What Is The CAEL Pretest?
Register for a CAEL Pretest to get a feel for the real test experience, practice your English skills, and get feedback on your answers for the Listening and Reading components*
*The Speaking and Writing component will not be scored
**Please note that the CAEL Pretest is only available in select test centres across Canada.
Practice Taking The Test
Gain experience and confidence taking a computer-delivered test in a real test environment
Get Real Feedback on Answers
Receive detailed listening and reading scores that let you know what you need to focus on
Save on a Future Test
Get $50 off a future official CAEL Test when you complete a Pretest sitting
What Is The Difference Between The CAEL Test and Pretest?
CAEL Test
$280 + Taxes
The test is used as proof of English proficiency and includes up to five (5) score reports sent to accepting institutions. Test time is approximately 3.5 hours and is done in one sitting.
CAEL Pretest
Free Practice
It’s a free opportunity to experience questions on the CAEL Test, but cannot be used to certify your English proficiency. It is offered at test centres across Canada. Test time is approximately 2 hours and is done in one sitting.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for the CAEL Pretest, it is preferred, although not required, for an individual to meet at least two of the following:
- A non-native English speaker
- Enrolled in an undergraduate- or graduate-level college or university program
- Enrolled in an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
- Enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program
- Between the ages of 17 and 25
What Is Expected Of The Participants?
The pretest will be approximately 2 hours long and will include the following:
Computer delivery: participants will complete the pretest over the computer.
Practice four skills: the pretest will assess skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English in an academic context.
Upcoming Pretest Dates
Click the register now to sign up for the Pretest. Make sure you have your piece of ID and sign up for an account.
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All test times are shown in your local time zone based on your device's settings.
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FAQs About The Pretest
Download Our CAEL Pretest Resources
Download Overview
CAEL Pretest Overview
Download Brochure
CAEL Pretest Brochure
Test Centres That Offer The Pretest
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Coquitlam | Coquitlam College |
| Kelowna | Okanagan College |
| Richmond | Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Richmond Campus |
| Surrey | DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society – Surrey City Centre |
| Surrey | Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Civic Plaza |
| Vancouver | Ashton Testing Services |
| Vancouver | ELS Vancouver |
| Vancouver | Paragon Testing Enterprises |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Calgary | Precise Solutions |
| Edmonton | Concordia University of Edmonton |
| Red Deer | Red Deer College |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Regina | Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina |
| Saskatoon | Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg | Heartland International English School |
| Winnipeg | Herzing College |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Brampton | Xyna International School – Brampton |
| Hamilton | Columbia International College |
| Ottawa | Algonquin College |
| Toronto | Paragon Testing Enterprises |
| Toronto | People Analytics |
| Toronto | Precise Solutions |
| Woodbridge | Xyna International School – Woodbridge |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Montreal | Concordia University Montreal |
| Montreal | Herzing College |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Saint John | Saint John College – UNB |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| Halifax | Mount Saint Vincent University |
| City | Test Centre |
|---|---|
| St. John’s | Association for New Canadians |
