Important update about the GED

As of May 3, 2024, the General Education Development (GED) high school equivalency program is no longer available in Canada and is now replaced with the new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC).

This new credential will be available in English and French, to provide a high quality, made-in-Canada education qualification as a replacement for the GED.

The CAEC is for adults who do not have a high school diploma but need an education credential to open new doors to educational, training or employment opportunities. As with the GED, Ontario candidates who successfully complete the CAEC will get an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.

You will be able to register for the CAEC through the TVO Independent Learning Centre (ILC) starting in Summer 2024. More information will be posted on the TVO CAEC website.

Learn more about other pathways to learn or get qualifications as an adult.

GED credentials and credits

The GED continues to be a recognized credential. If you have previously passed the 5 GED test subjects, your credential remains valid. If you completed some of the 5 GED test subjects, the CAEC will accept successfully completed GED test subjects in place of the associated CAEC test subjects until May 2027.

If you need information about your previous GED assessment, please contact ged@tvo.org.

About the program

The CAEC shows that you have high school-level knowledge and skills, without having completed a formal secondary school program.

The CAEC assessment is composed of five tests:

  • writing
  • reading
  • mathematics
  • social studies
  • science

You will need a score of 55% on each of the five tests to receive the CAEC, also referred to as an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate.

The TVO Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is the only provider of the CAEC testing program in Ontario. Learn more about CAEC testing in Ontario.

Eligibility

You must be a resident of Ontario and at least 18 years old.

If you are 18, you must provide a ‘date of leaving letter’ from the last high school you attended. If you were home schooled, you must provide proof that you were home schooled.

This program might be good for you if you:

  • are currently working and need to show your employer a proof of high school equivalency but do not want to go back to high school.
  • need a proof of high school equivalency to find a job or pursue studies in college or apprenticeship.

Program cost

It costs $100 to register for the test.

Additional support

Financial assistance may be available for individuals who receive Ontario Works. Please enquire with your Ontario Works caseworker.

How to register

Visit the TVO CAEC website to register for the test.

More options for learning as an adult

Adult learners continue to have access to existing adult learning pathways in Ontario.

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students is a process that can help you complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) more quickly. It evaluates your prior learning to grant you credits. The assessment is free and you can access it through the adult and continuing education department at your school board. Contact your local school board to learn more.

The Academic Career Entrance (ACE) program helps you upgrade your skills and knowledge to meet admission requirements for:

  • Ontario college programs
  • registering as an apprentice

Ontario colleges offer the ACE program. Learn about Academic Career Entrance.

Most postsecondary institutions offer mature student admission pathways. Visit college and university websites to learn about admission options for mature students.