CAEL Exam 

The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) is a standardized test of English in use for academic purposes. It is designed to describe the level of English language of test takers planning to study in English-medium colleges and universities.

The CAEL Assessment tests ability to use English as it is used in Canadian universities and colleges. It allows test takers to experience what it is like to participate in a Canadian post secondary classroom.

The CAEL Assessment offers a unique alternative to other standardized tests of English because it is a topic-based performance test. It comprises an integrated set of language activities. Test takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions and write a short essay – all on one subject.

The language tasks and activities in the CAEL Assessment are systematically sampled from those which are commonly undertaken within the academic community.

The content for the tasks on the CAEL Assessment is drawn from introductory university courses, at times when professors are introducing new topics to their students, with the expectation that the students know little or nothing about the content.

The TESL Centre, Saint Mary's University, is the exclusive testing centre for the CAEL exam in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

CAEL DATES

CAEL Date	Location
Friday, February 10, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, March 9, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, April 13, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, May 11, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, June 8, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, July 13, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, August 10, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU
Friday, September 14, 2012	Loyola 182, SMU

 

CAEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I register online?
Yes, registration for an Official CAEL Assessment is online

Can I reschedule my test date after I have registered?
Yes, BUT you must reschedule your CAEL Assessment no later than 2 business days prior to the test date (not including the day of the test). For example, the deadline to reschedule a Saturday test is Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. EST . If your request is not received at least 2 business days in advance, the CAEL Office may forfeit your full registration fee. The fee for rescheduling is $60.00 .

What is the policy on refunds?
You may be eligible for a refund if you inform the CAEL Assessment Office, in writing, no later than 2 business days before the test date for which you have registered. Refunds will not be given if you do not follow proper registration procedures or fail to bring required documentation on the day of the test. The refund is your registration fee less a $60.00 administration fee.

What kind of identification is acceptable?
Only official identifications with your picture will be acceptable, for example, a valid passport. Your passport must contain a recent recognizable photograph and signature. OR alternatively, two other pieces of photo ID issued by a government agency within Canada (e.g. drivers license, National Identity Card, CSIC membership card etc).

Student cards are NOT acceptable. Identification requirements are very strict. Be sure to bring to the oral and the written tests your Test Admission Ticket and the same identification that you have listed on it or you will not be able to write the Assessment. You will be required to register again and pay another registration fee.

What can I take into the testing room?
Only your ID, Proof of Registration, a pen and/or a pencil are allowed into the testing room. All belongings must be left outside the testing room.

What is prohibited in the testing room?
No food or drinks are permitted except under doctor's orders and with pre-approval from the CAEL Office. No hats, coats, bags, pencil cases, glasses cases or any other small cases are permitted. No papers or electronic devices (including but not limited to cell phones, digital watches, electronic dictionaries, electronic pens or pencils) are allowed into the testing room. Possession of any of these items in the testing room is classified as a violation and test results may not be released . The CAEL Office reserves the right to refuse registration requests.

How can I obtain my CAEL Assessment result?
Results of tests written at Canadian testing centres are available no later than 15 business days after the Assessment date. Test takers receive their Score Reports by e-mail.

How often can I write the CAEL Assessment?
There are no restrictions on how frequently you can write the CAEL Assessment.

How long is my CAEL Assessment result valid?
Test results are valid for two years.

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For more information on the CAEL, including test result descriptions, university requirements and practice materials, please visit the website at www.cael.ca

This page last modified Wednesday, 25-Jan-2012 11:29:51 AST