CAEL or the Canadian Academic English Language Test is a test designed to determine the level of English language proficiency of test takers planning to study in colleges or universities that have English as a mode of instruction, or to apply for membership in various professional associations.
The number of questions and format of the CAEL exam varies depending on the level being taken. Here are the details:
It’s worth noting that the CAEL exam is computer-based, and the questions are adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on the test taker’s responses. The number of questions and tasks provided above are the maximum possible for each section, and not all test takers will necessarily encounter every question.
Test Format: CAEL total test time is about 3h30m and is done in one sitting:
1. Speaking Module: The test takers are required to reply to onscreen prompts verbally. Allotted time is 7-10 minutes.
Total tasks to be completed: 3
Two speaking tasks, each based on short questions and one speaking task based on a graph/diagram/chart.
2. Integrated Reading Module: The test takers are required to read passages and reply to questions. Allotted time is 35-50 minutes.
Total questions/tasks to be completed: 14-25
One or two short reading passages with comprehension questions and one or two long reading passages with comprehension questions
One speaking question, answered using material from a long reading passage.
3. Integrated Listening Module: The test takers are required to listen to passages and reply to questions. Allotted time is 25-35 minutes.
Total questions/tasks to be completed: 14-25
One or two short listening passages with comprehension questions
One or two long listening passages with comprehension questions
One speaking question, answered using material from a long listening passage.
4. Academic Unit A: In this module the test takers are required to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. Allotted time is 60-70 minutes.
The CAEL test is unique as it assesses your ability to integrate different language skills. In this test, you will encounter Reading and Listening passages that will form the basis of Speaking and Writing tasks. This approach evaluates your ability to synthesize information from different sources, just like what you will do in post-secondary education. In college or university, you will be required to combine information from various sources such as lectures, online material, books, and journals. You will also be expected to talk about what you have learned in class discussions. By preparing for the CAEL test and practicing these skills, you are preparing yourself for the tasks you will encounter in a real classroom.
5. Academic Level B: In this module the test takers are required to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. Allotted time is 40-45 minutes.
Academic Level-B is designed for individuals who are applying to graduate programs at Canadian colleges and universities. The test assesses the ability to read and understand complex academic texts, write academic research papers, and participate in academic discussions and lectures. The test consists of four parts: Part 1 – Listening, Part 2 – Reading, Part 3 – Short Writing, and Part 4 – Long Writing. The Listening and Reading sections have short and long versions, while the Writing sections only have short versions. The Listening and Reading sections are each worth 60 points, while the Short Writing section is worth 20 points and the Long Writing section is worth 40 points. The test measures a test taker’s English language proficiency in an academic setting, specifically at the B1/B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
CAEL Format and Scoring
Part 1: Speaking
Total time: 7–10 min
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Independent Speaking , Type A | Respond to a question from a professor. |
| Independent Speaking , Type B | Respond to a question from a professor. |
| Speaking on a visual | Describe and discuss a diagram. |
Part 2: Integrated Reading
Total time: 35–50 minutes
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Reading | Read a passage and answer questions. |
| Long Reading | Read a passage about an academic topic and answer questions. |
| Speaking on the Long Reading | Answer a question based on the Long Reading. |
Part 3: Integrated Listening
Total time: 25-35 minutes
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Listening | Listen to a presentation and answer questions. |
| Long Listening | Listen to a passage about an academic topic and answer question. |
| Speaking on the Long Listening | Answer a question about the Long Listening. |
Part 4: Academic Unit-A
Total time: 60-70 minutes
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Long Reading | Read a passage about an academic topic and answer questions. |
| Long Listening | Listen to a passage about an academic topic and answer questions. |
| Long Writing | Write a response to a question about ideas presented in the Long Reading and the Long Listening. |
Part 5: Academic Unit-B
Total time: 40-45 minutes
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Long Reading | Read a passage about an academic topic and answer questions. |
| Long Listening | Listen to a passage about an academic topic and answer questions. |
| Short Writing | Write a short response to a question about ideas presented in the Long Reading or the Long Listening. |