
- Math: data and probabilityReading tables and graphs, mean, median, mode and range with outliers, and the probability of independent and mutually exclusive events.
- Science: the nature of scienceHow scientific knowledge develops, observation versus inference, testable versus non-testable questions, peer review, replication, blinding, sample size and sources of bias.
- Science: inquiry skills and dataTestable questions, hypotheses, independent, dependent and controlled variables, control groups, safe handling and WHMIS symbols, measuring tools, SI units and reading data from tables and graphs.
- Science: technology, society and environmentIntended and unintended consequences of technologies, weighing risks and benefits, and the factors that shape which research gets done.
- Social studies: citizenship and governmentCanada's parliamentary democracy, the three branches, federal, provincial and municipal powers, elections, the Charter, Indigenous governance and treaty rights.
- Social studies: economicsNeeds, wants and scarcity, supply, demand and price, Canada's mixed economy, inflation and interest rates, trade, and personal financial decisions.
- Social studies: historical and contemporary CanadaReading primary and secondary sources, and key developments in Canadian history: First Nations, Métis and Inuit, New France, Confederation, the world wars, and reconciliation.
- Social studies: geography and the environmentCanada's regions, physical features and climate, population and migration, reading maps and data, and environmental stewardship.
Social studies: citizenship and government
Canada's parliamentary democracy, the three branches, federal, provincial and municipal powers, elections, the Charter, Indigenous governance and treaty rights.
Practise Social studies: citizenship and government questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter
Citizenship and government (30–40 %)
Facts (from our Discover Canada notes, ../ca-citizenship/handbook/)