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Do you need to take CAEL (The Canadian Academic English Language Test) to assess your level of English? This test, accepted by over 180 colleges and universities in Canada, lasts around 3.5 hours and consists of four parts. At Global Lingua, we can help you prepare for the CAEL. Learn more about the structure of the test and how to prepare for the CAEL test for Canadian universities.

What is the CAEL test?

Who accepts CAEL?

Over 180 Canadian universities accept this test as proof of level, including universities in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories and Nova Scotia. A complete list of universities is available on the official CAEL website.

Structure of the CAEL

The CAEL lasts around 3,5 hours and is made up of 5 parts:

• Oral expression (speaking): 7 to 10 minutes
• Reading: 35 to 50 minutes
• Listening: 25 to 35 minutes
• Writing part 1: 60 to 70 minutes
• Writing part 2: 40 to 45 minutes

Speaking: Candidates must respond orally to questions posed on the screen. There are three questions, one of which is based on a graph/map/diagram.

Reading comprehension: In this part of the CAEL test, the candidate must read texts and answer questions. There are two sections: the first comprises between 14 and 25 questions. The second has just one speaking question, based on a long reading passage.

Listening comprehension: In this part, the candidate listens to passages and answers questions. This component is also divided into two sections. The first section consists of 14 to 25 questions based on either one or two short listening passages, or one or two long listening passages. The second section includes a speaking question based on a long listening passage.

Writing, part 1: These are comprehension questions to which the candidate must respond in writing. It lasts approximately 60 to 70 minutes. This unit is divided into three sections. The first section comprises 11 to 15 questions based on a long reading passage. The second section also includes 11 to 15 questions and a long listening passage on the same subject. The final section includes a writing question which requires the candidate to write a detailed response.

Writing, part 2: Candidates answer comprehension questions and write a response. This part lasts approximately 40-45 minutes. This unit comprises three sections. The first section comprises a long reading passage with around 11 to 15 comprehension questions. The second section consists of a long listening passage on the same subject with approximately 11 to 15 comprehension questions. The final section comprises a single writing question in which the candidate is asked to write a short answer.

Your CAEL test result

CAEL scores are given on a scale from 10 to 90, with descriptions of the significance of each performance. The final score is determined by the average of the four parts, rounded to the nearest ten-point interval.

Candidates can access their results online via their CAEL account within 8 working days of the exam date. They receive an email notification when the results are available: the official CAEL transcript can then be downloaded in PDF format.

How do I prepare for the CAEL test?

The CAEL test is approaching and you'd like to be as prepared as possible? It's important to continue revising your English lessons so that you're confident on the big day.

Revise regularly

There's no point in studying for 8 hours the day before the exam, as this will only confuse (and tire) you. Instead, try to study regularly, for example 1 hour a day. You might decide to revise vocabulary on Monday, then a grammar lesson on Tuesday, an oral expression exercise on Wednesday, and so on…

Multiply learning resources

Don't just do written exercises! It's important to study different formats: watch videos, listen to music or podcasts, read the newspaper and write down your thoughts for the day in English. Vary the pleasures!

Target your weaknesses

If you already know that there are certain areas where you have problems, focus on them. Whether it's conjugation or pronunciation, it's important to make progress on these points before the exam. It'll give you confidence.

Check your level with a teacher

At Global Lingua, you can take private and online lessons to assess your level and make progress in English. Our teachers can help you identify your weaknesses and consolidate your knowledge before the CAEL exam.

Take mock tests

Finally, don't hesitate to take a few practice tests to find out what to expect. The official CAEL website offers two free mock tests to get you in the mood for the exam.

And that's it, you've got all the tools you need to improve your level and pass the CAEL exam! We wish you good luck.