Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)

CAEL stands for Canadian Academic English Language Test and is an alternative of IELTS or TOEFL, taken for admission to Canadian Universities and few USA Universities. It assesses a candidate’s ability to use English at the post-secondary level and tests reading, writing and speaking skills in English. If you’re planning to pursue further studies in Canada, CAEL is considered necessary for admission to some universities. Read this blog to know all about CAEL, syllabus, dates, application, how to prepare and more.

Check Out: Test Your Language Proficiency With this English Quiz

Eligibility Criteria

Students who wish to appear for CAEL must meet the eligibility criteria. Here are the eligibility requirements for the Canadian Academic English Language Test:

• For those candidates applying for undergraduate programmes, 10+2 or 10+1 secondary education is considered necessary for applying to colleges, once you clear the CAEL.
• Candidates must have a valid passport and an identification document.
• Candidates can appear for the test many times however, registration for the next test can only be processed once the results of the previous test have been released.

CAEL Test Pattern

Now before appearing for the CAEL test, candidates must be aware of the test pattern so they can prepare accordingly. The total test duration is nearly 3.5 hours and the paper is divided into four sections. For the test, students will be provided with audio clips and lectures on the same topic. 

1. Reading Section: In this section, students have to identify and classify the core ideas. This has to be done on the basis of information provided as extracts from textbooks, documents and brochures.
2. Listening Section: The test-taker has to answer questions while listening. Tasks that come under this section include taking notes, completing charts and identifying information and filling in blanks.
3. Writing Section: You have to write an essay based on the information from the Reading and Listening sections. They will be asked to agree or disagree with a claim,and hence present arguments for/against.
4. Speaking Section: The test-taker has to summarise main points after listening to group discussions, and make short presentations.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS?

CAEL Test Centres

CAEL is conducted in specific cities only in India. For detailed information, you can check out the official site. Here are the cities in which the CAEL test is held and students can choose a city based on their preference.

1. Bangalore
2. Baroda
3. Chennai
4. Delhi

How to Apply for CAEL?

Follow the steps below to register for CAEL:

1. The candidates must register online at the official website. In the online registration process, students are supposed to submit personal identification and relevant academic background information. 
2. Choose a test location on the basis of their preference 
3. Candidates registering for CAEL must hold a valid passport for successful registration. 
4. It is to be noted here that registration for a particular exam date closes three days before the exam. 
5. Candidates must also know that in case they wish to change the date of their exam, a reschedule form is also available.

Check Out: IELTS vs TOEFL

Application Fees

Here are the details about CAEL fees:

• For completing registration successfully, candidates are supposed to make a payment of CAD 195 [11,697.72 INR]. 
• For rescheduling the test date ,an additional fee of 60 CAD [3599.30 INR] is charged. 
• If a candidate wishes to cancel a test date, he/she must inform the CAEL Assessment Office at least two business days prior to the actual test date, to be eligible for a fee refund. An amount of 60 CAD [3599.30 INR] is deducted for administrative charges.
• The fee for test review is 65 CAD [3899.24 INR] per test component (reading, listening, writing or speaking).

Colleges Accepting CAEL

There are over 180 Canadian institutions accepting CAEL scores. We have listed down some of the universities below :

1. Bow Valley College
2. Burman University
3. Ambrose University
4. Alberta University of Arts
5. Athabasca University
6. ABM College
7. Lakeland College
8. Keyano College
9. Cypress College

Click here for a detailed list of colleges accepting CAEL score!

Test Dates

Applicants can choose test dates as per their convenience and here is the link you can check out for available dates: https://www.cael.ca/take-cael/find-a-test-date/

Hence, we hope that we have familiarized you with the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment or CAEL. Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL? Our Leverage Live mentors are here to help you with the preparation mentorship and study material you need to ace your test. Sign up for a free demo session with us! Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such interesting reads!