What is CAEL?

CAEL is a test designed to measure the English language proficiency of students planning to study in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

CAEL is one of the best tools for identifying students with the right English skills for academic success. It provides an authentic representation of language use in a Canadian academic context. Test takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions, and write a short essay, as they would be expected to do in a first-year Canadian university or college classroom.

Which Test Delivery Is Right for Me?

The CAEL Test is offered as a test you can take at home online, or as at a test centre. Choose what works best for you.

CAEL

Online

CAEL online is available to test takers in Canada and the USA and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
View Test Overview

CAEL

at a Test Centre

CAEL at a test centre is computer delivered and available to test takers internationally.
View Test Overview

Test Features

CAEL – Online

CAEL – At a Test Centre
Length:
Approximately 3.5 hours
Format:
5 integrated components
Testing Days: 
Friday – Sunday
Check-in Window 30 minutes after start 45 minutes before start
Location Online at home Test Centre
Availability Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Japan Canada, USA, India, UAE, Philippines & China​
Special Requirements

Accepted ID
Compatible computer system
Private room with table
Whiteboard recommended

For full requirements read here.​

 Accepted ID
Copy of test confirmation email​
Transfer Deadline* 48 hours before the date of the Test Session 9 days before the date of the Test Session
Transfer Fee* Free! $50 CAD (plus tax)
Cancellation Deadline 48 hours before the date of the Test Session 9 days before the date of the Test Session
Cancellation Refund Refund of fifty percent (50%) of the fee you paid for the Test Session registration. Refund of fifty percent (50%) of the fee you paid for the Test Session registration.

*You can only transfer to the same test type that you are registered for (only Online to Online, and only Test Centre to Test Centre)

Please note that in order to register for and take CAEL Online you must meet all of the computer system and room requirements. You can check your computer system for compatibility using our system checker tool; however, after test registration you will be required to complete another mandatory system check inside your CAEL account before taking the test.

Use Our System Checker Tool

Learn More About Each Test Type

Read more about each test type and what to expect on the test

CAEL - Online

Take the CAEL online in the convenience of your own home. This is currently available in Canada and the USA and will be available to international test takers starting August 2020.
Learn More about CAEL Online

CAEL - At A Test Centre

Take the CAEL on a computer at a test centre. We have 40+ test centres internationally and are always expanding into new countries.
Learn More About CAEL at a Test Centre

Test Format

CAEL assesses test takers’ English language proficiency in an academic context. The test reports scores on four components—Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing.
Learn More

Test Scores

Test takers receive individual English proficiency scores for the Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking components, as well as an overall score.
Learn More

Who Accepts CAEL?

CAEL is accepted officially accepted by professional organizations, colleges, universities, and employers as proof of English language proficiency.
Learn More

Have More Questions?

Visit our FAQ page to get your questions answered.
Read Our FAQs
CAEL
I appreciated the availability of test dates for CAEL, and found it convenient and inexpensive compared to other English proficiency tests.
- Aashima, CAEL - Test Taker
CAEL
What I liked most about the CAEL was that you can do the test on the computer, it uses Canadian English, and the results are released quickly!
- Alinsson, CAEL - Test Taker
paragon
A Subsidiary of:
ubc