Prepare for the CAEC reading test
50 questions in 75 minutes. The CAEC reading test measures how well you understand and reason about written passages, fiction, nonfiction, and persuasive writing.
See study materialsCAEC reading test format
- 50 questions. Multiple choice, based on a series of passages.
- 75 minutes. Roughly 90 seconds per question, including reading time.
- Mixed passage types. Fiction, nonfiction, persuasive, informational. Both literary and workplace-style texts appear.
- 55% to pass. Same passing standard as other CAEC subjects.
Skills the CAEC reading test measures
Main idea and supporting details
Identifying what a passage is mainly about and which details support that main idea.
Inference
Drawing reasonable conclusions from information the author implies but doesn't state directly.
Vocabulary in context
Figuring out the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the surrounding sentences.
Author's purpose and tone
Recognizing why the author wrote a passage and how they feel about the subject (formal, persuasive, critical, neutral).
Comparing texts
Some questions ask you to compare two passages or sections that argue different sides.
Evaluating evidence
Judging whether an argument is well-supported and spotting where it's not.
Study materials for CAEC reading
CAEC Practice Tests
Six full practice tests timed like the real CAEC, including a 50-question, 75-minute reading test. Answer keys explain every answer. PDF.
$24.99, see in store →CAEC Ready Workbook
11 reading lessons plus a full 50-question practice test with an answer key that explains every answer. Plus the other four CAEC subjects. 2027 Edition, PDF or paperback.
See in store →CAEC reading FAQ
How long is the CAEC reading test?
50 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes. That's roughly 90 seconds per question once you factor in passage reading time.
What kinds of passages appear?
A mix: short fiction, nonfiction articles, persuasive writing, and workplace texts. Length varies from short paragraphs to longer multi-paragraph passages.
Are there trick questions?
Not really. The wrong answer choices usually contain statements that are true in general but not supported by the specific passage. Read carefully and stick to what the passage actually says.
How do I improve reading speed?
Practice. Read short articles or essays daily and try to summarize the main point in one sentence. Speed comes from reading more often, not from skimming faster.
Practice reading comprehension
The Practice Tests and the complete workbook both include a timed 50-question reading test with a full answer key.
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