CAEL Exam 2026: Registration, Requirements, Cost, Duration, Score, Format and Test Centres

CAEL Test Types

There are two types of CAEL exams.

CAEL CE (Computer edition)

The CAEL CE is computer-based, with four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking). All of these sections are administered on the computer. Test-takers read the passages, listen to the given audios, type their written answers, and record their spoken responses for the speaking section on the computer.

CAEL CI (Integrated)

The CAEL CI (Integrated) test is a combination of computer-delivered and face-to-face components. Similar to the CAEL CE, the computer conducts both the reading and listening sections in this type of test. However, an interviewer or rater conducts an in-person, face-to-face speaking section. The interviewer presents speaking prompts to the test-takers, who then respond. The assessment of their responses hinges on their language proficiency and communication skills.

CAEL Exam Dates

If you are aiming to appear for the CAEL exam, you will be required to take the exam at a test centre. The exam dates vary by the test centre. The following table states the CAEL exam dates 2025.

CAEL Test Format

The CAEL test format consists of 5 sections, namely Speaking, Integrated Reading, Integrated Listening, Academic Unit A and Academic Unit B.

1. Speaking: In this section, you will be required to reply to on-screen prompts verbally. The time allotted for this section is 7-10 minutes.

2. Integrated Reading: This section requires you to read passages and respond to questions. The time allotted for this section is 35-50 minutes.

3. Integrated Listening: This section requires you to listen to passages and reply to questions. The time allotted for this section is 25-35 minutes.

4. Academic Unit A: This section requires you to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. The time allotted for this section is 60-70 minutes.

5. Academic Unit B: This section requires you to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. The time allotted to this section is 40-45 minutes.

CAEL time duration: The total time taken to complete the CAEL test is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

CAEL Test Fee 2026

The cost of the CAEL 2026 test is CAD 280 plus taxes, which is the Canadian price. This CAEL test price will be increased to CAD 290 plus taxes starting from October 1, 2024. The international VAEL exam fees will be different based on the country. The CAEL test fee in India is INR 12,500. The exam fee is the same for the CAEL at the test centre in India or online mode.

How to Take the CAEL Test Online?

The only distinction between taking the CAEL exam online and in a testing facility is that the online option makes it easier and more convenient for you to test remotely. You can take the CAEL test online from anywhere in Mexico, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Indonesia. To take the CAEL online test while sitting at home, you simply need to meet all of the system requirements.

You may confirm your system's compatibility by simply performing the instructions below, and then you can start using it.

Step 1: Check System Readiness: The CAEL’s official website gives you the option to check your system’s compatibility to take the test, which you can perform before installing the ProProctor application.

Step 2: Download the ProProctor application: Enter your confirmation information to make sure you have the latest software. Your confirmation letter will list your phone number and last name. You can download the application after providing this information.

Step 3: Start CAEL exam: To locate and start your proctored exam, enter your last name and the appointment confirmation number. When you're ready to take the exam, visit https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/Home/LaunchExam

Things You Must Know Before Registering for the CAEL Test Online

Here are a few essential things to be considered while taking or registering for the CAEL exam mentioned below.

Room Requirements

1. Your test site must be indoors, enclosed by walls, well-lit, have a closed door, and be quiet and disturbance-free.

2. You should be the only one in the testing room.

3. On your exam station, there shouldn't be any extra stationery. There should be no study materials close by.

4. You may bring two tissues, but your proctor must inspect them before the exam starts.

5. You cannot take notes using pen and paper. To take notes, you must utilize the ProProctor Scratchpad.

6. The only thing that is permitted inside the testing room is water in a clear container. Food is prohibited.

System Requirements

1. Before registering for the test, you must consult the ProProctor User Guide on the CAEL website.

2. Please make sure you have the ProProctor application that will administer your downloaded test.

3. Make sure you have a laptop or desktop. The test cannot be taken on a phone or tablet.

4. A minimum of 2Mb/s of download and 1Mb/s of upload internet bandwidth is required.

5. Chrome is the required web browser (current version).

6. A webcam, microphone, and speakers are required.

7. The usage of Bluetooth devices is prohibited, including wireless speakers, keyboards, and mouse.

8. The recommended minimum screen resolution is 1024x768.

9. Windows 8.1 or newer and Mac OS 10.13 are the approved operating systems.

10. You may not be able to take the test on a corporate laptop unless you ask IT to configure it.

11. The ProProctor application does not support virtual machines or remote desktop connections.

ID Requirements

1. You should upload a legitimate government-issued ID that you will show on the test day. For a list of authorized government-issued IDs, visit the CAEL website.

