CAEL CE Test Format
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CAEL CE (Computer Edition) assesses test takers’ English language proficiency in an academic context. The test reports scores on four components—Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Test takers complete a range of tasks. Some of these tasks will require test takers to use what they have read and listened to in order to answer a question in speaking or writing.
The total test time for CAEL CE is about 3 ½ hours.
CAEL CE is fully computer delivered, providing test takers the opportunity to complete all test components in one sitting with no additional appointments, interviews, or test sittings required. CAEL CE test takers use a computer mouse and keyboard to complete Reading and Writing tasks on the test. They also use a computer microphone and headset to complete the Listening and Speaking tasks. Computerized tests offer test takers a quick and reliable testing experience.
TEST FORMAT DETAILS
Speaking
Time allotted: 7-10 minutes
| Number of Tasks | Component Sections |
| 3 | Two speaking tasks, each based on a short question
One speaking task based on a graph/diagram/chart |
Integrated Reading
Time allotted: 35-50 minutes
| Number of Questions/ Tasks |
Component Sections |
| 14-25 | One or two short reading passages with comprehension questions One or two long reading passages with comprehension questions |
| 1 | One speaking question, answered using material from a long reading passage |
Integrated Listening
Time allotted: 25-35 minutes
| Number of Questions/ Tasks |
Component Sections |
| 14-25 | One or two short listening passages with comprehension questions One or two long listening passages with comprehension questions |
| 1 | One speaking question, answered using material from a long listening passage |
Academic Unit A
Time allotted: 60-70 minutes
| Number of Questions/ Tasks |
Component Sections |
| 11-15 | One long reading passage with comprehension questions |
| 11-15 | One long listening passage on the same topic, with comprehension questions |
| 1 | One writing question requiring an extended response, using material from both the long reading passage and the long listening passage |
Academic Unit B
Time allotted: 40-45 minutes
| Number of Questions/ Tasks |
Component Sections |
| 11-15 | One long reading passage with comprehension questions |
| 11-15 | One long listening passage on the same topic, with comprehension questions |
| 1 | One writing question requiring a short response, using material from the long reading passage or the long listening passage |
*Unscored Items: Each test contains unscored items used for test development. These unscored items can be found anywhere within each test and will have the same format as the scored items. You will not be able to tell scored items from unscored items, so apply your best effort to the entire test.
