Overview
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language test) measures English for study at Canadian universities and colleges. Instead of testing skills in separate sections, it uses integrated tasks: you read and listen about a topic, then speak and write about it, as you would in a classroom.
Exam pattern
The test is computer-delivered, takes about 3.5 hours, and is made up of five components. Scores are reported for Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing.
| Component | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 7 to 10 minutes | Three tasks: two question prompts and one graph or diagram |
| Integrated Reading | 35 to 50 minutes | 14 to 25 questions on short and long passages, plus one speaking question based on the reading |
| Integrated Listening | 25 to 35 minutes | 14 to 25 questions on short and long recordings, plus one speaking question based on the listening |
| Academic Unit A | 60 to 70 minutes | 11 to 15 reading questions, 11 to 15 listening questions and one extended writing response |
| Academic Unit B | 40 to 45 minutes | 11 to 15 reading questions, 11 to 15 listening questions and one short writing response |
Each test includes unscored trial items that look the same as scored ones.
Marking and results
Each of the four skills and the overall result are reported on a band scale from 10 to 90. The overall band is the equally weighted average of the four skill scores, rounded to the nearest ten. There is no pass or fail; each institution compares your scores with its own admission requirement. Results are normally posted online within 8 business days, though rare cases can be delayed by extra review.
Important dates and delivery
CAEL Online is taken from home on a desktop or laptop, Friday to Sunday, with dates and registration through the CAEL registration portal. You may begin check-in up to 30 minutes after your start time. The official pages list it in Canada and a number of other countries, including the USA, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea and the UAE.
You need valid government-issued photo ID, uploaded at registration and shown again at check-in. You also need a computer running Chrome, with a webcam, microphone and speakers, and an internet connection of at least 2 Mb/s down and 1 Mb/s up. Phones, tablets, Chromebooks and Bluetooth devices are not allowed.
Fees
As listed on the official format page in 2026, the fee is CAD 295 plus tax for Canadian pricing. Moving an online session to another online session costs CAD 50 plus tax, and must be requested 48 hours ahead. A cancellation made 48 hours ahead gets a 50% refund. The test overview says scores can be sent to 5 institutions at no extra cost. You may book no more than one session in any five-day period.
After the exam
Scores stay available for 5 years from the test date, though each institution sets its own validity period. You can download an official PDF score report. Universities and colleges across Canada accept CAEL. Confirm that each programme you are applying to accepts it and what score it needs.
Is CAEL four separate sections?
No. It has five integrated components, and Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing scores are drawn from them.