2. Through the CAEL's official registration system, take a picture of yourself.

Security Check Requirements

1. You will be required to confirm your identity via video chat.

2. Your test station will require a 360-degree inspection. Remove all unnecessary items beforehand.

3. You will also be required to provide a 360-degree scan of yourself through the video chat.

What to Bring and What to Avoid in Your Test?

CAEL Test Transfer/Cancellation Policies

It is possible to transfer your CAEL test for free up to 48 hours before the test in your CAEL account. If you wish to cancel the test, you need to request the cancellation. If you do this at least 48 hours before the test date, you will be eligible for a 50% refund of the test registration fee.

CAEL Retake Policy

You may register for one test session within four calendar days. Any student who doesn't follow this rule and violates it while registering gets their test cancelled by Paragon Testing Enterprises and Prometric.

Viewing of Your CAEL Test Scores

Through your CAEL Account, you can access your CAEL exam results online in eight business days following the test date, which is accessible in your CAEL account. You will be notified via email once your CAEL test results are ready. The business days do not include weekends or holidays. Your CAEL results can be sent to five different institutions at no extra cost. During your online registration or up to one business day prior to the online publication of your test results, you have the option to specify the institutions to which you want to send your score. These institutions will receive official score reports in the mail. For CAD 20.00, additional Official Score Reports can be acquired via your CAEL Account. Through your CAEL Account, you can purchase priority shipping for an extra cost.

CAEL 2026 Test Scores

Scores for the CAEL 2026 awards range from 10 to 90, accompanied by detailed explanations of each performance's significance. You will receive individual English proficiency ratings for the parts of reading, listening, writing, and speaking in addition to a final grade. We will then average the four component scores, rounding to the nearest ten-point interval, and equally weighting the final result. The CAEL band is described in the table below.

CAEL Score: Band Descriptors

How is CAEL Test Scored?

The CAEL test score ranges from 10 to 90, indicating the performance of the test-takers. The overall test score is the average of scores received in all four sections of the CAEL test.

Who Accepts CAEL 2026 Scores?

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory, and the United States all have numerous institutions that accept the CAEL. The CAEL 2026 is acknowledged by professional organizations as well. On the official CAEL website, you may find a list of academic institutions and professional organizations that recognise CAEL scores.

CAEL 2026 Test Centres

The CAEL exam can be attempted from its authorised test centres across the world. You can find 40+ exam centres across the world for the CAEL test including countries like Canada, China, India, the Philippines, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and UAE. In India, there are 17 CAEL test centres across 5 different states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Chandigarh, Maharastra, West Bengal, etc.,

CAEL Test Preparation

You can visit the CAEL official website and find around 8 hours of free online courses on CAEL test preparation. You can take free online CAEL sample tests which will familiarize you with test formats and timings, and also acclimatize you with questions that you will encounter on the test day. You can also watch the study tips videos that will prepare you to strategize your CAEL test preparation. You can even join CAEL webinars for free as well as buy CAEL study materials from the website.

CAEL vs IELTS

Similar to the CAEL, IELTS is also one of the popular English language tests accepted by many countries in the world. Here, from the table below you can find out some quick information and differences in the two tests. Through this table, applicants can select the best test betwee the CAEL or IELTS.

Comparison: CAEL VS IELTS

CAEL Test vs CELPIP

Just like CAEL, CELPIP is also a test to check the English language proficiency of test-takers. CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. The following table shows some of the major differences between the two exams:

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