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.To reschedule, complete the
following form
and forward to the CAEL Office.
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.). Please note: Student cards are NOT acceptable.
Identification requirements are very strict. Be sure to bring to the
oral and the written tests your Proof of Registration 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.
What is
the CAEL Diagnostic (formerly known as the PreCAEL ADAPT)?
The CAEL Diagnostic is an Academic Diagnostic and Placement Test primarily
used by teachers. Designed for students at the beginning to intermediate
levels of English, it provides useful information about the students'
academic skills in English.
The Diagnostic is used for learning purposes only. It cannot be used
for admission to university or college programs. In some language schools,
Diagnostic scores may be used to place students at different levels
of the program.
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 receive
their Score Reports by e-mail.
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.
Results of tests written at international testing locations 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.
How do I forward my results?
Your results may be sent to ten institutions free of
charge. Provide these details when you complete the online registration
form.
How can
I be sure that the universities to which I've applied receive my result?
- If you are applying
to an undergraduate program, your result will automatically be communicated
to the undergraduate admissions office at the universities to which
you are applying (as indicated on your registration form).
- If you are applying
to a graduate program (Master's or Doctorate), your result will be
forwarded to the appropriate department at each university (as indicated
on your registration form).
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
in the CAEL Assessment. Everything you need to know is contained in
the information provided within the test itself.
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?
Obtain a copy of
The CAEL Assessment
Test Takers' Preparation Guide,
now available for sale through the CAEL
Assessment Office.
Visit the Helpful Hints page and follow
the suggestions.
For information
about test preparation workshops, please contact
your local test centre.
