How to Get Your High School Equivalency in Alberta (CAEC): Requirements, Timeline, Cost & How to Start

If you’ve been thinking about finishing high school as an adult in Alberta, the CAEC Alberta credential is one of the most accessible pathways. Thousands of Albertans every year choose the CAEC — the Canadian Adult Education Credential — to earn their high school equivalency.

The CAEC replaced the old GED across Canada, and the good news is this:

👉 It’s absolutely possible to start now and finish in 2025 — even if it has been years since you were last in school.

This guide explains everything you need to know, in plain language:

• what the CAEC is

• how to qualify

• how much it costs

• what’s on the test

• how long prep takes

• where to write the exam in Alberta

• and how to start today (without feeling overwhelmed)

Let’s walk through it step by step.

What is the CAEC Alberta High School Equivalency?

CAEC Alberta is the official high school equivalency exam that replaced the GED in early 2024.

When you pass the CAEC, you earn a High School Equivalency Certificate, which can be used for:

• college or upgrading programs

• apprenticeship eligibility

• employment requirements

• personal goals

• immigration pathways (depending on your situation)

The CAEC has five tests:

1. Math

2. Reading

3. Writing

4. Science

5. Social Studies

Each subject is written separately — at your own pace.

Is the CAEC the Same as the GED?

Almost — but not quite.

The CAEC covers similar skills, but:

• the writing section is different

• the scoring system is updated

• the questions are more modern

• the exam is designed to be more accessible

Most importantly:

👉 Any place that accepted the GED will also accept the CAEC.

This includes Alberta colleges and most trades pathways.

CAEC Requirements in Alberta (Age, ID & Eligibility)

To write the CAEC in Alberta, you must:

• be 18 years or older, OR officially withdrawn from high school

• have valid Government ID

• not already hold a high school diploma

• register through an approved CAEC testing site

There is no residency requirement, and you don’t need to be currently upgrading.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, you can call Vision Learning Centre at 780-624-4220 — we walk people through this every day.

How Much Does the CAEC Cost in Alberta?

Here’s the full breakdown of CAEC Alberta exam fees.

Every testing location in Alberta sets its own fees, which is why prices can look different across the province.

Here’s what it costs with us in Peace River:

CAEC Testing at Vision Learning Centre

👉 $75 per exam

There are five CAEC exams:

1. Math

2. Reading

3. Writing

4. Science

5. Social Studies

If you write all five exams at Vision Learning Centre, the total cost is:

👉 $375 for the complete CAEC

(5 exams × $75 each)

There are no extra charges, no registration fees, and nothing hidden.

You only pay for the exams you book.

Our goal is to make testing simple, affordable, and accessible for adults across northwestern Alberta who want their high school equivalency.

Can You Use the CAEC for Trades in Alberta?

Yes — and this is one of the most practical reasons adults choose the CAEC.

Most Alberta apprenticeship and trades programs require one of two things:

1. A high school diploma, or

2. A recognized high school equivalency

The CAEC meets that equivalency requirement for many trades pathways.

With the CAEC, adults can pursue training in areas such as:

• Welding

• Heavy equipment technician

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• Carpentry

• Automotive service technician

• Power engineering

• Millwright

• And other apprenticeship programs

Because trades focus on competency and technical training, the CAEC is often enough to open the door.

If you’re planning to enter the trades, the CAEC gives you:

✔ the academic credential you need

✔ the confidence to start training

✔ a clear path forward if you didn’t finish high school

Requirements can vary depending on the specific trade, so if you have a path in mind, we can help you look up the latest details and make sure the CAEC fits.

How to Start Your CAEC Journey in Peace River

Here’s the simplest way to begin:

1. Call us at 780-624-4220 or visit: https://www.visionlearningcentre.com/caec-preparation-testing-peace-river

2. Tell us what your goal is

3. We’ll help you:

   
   

   • check eligibility

   • understand the subjects

   • make a prep plan

   • schedule tutoring

   • register for testing

   
   

You don’t need to know where to start.

You just need to show up — and we’ll walk with you.

How to Register for CAEC Testing in Peace River

Before you can write any CAEC exam in Alberta, you must create an account through the official testing system.

This is required for every learner, no matter where you write.

Step 1: Create Your Vretta Account

👉 Go to caec.vretta.com

Create your account, complete your profile, and select Vision Learning Centre (Peace River) as your test site.

This account is where your scores will be recorded, and it’s the only way to officially register for testing.

If the website feels confusing, don’t worry — we help adults with this every day.

📞 Call us at 780-624-4220 and we can walk you through it.

Step 2: Choose Your Exam Times at Vision Learning Centre

Once your Vretta account is set up, you can book your exam.

We offer multiple testing times every week to make scheduling as easy as possible.

👇 Here is our current weekly CAEC exam schedule:

All exams must be completed by 4PM.

Bring valid photo ID.

Each subject is $75.

You can write one test at a time or multiple exams over several days — whatever pace works best for your life.

Step 3: Show Up and Write With Confidence

After you’re registered:

• we confirm your exam time,

• make sure you know what to bring, and

• help you feel prepared.

  
  

If you want extra help before your test, we also offer one-on-one CAEC tutoring for math, reading, writing, science, and social studies.

CAEC Alberta Quick Answers

How much does the CAEC cost in Alberta?

$75 per subject at Vision Learning Centre (Peace River).

How long does the CAEC take?

Most adults finish in weeks or months depending on skill level.

Where can I write the CAEC in Alberta?

At approved test centres, including Vision Learning Centre in Peace River.

Ready to Start Your CAEC?

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You just need to take the first step.

Create your Vretta account, pick your exam time, or call us and we’ll walk you through everything.

👉 caec.vretta.com

👉 780-624-4220

You’re closer than you think.