Have Old GED Credits? Most Provinces Stop Counting Them in 2027

When Canada replaced the GED with the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) in May 2024, a lot of adult learners were left with a worry: "I already passed some of my GED tests. Did I just lose all that work?"

The good news is no, not necessarily. There is a transition window that lets you carry previously-passed GED tests over toward your CAEC. But that window is limited. Ontario and Nova Scotia say it runs until May 2027, so if this applies to you, now is the time to act.

The short version

GED tests you passed before the GED transitioned to the CAEC can be recognized toward matching CAEC subjects.

Ontario and Nova Scotia recognize these results until May 2027 (Alberta says December 2027). The national policy is to be re-evaluated, so confirm your province's date with your CAEC provider.

You must still pass at least one CAEC test to earn the credential using this route.

It is handled through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

How the GED-to-CAEC recognition works

The CAEC covers five subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. If you passed one or more GED tests in matching subject areas before the transition, you may be able to apply to have those results count toward your CAEC, instead of re-testing in every subject.

This is done through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. You submit a form to request that your previously-passed GED tests be recognized in the equivalent CAEC subjects.

There is one important condition: even if you use PLAR for several subjects, you must successfully complete at least one CAEC test in combination with your recognized GED tests to be eligible to earn the CAEC credential. In other words, the credential can't be granted on old GED results alone; you have to write at least one CAEC test.

Why the 2027 deadline matters

The national CAEC Test Administration Guide says passed GED results will be recognized for at least the first three years of the CAEC, and that the GED policy will be re-evaluated before December 2027. Ontario and Nova Scotia state May 2027 as the end date, and Alberta states December 2027. If you live elsewhere, confirm the date with your provincial CAEC provider. Once your province's window closes, you may have to write all five CAEC subject tests from scratch.

If you have partial GED credits sitting unused, waiting could cost you the value of every test you already passed. Acting before the deadline protects that work.

What to do now

Find your old GED records. Locate which subject tests you passed and when.

Contact your provincial CAEC provider. Ask about the PLAR process and the exact form you need to submit for GED recognition in your province.

Create your CAEC candidate account. Register on the CAEC platform and select your province.

Plan for at least one CAEC test. Decide which remaining subject(s) you'll write, and start preparing.

Preparing for your remaining CAEC test

If you only need to write one or two subjects, focused practice goes a long way. Our practice tests and workbooks let you target the subjects you have left. The Complete Workbook has lessons for every subject, the Math Workbook covers math on its own, and every practice test comes with an answer key.

Disclaimer

This article is a general overview of the GED-to-CAEC transition and prior learning recognition. The exact PLAR process, eligible subjects, forms, and deadlines vary by province and territory and may change. CAEC Ready is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government, ministry of education, or official CAEC testing provider. Confirm your eligibility and the current deadline with your official provincial education website or authorized testing provider before relying on GED recognition.