Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach the CAEL Office?

Email	cael@carleton.ca
Toll free within North America	1-855-520-2235
Within Ottawa	613-520-2600 x2271

How do I register?

Step 1 - Determine where and when you want to take the CAEL Assessment. Check that this date meets any admission deadlines.

Step 2 - Read through the detailed instructions found in the ? link at the top of the registration form.

Step 3 - Have your ID in hand.

Step 4 - Work your way through each section of the online registration form completing all sections. Be aware that there are boxes you need to tick off confirming that the information you provide is accurate.

Step 5 - You will be asked to create an Online Profile where you will log in to retrieve your Test Admission Ticket and your Score Report.

Step 6 - Decide how you will pay the registration fee. If you choose credit or debit card, you can pay online; if you chose Money Order you need to mail it to the CAEL Office as soon as possible.

Step 7 - Click the Register button. If you have provided all required information, review the details and click YES. If the system asks you to go back to review missing information, provide what is needed and click Register again. The system will ask you to confirm the information and click YES.

Step 8 - Your request for registration will be processed within 3 business days. If your registration was successful (you provided all required information and we received your payment), your registration will be processed. You will then receive an email indicating your Test Admission Ticket is ready to be downloaded. Review it carefully. Print it out and bring it with you on Testing Day.

Click this link for important reminders about Testing Day.


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


Can I reschedule or cancel my test date?
Yes, BUT you may reschedule only once.

You must reschedule or cancel 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.
To reschedule, complete the rescheduling form and forward to the CAEL Office.


What is the policy on refunds?
If you cancel your test date, 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.

For example, the deadline to cancel 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. 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?

Within Canada: 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).

International Test Centres: 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 your country.

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, Test Admission Ticket, pens and/or pencils 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 Carleton University are available 10 business days after the Assessment date. Test takers will be able to view their Score Report by logging into their Profile page. An email will notify test takers when the score is available.

Results of tests written at Canadian testing centres are available no later than 15 business days after the Assessment date. Test takers will be able to view their Score Reports by logging into their Profile page. An email will notify test takers when the score is available.

Results of tests written at international testing locations are available no later than 15 business days after the Assessment date. Test takers will be able to view their Score Reports by logging into their Profile page. An email will notify test takers when the score is available.


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.


Are special testing arrangements available for disabled test-takers?

Yes. You must provide documentation of your disability at least one month in advance of the test date, so that we may properly evaluate how to accommodate you. For further information, follow this link: Request for Special Accommodation

The CAEL Assessment is a topic-based test. What if I don't know anything about the topic?

It is not necessary to know anything about the topic to be successful on the CAEL Assessment. Everything you need to know is contained in the information provided within the test itself. Click here for a list of test topics.

Can my CAEL score be equated to a TOEFL score?

Comparing a CAEL test result to a TOEFL test result is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. The two tests operationalize very different constructs of language. The TOEFL is a general proficiency measure, while the CAEL Assessment is a test of English in use for academic purposes within the domain of college or university study. For more details, please go to the CAEL/IELTS/TOEFL page.

How can I prepare for the CAEL Assessment?

Check the webpage of your local testing center to see if they offer either a course or a workshop. Or, if your preference is for self-study, check out our Online Workshop

Obtain a copy of The CAEL Assessment Test Takers' Preparation Guide. You can also purchase an e-Guide where you'll download a full copy of the Guide to your local computer. Check our online store for details!

Visit the Helpful Hints page and follow the suggestions.