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CAEC Mathematics Preparation Course 2026

This course is for adults in Canada who are getting ready for the Mathematics test of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). It follows the official test outcomes: computing without a calculator, number sense, patterns and relations, geometry and measurement, and data and probability, using everyday problems such as budgets, wages, recipes and flooring. Study each lesson, try its topic quiz, then take the timed 42-question final assessment. Score 80% or more to get a certificate of completion.

  • Course
  • Canada
  • 100 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026
  • Fact-checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 360 minutes of lessons, 6 untimed topic quizzes (100 questions in all) and a timed final assessment of 42 questions drawn at random. Score 80% or more on the final assessment to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsCAEC Mathematics Preparation: Lessons: about 360 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Describe the format, timing, calculator rules and pass mark of the CAEC Mathematics test
  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, decimals and integers without a calculator
  • Solve money problems with percentages, tax, tips, discounts, wages and simple interest
  • Use rates, ratios, proportions and map scales in real situations
  • Write and solve linear equations and rearrange formulas
  • Convert metric units and find perimeter, area and volume, including for a flooring job
  • Read tables and graphs, find the mean, median, mode and range, and calculate simple probabilities

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

Your study plan

Read each lesson, take its topic quiz (untimed, with explanations), then the timed final assessment. A new mix of questions is drawn every time. Your progress is saved in this browser.

  1. Read the lessons6 lessons, about 360 min
  2. Topic quiz 1: The Mathematics test and problem-solving strategy16 questions
  3. Topic quiz 2: Part I: computing without a calculator16 questions
  4. Topic quiz 3: Number sense: money, percentages, rates and ratios17 questions
  5. Topic quiz 4: Patterns and relations17 questions
  6. Topic quiz 5: CAEC geometry and measurement17 questions
  7. Topic quiz 6: Data management and probability17 questions
  8. Final exam42 questions, 120 min · Score 80% or more

Topic quiz 1: The Mathematics test and problem-solving strategy

  1. Question 1 of 16

    How many questions are on the CAEC Mathematics test in total?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 42

    The Mathematics test has 42 questions: 12 in Part I and 30 in Part II.

  2. Question 2 of 16

    How much time do you have for the whole CAEC Mathematics test?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 120 minutes

    The two parts take 30 + 90 = 120 minutes in total.

  3. Question 3 of 16

    What is special about Part I of the CAEC Mathematics test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. You must work without a calculator

    Part I is called "No Calculator". It checks that you can work with fractions, decimals, percentages and integers by hand.

  4. Question 4 of 16

    How is Part I of the Mathematics test set up?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 12 questions in 30 minutes

    Part I (no calculator) has 12 questions and 30 minutes. Part II (calculator) has 30 questions and 90 minutes.

  5. Question 5 of 16

    What is the minimum score you need to pass a CAEC test?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 55%

    The minimum passing score for every CAEC test is 55%.

  6. Question 6 of 16

    What do you need to do to earn the CAEC?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Pass all five subject tests (or meet the PLAR rules for some of them)

    You must pass each of the five tests, or meet Prior Learning and Achievement Recognition (PLAR) requirements. An average is not enough.

  7. Question 7 of 16

    You score 82% on a CAEC test. Which level is that?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Exceeds minimum standard

    80–100% is "Exceeds minimum standard". 55–79% is "Meets minimum standard".

  8. Question 8 of 16

    You score 50% on the Mathematics test. What does that mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Approaching minimum standard, so you must retake the test

    40–54% is "Approaching minimum standard". Any score under 55% needs a retake.

  9. Question 9 of 16

    How often may you write the same CAEC subject test?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Once per calendar month, up to 3 times per calendar year

    You may write a subject test once per calendar month and up to 3 times per calendar year. You cannot rewrite a test you passed. Some provinces add their own rules.

  10. Question 10 of 16

    Which of these is on the CAEC Mathematics formula sheet?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Simple interest

    The formula sheet covers perimeter, area, surface area, volume, distance, simple interest, probability and the Pythagorean theorem. You must know metric conversions and the mean yourself.

  11. Question 11 of 16

    A test question asks you to change feet into metres. What should you expect?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The question will give you the conversion rate

    Imperial and U.S. units come with the conversion rate in the question. Metric (SI) conversions are not given, so learn them.

  12. Question 12 of 16

    Part II has 30 questions in 90 minutes. On average, how long can you spend on each question?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 3 minutes

    90 ÷ 30 = 3 minutes per question. Keep an eye on the clock and skip a hard question to come back later.

  13. Question 13 of 16

    You add three bills: $19.85, $40.10 and $29.95. Which estimate is the best quick check of your answer?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. About $90

    Round each bill: $20 + $40 + $30 = $90. The exact total is $89.90, so the estimate confirms it.

  14. Question 14 of 16

    A question gives the length and width of a room in metres and asks for the floor area. What unit should your answer have?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Square metres (m²)

    Area is length × width, so metres × metres gives square metres.

  15. Question 15 of 16

    You work out that a family's weekly grocery bill is $2,450. What is the best next step?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Check your work, because the answer looks far too large

    Always ask if an answer is reasonable. A weekly grocery bill near $2,450 is very unlikely, so look for a decimal or operation error.

  16. Question 16 of 16

    About how long after the test can you usually see your Mathematics result?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. About 2 business days

    Reading, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies results take about 2 business days. Writing takes about 20 business days.

What to know before the test

  • The CAEC replaced the GED® in 2024. Completed GED® credentials stay valid.
  • There are five CAEC tests: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. You must pass all five (or meet PLAR requirements) to earn the credential.
  • The Mathematics test has 42 questions in 120 minutes: Part I (no calculator) has 12 questions in 30 minutes, and Part II (calculator) has 30 questions in 90 minutes.
  • The minimum passing score on each CAEC test is 55%.
  • Part II covers four strands: number sense (25–30%), patterns and relations (10–20%), geometry and measurement (25–35%), and data management and probability (20–30%).
  • A Mathematics formula sheet appears automatically on any question that has no information on the left side of the screen.
  • You may write a subject test once per calendar month and up to 3 times per calendar year.
  • The CAEC testing service operates out of Alberta Education and Childcare's Provincial Assessment Sector; provinces and territories with an agreement with Alberta offer the tests.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the official CAEC Mathematics test?

No. This is an independent practice course. It is not run by the CAEC Testing Service or any province or territory, and your scores here are not CAEC results.

What does the certificate from this course show?

The certificate of completion shows that you finished this practice course and scored at least 80% on its final assessment. It is not the CAEC, not a high school equivalency and not an official result, so schools and employers will not accept it in place of the CAEC.

Why is the pass mark 80% here when the CAEC needs 55%?

The real test needs 55% on each test. We set a higher bar so that a pass here is a good sign you are ready, not just close.

Can I use a calculator on the CAEC Mathematics test?

Only in Part II. Part I (12 questions) must be done without a calculator. Graphing calculators are not allowed. Practise the Part I lesson and quiz without a calculator.

Where do I register for the CAEC?

Rules such as minimum age, fees and testing centres are set by each province or territory, so start with your provincial or territorial CAEC page. You then create an account on the CAEC digital platform and book your test at a testing centre.

What happens to my old GED® results?

Completed GED® credentials stay valid. If you passed 2002-series Canadian GED® tests, those results can count toward the CAEC through PLAR for a limited time (until December 2027, according to the Government of Alberta; check the date with your province or territory). You must also complete at least one CAEC test.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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