Every year, thousands of skilled professionals and Indian students plan their Canada journey. The first thing they do is search Google for “CAEL vs IELTS” or “the best English test for Canadian immigration”. While doing so, most people often pick a piece of information that is not right. They often end up considering the CAEL exam as an alternative to CELPIP or IELTS for Express Entry and permanent residency. Starting your preparation with the wrong assumption can cost you months.
If you are a student planning to study at a Canadian University or Institution, this is the perfect guide for you. This guide sums up everything a student needs to know when planning their journey to Canada. This guide clears up exactly where CAEL fits into the Canada immigration puzzle. Our CAEL coaching in Delhi is built to get you exam-ready with confidence.
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The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) is an English language proficiency test. This test is specifically used to assess the English language proficiency of the students willing to study in Canadian Institutions/Universities. This test was built specifically to measure whether an international student is ready for the language that is required in a Canadian classroom. It offers an accurate representation of the English language used in the Canadian academic setting. The students in this test are required to read articles, write short essays, and answer questions, similar to what is done in a first-year Canadian University and college classroom.
CAEL is accepted for admission to a Canadian university for an international student. Meeting the English Language proficiency requirement of your selected institution sets for a study permit application.
However, if you are planning to immigrate to Canada, then you will need to take other tests such as CELPIP, IELTS, PTE, TEF Canada and TCF Canada. CAEL is not currently on IRCC’s approved list for: Express Entry, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Programs, and Canadian citizenship applications.
So, if your goal is direct PR, a work permit application, or citizenship, and you don’t have a study component involved, then CAEL is not the test to prepare for. If immigration is your goal, explore our CELPIP coaching or IELTS coaching instead. If you are heading to a Canadian campus, see how we support your Canada study visa application end to end.
There are no specific eligibility criteria that are being set for CAEL. Anyone who wants to demonstrate their English Language proficiency for studying in Canada can appear. You don’t need any specific educational qualification to appear for the test. However, it is recommended to check the specific English language requirements of the university or the institution you are applying to. This is because certain universities may set specific eligibility criteria. You will need to have a valid government issued ID, such as a passport.
Check Your Eligibility NowThe test covers four components. The total time of the CAEL is about 3h30m and can be completed in a single sitting.
| Name of the Exam | CAEL |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Canadian Academic English Language |
| Components | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
| Used For | Study in Canada |
| Conducted By | Paragon Testing Enterprises |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Type of Test | CAEL (Online) / CAEL (Test Centre) |
| Exam Fee | INR 12,500-15,500 / CAD 290 + Tax |
| Test Duration | 3h30m |
| Result Time | 7-8 business days |
| Score Range | 10-90 |
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Schedule your meeting with UsMore than 150 Canadian universities accept the score for the CAEL exam. University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, McGill University are some of the top universities in Canada that accept the Canadian Academic English Language.
Comparing your options with other English tests? Explore our TOEFL coaching, IELTS coaching and CELPIP coaching pages.
There are more than 40 test centres for CAEL worldwide. The major test centres are in India, Canada, China, South Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Republic of Korea, and the UAE.
The test centres in India for CAEL are usually less in numbers than IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE. The major test centres for CAEL are in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata.
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None of the exams are objectively easier. Both the exams test different things. Your comfort with the format matters more than the overall difficulty.
The scores for CAEL are valid for 2 years.
The score range of the CAEL is 0-90.
The CAEL test is accepted by more than 180 Canadian Universities. However, you will need to take other relevant English tests if you are planning for immigration. CAEL is not accepted for Canadian immigration.
The CAEL assesses four test components : Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.