CAEL Test 2024 : Exam Type, Fees, Prep Tips and More
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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 important 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. As an Indian student who wants to study in Canada, need to appear in this test if you do not present other language proficiency exam scores. In this blog, we will help you to know about the CAEL Test for Canada including the test pattern, scoring pattern, list of CAEL-accepting universities and more.
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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.
CAEL Canada Test 2024 Highlights
| Exam Name |
CAEL |
| CAEL Full form |
Canadian Academic English Language |
| Official Website |
https://www.cael.ca/ |
| Most popular for |
Studying in Canada |
| Conducted by |
Paragon Testing Enterprises |
| Mode of Exam |
Computer-Based Test |
| Test Type |
|
| CAEL Test Fees in India |
INR 12500 (CAD 204 Approx.) |
| Duration |
3.5 Hours |
| Result |
8 Working Days |
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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.
- CAEL Online
- 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.
| Skills |
Duration |
|---|---|
| Speaking |
7-10 Minutes |
| Integrated Listening |
25-35 Minutes |
| Integrated Reading |
35-50 Minutes |
| Academic Unit A |
60-70 Minutes |
| Academic Unit B |
40-45 Minutes |
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.
| Universities |
QS World University Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|
| 30 |
|
| 21 |
|
| 34 |
|
| 111 |
|
| 141 |
|
| 189 |
|
| 112 |
|
| 114 |
|
| 203 |
|
| 209 |
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.
- 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.
- Comprehensive Exam: Efficient format that evaluates all four core language skills in one sitting. These skills are speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Flexibility with Exam Type: You have two options to choose between CAEL online and CAEL at the test centre.
- Fast Results: You can get your results in just 8 business days. It allows you to plan faster.
- 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.
CAEL Exam FAQs
Q. What is the CAEL Test Fee in India?
A. According to the official website of Canadian Academic English Language, Indian students need to pay INR 12,500 as a CAEL fee to book the test. Candidates can make the payment by using their debit/credit card at the time of booking the test date.
Q. What is the eligibility for CAEL Test?
A. There is no official announcement related to the eligibility for CAEL Test. There's no minimum age requirement or educational qualification mentioned on official website. All you need is a valid passport and that's it.
Q: Is Cambrian College in Canada a good option for international students?
Cambrian College in Canada is largely recognised as a prestigious institution, making it an attractive option for overseas students. The college provides a wide choice of programmes, and its accreditation guarantees respect to academic standards. Prospective students should carefully assess Cambrian College's suitability in terms of individual programme offers, campus facilities, location, and foreign student support services. The total cost of education, including tuition and living expenses, should also be considered, as well as any available financial help or scholarships. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, check Cambrian College's official website, contact international student services, and speak with current or former international students for firsthand experiences.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for a PhD at the University of Guelph, Canada?
The Guelph University acceptance rate is around 66%, which means admissions are slightly competitive for international students. Apart from this, students have to meet the general University of Guelph requirements for admission in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Q: What is the CGPA requirement for Prince Edward Island?
International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.
Read about the Canada Grading System
Q: What IELTS score is required at Prince Edward Island University?
International students must meet the Prince Edward Island University IELTS requirements to get admission to UG and PG programs. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the IELTS score to meet the English language requirements. Mentioned below are the minimum IELTS score required for undergraduate and graduate admissions:
English Language Exam | Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Bachelor of Education | Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education |
|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6 | Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening |
English Language Exam | Regular Offer (All Programs Except Those Noted In Next Column) | Regular Offer (Nursing, Education, Doctor Of Philosophy, Doctor Of Applied Health) |
|---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 7 in writing and no band lower than 6.5 | 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening |
Q: What is the processing time for the application process at Northern College, Canada?
Northern College can take up to 6 weeks to provide an offer letter to international students. Since thousands of applications are enrolled at the college for programs under different specializations, the college reviews each application and segregates them. The whole process is quite time-consuming. The segregation of applications is done based on the student’s academic performance, English language scores, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences.
Q: Is the University of British Columbia a public or private university?
The University of British Columbia is a public research university located in British Columbia, Canada. The University was established in 1908 and is recognized as a global center for learning and research, teaching, and securing a position among the top public universities in the world. UBC ranking among the World University Rankings for 2025 is #41 according to the top-ranking publishers. The Shiksha grading system has also given an overall university grade of A++ to the university.
Q: Is Manitoba a good place for international students?
Yes it is, University of Manitoba welcomes international students from all over the world to study at their campus. The University has a diverse community of international students from over 120 countries. University of Manitoba offers various UG and PG programs that have been redesigned to cater to the academic needs of international students. However, the university allows International students get admission based on merit no entrance exam required. Lastly, the University of Manitoba is an inclusive and welcoming institution and provides a safe environment for international students regardless of their nationality, colour and background.
Q: What are the recruiters of Northern Lights College Canada?
NLC Canada alumni work at the following organizations and / or workplaces:
- Northern Health – BC
- Subway
- Walmart
- Canadian Natural Resources Limited
- Axis Family Resources Ltd.
- The Wendy’s Company
- AltaGas Ltd
- McDonald’s
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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