CAEL Test 2025 : Exam Type, Fees, Prep Tips and More

Looking for an alternative to IELTS, TOEFL and other English proficiency exams to Study in Canadian universities? The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test is a standardized assessment commonly used to assess the English language proficiency of an international student by IRCC Canada.

Canadian Academic English Language or CAEL is commonly used to assess the English Language proficiency of international students. This standardized test is an eligibility to get admission into colleges or universities in Canada. CAEL Canada test takers do all the activities of a first-year Canadian university or college classroom. They read articles, listen to lectures, answer questions, and write brief essays on the exam.

CAEL is a good alternative to IELTS, TOEFL and other English proficiency exams. It uses real-life tasks and academic content to assess students' proficiency in understanding and communicating in the English language. Indian students who want to study in Canada can appear in this test if they don't have a score card for other language proficiency exams. In this blog, we will help you to know about the CAEL Test for Canada including the test pattern, scoring pattern and more.

Related Blogs:

• Eligibility to Study in Canada
• Education System of Canada

What is CAEL

The full form of CAEL is the Canadian Academic English Language test. It is a standardized assessment commonly used to assess the English language proficiency of international students who want to study in Canada. CAEL focuses on assessing your ability to use English in an academic context relevant to Canadian institutions only. Due to this, this exam is more valuable for Indian students who want to get enrolled in their dream Canadian universities.

The CAEL exam replaced the CELPIP exam. It is a computer-based test and its duration is 3.5 hours. You can get your results in just 8 business days. The best part of this test is that you can send your CAEL score up to 5 Canadian universities or colleges at no extra cost, Isn’t it great?

Earlier, IRCC used to accept the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Index Programme) score for immigration purposes. If you want to study in Canada without IELTS then you can appear for the CAEL exam. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept your exam score to apply for a Canada student visa under the SDS program.

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Types of CAEL Test

There are two types of CAEL Test. Students have the option to choose the one according to their preferences.

1. CAEL Online
2. CAEL at Test Centre

To help you better, we have explained both test types below. Please have a look.

CAEL Online

All students who live away from a CAEL test centre can take the Canadian Academic English Language test online. Students can take this test safely by sitting at their home. A secure, online proctoring solution oversees it through ProProctor. You need a computer, speaker, mic and a working internet connection.

Note that, CAEL Online is not acceptable for Student Direct Stream program.

CAEL at Test Centre

As you can understand by name, to appear in CAEL students need to be at a test centre. There are 9 exam centres in India, set up by the exam conducting body. Likewise, other regular test centres, you need to carry a valid ID proof and other required documents at the exam centres.

CAEL Test Centres are located in Gurugram, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

CAEL Test Registration

Here is the step-by-step process to complete the registration process for the Canadian Academic English Language test as an Indian student.

• Visit the official website of CAEL dedicated to Indians (https://www.cael.ca/country/india/)
• Now, create a new account or log in to your existing account.
• Explore the "Take the CAEL Test" Section
• Now, select the test type (CAEL Online Test/CAEL Test at Centre)
• You'll need your passport for registration.
• Choose Your Test Location and Date.

CAEL Test Format

Preparation for any exam is impossible if you do not know the format. To help the test takers of the Canadian Academic English Language exam, we have mentioned detailed information related to the CAEL Test pattern. The duration of CAEL Test is 3.5 hours. There will be only one comprehensive exam to assess your English language communication skills through speaking, listening, and writing.

How is CAEL Test scored?

Candidates receive CAEL scores for different sections and overall scores. The range of CAEL score is 10 to 90 with accompanying descriptors of what performance represents. Note that, a low score means fewer chances of getting a top university in Canada. Below, we have mentioned the CAEL Band Descriptor and their score range.

CAEL Test Score Accepting Universities

More than 180 Canadian universities and colleges accept the score of the CAEL exam. Other than Canada, some colleges/universities in the USA accept the score of this exam. Below, we have mentioned the list of top 10 universities in Canada that accept scores of Canadian Academic English Language. We have added the latest ranking of these universities so you can select the suitable one for you.

Other than these universities, you can explore some other universities on the official website of the exam.

Features of CAEL Canada Test

Check out the key features of the Canadian Academic English Language test that is different from other exams.

1. Academic Focus- The test is designed specifically to assess the English language proficiency of students. This is mandatory to get admission in Canadian universities and colleges.
2. Comprehensive Exam: Efficient format that evaluates all four core language skills in one sitting. These skills are speaking, listening, reading and writing.
3. Flexibility with Exam Type: You have two options to choose between CAEL online and CAEL at the test centre.
4. Fast Results: You can get your results in just 8 business days. It allows you to plan faster.
5. Widely Accepted: over 180 Canadian universities and colleges accept the score of Canadian Academic English Language.

How to prepare for the CAEL test?

Now, you are well aware of this test and you can start the preparation. This is a new test and less popular. You need to understand the exam and its scoring system. Here are some tips that can help you to do CAEL test preparation.

• Understand the test structure, question type, duration, and other important sections of this exam.
• Regular speaking practice can help you to improve your skills. Engage in conversations with native speakers and record yourself while speaking. This will help you to identify the areas of improvement.
• Consume media (News, podcasts and audiobooks) in the English language to improve your listening skills.
• Reading newspapers, books, and articles in the English language can help you to improve your reading skills.
• Writing regularly will help you to improve your other skills. Keep one hour daily to do writing practice. For example: Write essays on academic topics.

Canadian Academic English Language is the best alternative to IELTS and other popular English proficiency exams. To get a good score, you should start your preparation early. It may take 3 to 4 months to prepare from scratch. A good score will help you to get admission to your dream university in Canada.