Developing test preparation courses

The GED® was very much a paper-based assessment that relied on tangible paper resources to support test preparation (i.e. Steck-Vaughan workbook). Even when the GED® moved online, the test maintained its paper-based structures. For example, rather than mark an answer with a pencil on paper, candidates clicked on a similar “bubble” when online. Also, texts to read were simply transferred from paper-based environments to the screen with few changes.

In comparison, the CAEC was developed specifically for computer-based testing and integrates numerous digital texts to read and interpret. To adequately prepare candidates, most instructional work and practise needs to be online using interactive formats. This is straightforward when building digital confidence and test-taking strategies since the sample tests can be used. But it's more challenging when building background knowledge. Here are some tips and considerations:

• Build skills and knowledge using existing online sites, quizzes and lessons (refer to the subject guides for more details)

• Compose arguments and persuasive paragraphs online

• Read short informational articles and respond to questions online.

CAEC test developers have created a set of sample tests that are readily available for anyone to access. No accounts are needed to access the sample tests. (We analysed the sample tests extensively in order to develop this guide.) 

The sample tests accurately mimic the actual tests, providing you and test candidates with an opportunity to understand and prepare for the CAEC tests. Use the tests in various ways

• Discuss test readiness while looking at a few questions

• Evaluate a candidate's confidence with digital navigation by observing how they move through the sample tests

• Look at the Try the Tools section to review all digital tools

• Ask the candidate to independently respond to a few questions in each subject and evaluate their readiness

• Look at more difficult test questions together to talk through the test question and develop test-question response strategies

• Encourage candidates to independently complete a full test as a way to judge their readiness for the final test. If they receive a score of about 80%, they should be ready to take the actual test.

Numerous resources claim to support CAEC test-preparation. However, if you dig a bit deeper, they contain elements that address the GED® and not CAEC tests. Be cautious and avoid wasting your money on resources that don't adequately address all of the CAEC features.

Look for 

• Resources that provide a succinct overview of the actual test items

• Descriptions and examples of the various types of test answer formats 

• Support in using the sample tests for test-preparation

• Social studies materials that incorporate a variety of Canadian sources (charts, maps, diagrams, timelines, newspaper headlines, social media posts, pictures) 

• Science materials that focus on scientific inquiry and not specific subjects (e.g. biology, chemistry), and also provide opportunities to learn scientific concepts 

• Math materials that are similar to GED topics but exclude more abstract math, contain real-life word problems and equations

• Writing materials that focus on persuasive arguments using community issues and everyday scenarios (these materials shouldn't contain grammar or punctuation questions)

• Reading materials that focus on general informational texts found online and include questions about grammar and punctuation use.